Solar energy and other attempts to make things comfy

[arynwy]

We've taken the plunge and will soon have solar panels on our roof supplying most of our electricity needs, which will allow us to control that part of our budget. Then I saw information on radiant barrier insulation. Our attic stays a nice, toasty 115-120F all summer long once the traditional high temperatures roll in. This stuff can lower the

Comments

[keladry_lupin]

The only drawback I've heard of with hybrids is that the batteries tend to need replacing after a few years, and they are EXPENSIVE. Like a few thousand dollars. The technology has probably improved since I heard that, but the batteries still might not live as long as the car does.

Hooray for anything that cools down your house a bit!

[arynwy]

If I didn't already have a Camry hybrid, I'd be a bit more concerned with the battery issue. We've had it for 6 years and the batteries are still at 96%.

My brother has driven a Ford Escape hybrid since 2004 and the batteries are still good. His will cost $3,200 to replace, but that's way cheaper than a new car and his is in great shape, so he'll probably replace the batteries when they finally go. Mine are more, about $3,541, but if I get the same service from the vehicle that he's seeing (380,000 miles at this point) my son will probably pay for the batteries and keep the Camry for himself when we buy a new car.

[keladry_lupin]

I forgot you already have a hybrid. In that case, never mind!

[arynwy]

LOL! Yeah, just not one of the fully electric deals or the type you can switch to full electric from hybrid with a button in the car. I don't know enough about those to know if they are worth the cost.

I'm really excited about the cooler house though. Today would have been miserable without the AC running from 8AM onwards.