I lost something here. Can anyone help? Someone posted (OP I think)

[truth2power]

a series of graphics (schematics) showing various renewable methods of electricity generation, e.g., hydroelectric, geothermal etc.

I thought I had it bookmarked but I can't find it. Maybe I deleted it by mistake. If anyone knows what I'm talking about could you provide a link? Thanks in advance. :)

[Wilms]

1. Perhaps this one.

How To Make Electricity With Zero Risk Of That Nasty Radioactive Crap Escaping....
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=280716&mesg_id=280716

[truth2power]

2. Oh, thank you, Turbo. I see now why I couldn't retrieve it...

It was in the environment/energy forum. I was looking in GD. Duh!

I was especially intrigued by the geothermal graphic. Just for an example, I did some quick Googling and found all sorts of geothermal contractors in my own area. I'm talking individual geothermal heat pumps, here. It's really pricey, but with economies of scale the price should come down.

With some quick research, and this is nowhere near comprehensive; I don't have time right now, a geothermal heat pump for a 2000 sq. ft. home would run about $14-$18,000 with a 3-5 yr. payback.

So, a small ranch like my own (about 900 sq. ft.) would be less. And you can heat your water with it also.

The point of this being that we do not need to be using nuclear power to boil water to turn a turbine. Of course, the corporate media isn't going to tell us what these plants actually DO.

I think those who keep pushing this haven't thought it through, or they have an agenda. Kind of like Skeletor Chertoff who was on with Christiane Amanpour this morning. Saw him while passing through the living room. Didn't stop to listen because I didn't think he'd say anything I needed to hear.

* * * * *

OT> But what is wrong with that man? He looks like he has some wasting disease. Sorry to take exception to how someone looks, but, knowing what we know about him, it does appear that his external visage seems to reflect his very soul.

edit> always find yet another typo

[MH1]

3. I have geothermal HVAC

keep in mind that you still need electricity to run the heat pump. That electricity has to come from somewhere.

But, it is much more efficient than conventional oil or gas furnaces or A/C.

Also - IMPORTANT, if you are considering purchasing a system - the Recovery Act created a very generous tax credit for installation of geothermal - 30% of the cost of the system and installation. I think you can get a pretty good ROI when you factor in the tax credit. (You should be able to find good info from The Google. If you have difficulty message me.)

[truth2power]

4. I'm envious...

It's not something I could do, even with the tax credit, because I'm on a very limited income. But it's good to know that some folks are able to do it.

Yeah, I know about the heat pumps. I have a natural gas furnace and water heater. A heat pump would be nice. I don't think they're running natural gas lines to new residential construction anymore. It's all heat pumps or (heaven forbid) straight electric heat.

I've flipped the switch on my furnace and hope to use it rarely if at all for the rest of the season. Four more weeks and we should be into warm weather. Until then, I have a ceramic heater which is not expensive to run on a periodic basis. And I live in sweat pants and a sweatshirt.

Works for me. :) Some people don't even have a roof over their head.

[truth2power]

5. Wilms...I just noticed that it wasn't turbo who provided me with that link...

Sorry for the mistake. :blush:

[Wilms]

6. I took it as a compliment.

No harm. No foul. :D