Messages from the Edge – Service Panel Upgrades.

May 15, 2024

What is this all about?

This year, Messages from the Edge is delving into choosing to illuminate how to subtract the carbon burning from your life. One of the main goals is to make your home’s figurative exhaust tailpipe disappear by identifying and abolishing burning carbon in our households.

We focus on retrofitting existing homes because new construction, with modern building codes, has energy efficiency built into the construction. Up until 1990 (and somewhat the 80s), homes were built when energy was relatively cheap, and building energy waste into the home was a standard practice. By this, we mean the houses were ‘leaky,’ and heating and cooling had to be oversized to accommodate the heat loss: we were building the counterpart of leaky barns with their open doors. Also, how we manage electricity has evolved since Edison brought electricity into our homes.

We generally try to publish our Messages from the Edge at the beginning of each month. However, this month, we will make an exception and handle the vital topic of electricity management through Service Panels (SP) mid-month. This mid-month offering will delve into the vintage of our homes as it relates to fully electrifying them as a giant step toward the abolition of fossil fuels.

The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.

 John McAfee

The very first thing

A service panel (SP), often known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the central hub of a home’s electrical system, where the incoming electricity is distributed to various circuits that power different areas and appliances throughout the property. The panel is crucial because it regulates and protects the electrical flow, preventing overloads and potential fires, and it needs to evolve alongside a homeowner’s increasing electrical demands—whether due to modern appliances, home additions, or energy-efficient technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels. Upgrading an SP ensures that it can handle these increased loads safely and efficiently, making it a critical consideration for maintaining any home’s functionality, safety, and future readiness. It is that thing that ‘trips’!

5w’s of SP Upgrades

To introduce a topic, it is often helpful to start with the Five W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Here’s a breakdown of the 5W’s (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) of SP Upgrades:

1. Who:
   • Homeowners looking to modernize their electrical systems, accommodate increased electrical loads, improve safety, and incorporate energy-efficient upgrades may consider SP upgrades.
   • Licensed electricians and contractors are typically responsible for assessing the need for panel upgrades, designing and installing new panels, and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.
2. What:
   • A SP upgrade involves replacing an existing electrical panel with a new, larger panel to accommodate the electrical demands of a home.
   • The upgrade may include upgrading from a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel, increasing the panel’s amperage capacity, adding additional circuits, and installing new wiring and components as needed.
   • SP upgrades may incorporate advanced features like surge protection, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), and ‘smart technology’ integration.
3. When:
   • SP upgrades may be necessary when homeowners experience frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, outdated or unsafe electrical panels, or when planning to add high-demand electrical appliances or systems (such as electric vehicles, hot tubs, or rooftop solar).
   • It’s essential to address panel upgrades promptly to ensure the home’s electrical system’s safety, efficiency, and reliability.
4. Where:
   • SP upgrades are typically performed at the home’s main electrical panel, often in the basement, garage, or utility room.
   • The panel’s location may vary depending on the layout and design of the home, but it is usually situated near the point of entry for the main electrical service.
5. Why:
   • SP upgrades are essential for modernizing older homes, accommodating increased electrical loads from energy-efficient appliances and technologies, improving electrical safety, and complying with building codes and regulations.
   • Upgrading the SP ensures that the home’s electrical system can handle the demands of modern living, reduces the risk of electrical hazards such as overloaded circuits and electrical fires, and enhances the overall value and functionality of the property.

Understanding the 5W’s of SP upgrades provides homeowners with essential knowledge about the purpose, process, and importance of upgrading their electrical systems to meet the demands of modern living.

Story of a home needing a SP Upgrade

As an introduction, I would like to begin with a story of a home needing an SP upgrade, the annoyance of over-demanding circuits leading to blown fuses.

Introduction

Nestled in a quaint neighborhood, amid the charm of historic architecture, stood a classic home that seemed frozen in time. Its elegant facade and cozy interiors evoked a sense of nostalgia, but behind the scenes, a different story unfolded—one of frustration and inconvenience.

For the Johnson family, residing in this vintage abode was akin to navigating a maze of electrical quirks and limitations. Each day, as they went about their routines, they grappled with the whims of an outdated electrical system, blissfully unaware of the ticking time bomb lurking within their walls.

It wasn’t long before the signs of strain began to manifest. Lights flickered ominously, seemingly possessed by a mischievous poltergeist. Appliances stuttered and sputtered, protesting the inadequate flow of power coursing through ancient wiring. But the relentless symphony of blown fuses and tripped circuits truly tested the Johnsons’ patience—a chorus of inconvenience echoing through their daily lives.

Picture this: a bustling morning in the Johnson household. Coffee brewing, toast crisping, and the hum of a hairdryer filling the air. Yet, as if on cue, the harmony of domesticity was shattered by a familiar pop!—the telltale sound of an overtaxed circuit bowing under pressure.

With a resigned sigh, Mr. Johnson trudged to the basement, flashlight in hand, to confront the inevitable: yet another blown fuse demanding its sacrificial replacement. It was a ritual he had grown all too familiar with—a dance of frustration performed in the dim recesses of an aging electrical panel.

But amidst the exasperation lay a realization—a flicker of illumination in the darkness. The Johnsons weren’t alone in this plight. Across the country, countless homes like theirs harbored the same silent struggle against the limitations of yesteryear’s electrical infrastructure.

The SP Context – grid connection

So, as our appetite for electricity grew, our homes were forced to keep up with the demand. Your SP is how electricity is delivered and routed within your home. Knowledge of the supply chain for electricity itself is helpful as we consider it a service that fulfills our needs. So here is a further elucidation of the intermediary role a SP plays in your household.

Introduction (Continued)

The Johnsons confronted the quirks of their aging home. A larger narrative unfolded—one that extended far beyond the confines of their property lines. To truly grasp the intricacies of their electrical woes, one must journey through the sprawling web of the electrical grid—a marvel of modern engineering that orchestrates the symphony of power generation, transmission, and distribution.

At its heart lies the beating pulse of power generation, where turbines spin and reactors hum, converting raw energy into the lifeblood of modern civilization. From towering wind turbines to the silent sentinels of nuclear power plants, myriad sources converge to feed the grid’s insatiable hunger.

But the journey has only just begun.

With electricity coursing through cables and wires, the grid sets forth on its transmission odyssey—a trek spanning vast distances and traversing rugged landscapes. High-voltage lines crisscross the countryside, carrying the fruits of generation to distant horizons, where eager consumers await the promise of illumination and innovation.

Yet, as power draws nearer to its destination, it transforms—a metamorphosis from the raw potency of transmission to the tailored precision of distribution. Substations are gatekeepers, regulating energy flow meticulously and ensuring that voltage levels remain steadfast and stable.

And finally, at the threshold of consumption lies the humble abode—the endpoint of the grid’s grand voyage. Here, within the confines of the home, the journey finds its culmination in the form of the Service Panel—a sentinel of safety and steward of electricity’s bounty.

From this central hub, a network of circuits extends its reach, weaving through walls and floors, delivering power to every nook and cranny of domestic life. From the luminous glow of overhead lights to the gentle hum of appliances at work, the home pulses with the vitality of electricity—a testament to the grid’s enduring legacy.

But as the Johnsons have learned, this legacy is imperfect. For nestled within the antiquated confines of their SP lies a relic of bygone eras—a testament to the evolving needs of a modern world.

Evolution of SP Technologies

Now, I would like to explain that home circuit design and SPs have evolved, with electric demand mounting through the years, leading to today’s computers, entertainment, smartphones, and EVs, leading to a surge in household demand. Highlighting the evolution of home circuit design and the increasing demands on modern electrical systems provides an important context for understanding the need for SP upgrades. Here is an outline of home electricity’s evolution over the last two centuries:

The Evolution of Home Circuit Design

In the annals of electrical engineering, few realms have witnessed as profound a transformation as the design and layout of home circuits. From the humble beginnings of knob-and-tube wiring to the sleek sophistication of today’s smart homes, the journey of electrical infrastructure has been one of perpetual innovation and adaptation.

At the heart of this evolution lies the SP—a cornerstone of home electrical systems that has evolved in tandem with the shifting consumer demand landscape. Once relegated to the shadows of basements and utility closets, these stalwart guardians of electricity have undergone a metamorphosis of their own, emerging as hubs of connectivity and control in the modern household.

However, to understand the significance of this transformation, one must first journey back to a time when electric demand was but a fraction of what it is today. In the early days of residential wiring, homes were modest in their electrical appetites, with simple lighting fixtures and essential appliances drawing minimal power from the grid.

However, as the march of progress quickened, so did the demands we place upon the humble SP. The advent of televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioning units ushered in a new era of consumption—a paradigm shift that would set the stage for the digital age.

Today, as computers hum with the promise of productivity and entertainment, smartphones pulse with the rhythms of connectivity, and electric vehicles stand poised to revolutionize transportation, the surge in household demand for electricity has reached unprecedented heights.

In this brave new world of interconnected devices and ‘smart’ technologies, the antiquated infrastructure of yesteryear strains under the weight of modernity—a testament to the relentless march of progress.

Table of SP technology by year built.

You may find a table a helpful display of the evolving SP: a column for time range, a column for panel type, a column for maximum load, and a panel for wiring type (copper or otherwise). A table may illustrate the evolution of SPs over time:

Evolution of Service Panels

Time Range	Panel Type	Maximum Load	Wiring Type
1920s – 1940s	Fuse Box	60-100 amps	Knob-and-tube (Copper)
1950s – 1960s	Split-Bus Panel	100-150 amps	BX (Armored Cable)
1970s – 1980s	Main Breaker Panel	150-200 amps	Romex (Non-metallic Sheathed Cable)
1990s – 2000s	Circuit Breaker Panel	200-400 amps	Romex (Non-metallic Sheathed Cable)
2010s – Present	Smart Panel	200-400+ amps	Romex (Non-metallic Sheathed Cable)

---

Legend:

• Fuse Box: In the early to mid-20th century, homes were equipped with fuse boxes containing screw-in fuses to protect circuits from overloads.
• Split-Bus Panel: Popular in the mid-20th century, split-bus panels featured multiple disconnect switches, allowing for greater flexibility in managing electrical loads.
• Main Breaker Panel: Introduced in the 1970s, main breaker panels incorporated a single main circuit breaker to disconnect power to the entire home.
• Circuit Breaker Panel: Common from the 1990s onwards, circuit breaker panels replaced fuses with circuit breakers for safer and more convenient protection against overloads.
• Smart Panel: Emerging in the digital age, ‘smart’ panels feature advanced monitoring and control capabilities, allowing homeowners to track energy usage and manage electrical systems remotely.

Minimum SP sizes by home size with solar

It is important to note that depending on the age of your home, some upgrades may have already occurred. And yet, even with existing upgrades, the surge in demand for televisions, appliances, computers, electric vehicles, and replacing gas-fired combustion appliances with electric substitutes was probably unforeseen when any upgrades did occur. If our goal is to electrify our home fully, and we include two EVs needing charging and a hot tub for 2000, 3000, 4000, or 5000 sq ft home, what are the minimum recommended SP capacities suggested?

To determine the minimum recommended SP capacities for homes of varying sizes to fully electrify the house, including two electric vehicles (EVs) needing charging and a hot tub, we need to consider the additional electrical load these amenities will place on the system. Here’s a table displaying the minimum recommended SP capacities for homes of different sizes:

Recommended Service Panel Capacities for Fully Electrified Homes

Home Size (sq ft)	Minimum Recommended Service Panel Capacity (amps)
2000	400 amps
3000	500 amps
4000	600 amps
5000	800 amps

---

Assumptions:

• Each electric vehicle (EV) typically requires a dedicated 50-amp circuit for Level 2 charging. With two EVs, this adds up to 100 amps.
• The rooftop solar system is 10 kWh. While this represents energy production, we’re focusing on the demand side for the SP capacity calculation.
• A hot tub may require a dedicated 50-amp circuit.
• The overall capacity calculation considers Other household electrical loads, including lighting, appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics.
• The recommended SP capacities are based on sufficient capacity to meet the added demand from EV charging, the hot tub, and other household loads while considering the energy production from rooftop solar.

These recommendations guide the minimum SP capacities needed to support a fully electrified home with EVs, rooftop solar, and a hot tub, considering the additional electrical demands these amenities impose. Homeowners must consult with a qualified electrician to assess their needs and ensure compliance with local electrical codes and regulations.

To Determine if an SP upgrade is needed.

Your energy audit will have noted that your home will need a panel upgrade to be a beneficial electrifier (substitute electrical replacements for combustion appliances). If you have an HVAC estimate, a Heat Pump Water Heater estimate, an Induction Stove estimate, or a Rooftop Solar estimate done, these estimates will also include any panel upgrade work that needs to be accomplished first.

The purpose of the Energy Audit and this presentation is to look at the issue holistically and prepare you to plug in an electrical substitute when your combustion appliance fails. Please note that if you will be moving to electric induction cooking, an additional circuit may be required to replace the gas line.

Timeline for the actual upgrade work

Once a decision is made to do an electrical upgrade, a licensed electrician and city permitting are involved. Here’s an overview of these steps:

1. Consultation with an Electrician:
   • The homeowner begins by consulting with a licensed electrician to assess the existing electrical system and determine the need for an SP upgrade.
   • During the consultation, the electrician evaluates factors such as the age and condition of the current panel, the home’s electrical load requirements, and any planned additions or upgrades (such as EV charging stations, rooftop solar, or new appliances) that may necessitate a larger panel.
2. Electrical Assessment:
   • The electrician thoroughly assesses the home’s electrical system, including the service entrance, panel location, wiring, and grounding.
   • They may perform load calculations to determine the total electrical demand of the home and ensure that the new panel is appropriately sized to accommodate current and future needs.
3. Panel Selection and Design:
   • Based on the assessment, the electrician recommends a suitable SP size and configuration to meet the homeowner’s requirements.
   • Depending on the homeowner’s preferences and budget, the electrician may also discuss options for panel features, such as surge protection, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), and ‘smart’ technology integration.
4. Permitting Process:
   • Before any work can begin, the homeowner or electrician must obtain the necessary permits from the local building department or permitting authority.
   • The permitting process typically involves submitting an application, providing detailed plans or specifications for the panel upgrade, and paying any required fees.
   • Before issuing the permit, the permitting authority reviews the plans to ensure compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.
5. Panel Installation:
   • Once the necessary permits have been obtained, the electrician installs the new SP.
   • Installation may involve temporarily shutting off power to the home to disconnect the old panel and connect the new one safely.
   • The electrician installs the new panel and any additional wiring, breakers, and components needed to complete the upgrade.
6. Inspection and Approval:
   • After the installation, the electrician arranges for a final inspection by the permitting authority to verify that the work meets all code requirements.
   • The inspector checks the installation for compliance with electrical codes, proper grounding, adequate clearances, and other safety considerations.
   • If the installation passes inspection, the permitting authority issues a final approval, and the homeowner receives a certificate of compliance or occupancy.
7. Completion and Cleanup:
   • With the panel upgrade approved, the electrician completes any final touches, such as labeling circuits and cleaning up the work area.
   • The homeowner is briefed on the operation of the new panel, including how to reset breakers, safely operate the panel, and respond to any alerts or warnings from installed safety devices.

Finding subsidies, incentives, and rebates

Finally, some of this work is subject to rebates and tax credits: these vary by location, but regardless, here are some best practices for finding what subsidies may exist. Finding available subsidies, rebates, and tax credits for electrical upgrades, including SP upgrades, can help homeowners offset the costs of their projects and make them more financially feasible. Here are some best practices for finding what subsidies may exist:

1. Check with Local Utility Companies:
   • Many utility companies offer incentives and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, including SP upgrades.
   • Visit the websites of your local utility providers or contact their customer service departments to inquire about available programs and incentives.
   • Utility companies may offer rebates for upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment, such as ‘smart’ panels or energy management systems.
2. Explore Government Programs:
   • Local, state, and federal government agencies often offer incentives and tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.
   • Visit websites such as the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to search for available programs and incentives in your area.
   • Check with your state energy office or department of energy for information on energy efficiency programs and incentives specific to your state.
3. Consult with Tax Professionals:
   • Tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades, including SP upgrades, may be available at the federal level.
   • Consult with a tax professional or accountant to determine if you qualify for federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements.
   • Be sure to keep documentation of your upgrades and any associated costs so you can claim the credits on your tax return.
4. Research Local Rebate Programs:
   • Some local governments offer rebate programs for energy-efficient home improvements, including SP upgrades.
   • Check with your city or county government if they offer rebate programs for electrical upgrades or energy efficiency improvements.
   • Local nonprofit organizations and environmental groups may offer incentives or financial assistance for energy-efficient home upgrades.
5. Stay Informed:
   • Energy efficiency incentives and programs can change over time, so staying informed about new opportunities as they become available is essential.
   • Subscribe to newsletters from utility companies, government agencies, and energy efficiency organizations to receive updates on available programs and incentives.
   • Follow relevant news sources and industry publications to stay abreast of developments in energy efficiency policy and programs.

By following these best practices and conducting thorough research, homeowners can identify available subsidies, rebates, and tax credits to help offset the costs of their SP upgrades and other energy-efficient home improvements.

Community Building through community resources

Another resource you might consider is your neighbors! There are people around you who may recommend service providers. One easy way would be to notice neighborhood homes with rooftop solar panels because they may have already undergone a panel upgrade. Word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors who have already undergone similar home upgrades, such as SP upgrades in conjunction with rooftop solar installations, can be invaluable in finding reputable service providers:

Leveraging Neighborhood Resources:

When embarking on a home improvement project like an SP upgrade, it’s often beneficial to tap into the collective wisdom of your community. One easy way to find reliable service providers is by looking around your neighborhood.

Spotting Rooftop Solar Panels:

• Stroll through your neighborhood and watch for homes with rooftop solar panels gleaming in the sunlight. These environmentally conscious neighbors may have already undergone an SP upgrade in their solar installation process.
• Rooftop solar installations often require electrical upgrades to accommodate the additional power generation, making these homeowners a valuable source of information and recommendations for electricians and contractors experienced in SP upgrades.

Neighborhood Recommendations:

• Strike up conversations with neighbors who have invested in rooftop solar or other energy-efficient upgrades. They can provide firsthand insights into their experiences, including recommendations for service providers, electricians, and contractors they trust.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their SP upgrades, including the process, costs, and satisfaction with the results. Most homeowners are happy to share their knowledge and help their neighbors make informed decisions about similar projects.

Online Community Forums:

• In addition to in-person interactions, consider leveraging online community forums and social media groups for your neighborhood or local area. These digital platforms are often buzzing with discussions about home improvement projects, including SP upgrades and rooftop solar installations.
• Post inquiries or browse existing threads to gather recommendations and insights from neighbors who have already navigated upgrading their SPs.

By tapping into the resources available within your neighborhood, in-person and online, you can gain valuable recommendations and insights to guide you in finding reputable service providers for your SP upgrade project.

What are Smart Panels?

If you decide on a panel upgrade, you will hear about Smart Panels. Until recently, SPs have been dumb, but now there are ‘smart’ panels. What does the evolution of ‘smart’ panels mean to homeowners? The evolution of ‘smart’ panels from traditional “dumb” SPs is a significant advancement with substantial benefits for homeowners. ‘Smart’ panels integrate cutting-edge technology into the home’s electrical system, providing enhanced control, improved efficiency, and more significant insights into energy usage. Here’s what this evolution means for homeowners:

1. Enhanced Control and Convenience: Smart panels allow homeowners to remotely monitor and manage their home’s electrical system through a smartphone app or other digital interface. Enhancements include turning circuits on or off and scheduling operations to take advantage of off-peak energy rates. This level of control can be beneficial for managing the energy consumption of high-demand appliances or ensuring that unnecessary appliances are off when not in use.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency: By providing detailed real-time data on energy consumption, ‘smart’ panels enable homeowners to identify patterns and areas where energy usage can be optimized. This data-driven approach can lead to more informed decisions about energy use, helping to reduce waste and lower utility bills. Additionally, ‘smart’ panels can be programmed to automatically adjust energy usage based on the homeowners’ habits and the varying cost of electricity throughout the day.
3. Enhanced Safety Features: Smart panels can improve safety by providing real-time alerts for circuit overload, potential electrical fires, or other anomalies in the system. They can detect issues that a traditional panel might not, such as a sudden spike in electricity consumption that could indicate a fault in an appliance or wiring. Immediate alerts allow homeowners to act quickly to prevent damage or hazards.
4. Future-Readiness and Integration: As homes become more integrated with smart home technologies and renewable energy sources, such as solar power and electric vehicle chargers, ‘smart’ panels can seamlessly incorporate these systems. They can manage the energy flow more efficiently, prioritize energy usage, and even make real-time adjustments based on the availability of solar power or other renewable energy sources.
5. Increased Home Value: Installing a ‘smart’ panel can improve the overall value of a home by modernizing the electrical system. It signals potential buyers that the house can handle current and future technological demands, making it an attractive investment.

In summary, the evolution of ‘smart’ panels represents a shift towards more interactive, responsive, and efficient home energy management. For homeowners, this transition means improved control over their electrical systems and potential cost savings, an increase in safety, and a boost in property value. ‘Smart’ panels are integral to the modern, connected home.

And do ‘smart’ panels revert to dumb behavior if the internet goes down?

‘Smart’ panels are designed to maintain essential functionality even when internet connectivity is lost, ensuring that your home’s electrical system continues to operate effectively. Here’s what happens with ‘smart’ panels during an internet outage:

1. Basic Electrical Distribution: ‘Smart’ panels function primarily as standard electrical SPs at their core. The SP will continue distributing electricity to your home’s circuits and provide traditional protection like a regular panel, managing loads and protecting against short circuits and overloads even without an internet connection.
2. Local Control: In many cases, ‘smart’ panels are equipped with manual controls or local interfaces, allowing homeowners to interact directly on-site with the system. This control ensures that even if remote access via the internet is unavailable, you can still operate the panel and make necessary adjustments.
3. Preservation of Settings: Settings configured prior to the internet outage, such as circuit activity schedules or energy consumption rules, are typically saved directly on the device and not reliant on continual internet access. These settings will continue functioning as programmed, ensuring that energy management and safety protocols are maintained.
4. Data Logging: Smart panels usually log data internally, meaning usage statistics and monitoring information are recorded even during an internet outage. Once connectivity is restored, this data can often be synced to the cloud or accessed through the app, ensuring you don’t lose insight into your energy usage during the outage period.
5. Limited Remote Monitoring and Notifications: The primary functionality lost during an internet outage is the ability to monitor and control the panel remotely. Notifications, particularly those related to real-time events or alerts, will not be sent until connectivity is restored.

In summary, while ‘smart’ panels rely on internet connectivity for remote management and real-time alerts, they are designed to ensure that essential functions and local control remain operational during an outage. This hybrid approach provides both the advanced benefits of connectivity and the reliability of traditional electrical SPs.

End of presentation story

Let’s end with a story that illustrates a world where all homes are electrified, and the source is coming from clean energy…this world is possible if we do our part:

A Brighter Tomorrow

In a not-so-distant future, the sun rises over a neighborhood where every home glistens with the promise of clean energy. Rooftop solar panels stretch towards the sky, harnessing the boundless power of sunlight to fuel the day ahead. Electric vehicles silently hum in driveways, their batteries replenished by the same rays that warm the earth.

As the day unfolds, families go about their lives in homes that pulse with vitality, their SPs upgraded to meet the demands of a modern world. From morning showers heated by solar energy to evening dinners cooked on electric stovetops, the rhythms of daily life are powered by the clean, renewable resources surrounding us.

The air is crisp and clear in this world, free from the choking haze of fossil fuel emissions. The rivers run pure, untouched by the pollutants of industrial waste. Nature thrives, and our collective commitment to sustainability and stewardship restores its delicate balance.

But this vision of a brighter tomorrow is not merely a utopian dream but a tangible reality within our grasp. It is a world where each of us plays a part in shaping the future we wish to see—a world where the choices we make today ripple outward, creating waves of change reverberating through generations to come.

By embracing the power of clean energy and fully electrifying our homes, we unlock a future of endless possibilities. In this future, innovation and imagination will propel us toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world.

So, let us stand together, united in our vision of a world powered by clean energy. Let us dare to dream of a future where every home is electrified, every car is electric, and every breath we take is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the boundless potential of our planet.

In this world, anything is possible—if only we dare to believe and each of us does our part.

You can’t change the world alone – you will need some help – and to truly get from your starting point to your destination takes friends, colleagues, the goodwill of strangers, and a strong coxswain to guide them. ~ William H. McRaven 

I hope you have as much fun doing this, as I had writing it!

David