Celebrated Environmental Activist Roy Young Goes Solar

Eco guru Roy Young sets example by solarizing his residence in Colorado.

 :: By Kim Myers

Boulder, Colo., resident Roy Young and his wife Rosa Venezia recently added to their list of environmental good works by converting their home to run entirely on solar power collected in photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Founder of the Global Response Environmental Action & Education Network, Young was instrumental in the shutdown of Rocky Flats in 1989. Co-founder and director of Eco-Cycle, an international leader in the Zero Waste movement, he has served as nuclear issue chairman for the Rocky Mountain Sierra Club and on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee for Boulder and the state of Colorado.

Young's was the first of more than 40 solar installations scheduled already by Gaiam Real Goods Colorado Residential Solar Division, opened in 2006 in response to the passage of Colorado’s Amendment 37. He and his wife enjoy watching their electric meter spin backward now that their 3.4kW grid-tied solar system feeds energy back into the utility grid.

Gaiam Real Goods caught up with Young just as he was coming off a river trip on the North Fork of the Salmon. This incredibly busy man, who also owns and operates Nature’s Own fossil, gem and rock business, took time to discuss the PV system for his 2,800-sq.-ft. home with us.

RG: Why did you decide to go solar?

Young: Amendment 37 in Colorado required Xcel, our utility, to generate a large percentage of capacity from renewables. With the amendment tax credits and rebates, it makes PV systems very affordable.

RG: Why did you choose Gaiam Real Goods for your solar system?

Young: I have a personal connection with Paul Melamed, who is a pioneer in the use of residential off-the-grid wind & solar photovoltaic systems. Plus, we are major donors to the Solar Living Institute in Hopland.

RG: How did the PV system install go?

Young: The install was done in two days. We weren’t even home. It looks great!

RG: How did Gaiam Real Goods help you understand your energy needs and provide the best phovoltaic (PV) system solution?

Young: Paul took care of everything, especially interfacing with the utility. Xcel was having a tough time getting up to speed. Getting the meter put in after the install took a while, but it’s up — and running backwards.

RG: Is the system running smoothly?

Young: It’s only been a month, but yes, very. In fact, one of our friends has also just put in a Gaiam Real Goods system.

Tech Specs:
Young-Venezia Home
Solar Electric System

System Type	Grid Intertie System
System Size	3.4kW
PV Panels	Sharp 170W modules
Inverter	Fronius IG 4000

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