Getting Energy from the Sun

The new going up at the in Chilmark has reminded many of us that clean energy is not an oxymoron – especially not on Martha’s Vineyard. But not all of us are lucky enough to have the kind of space where such a windmill makes sense. And many of us don’t have nearly such understanding neighbors.

For Paul Adler of in Chilmark, wind was not a possibility. “I studied wind energy quite a bit and I’m not against wind, I think it’s a good resource,” said Adler, “but for my location, it’s not possible.” Adler sites the fact that he lives too close to his neighbors and therefore visual and noise issues would be a real concern.

Undeterred, Adler set out to find another way to create clean energy for his home. What he came upon was something called a parabolic concentrator. According to Adler’s website: Southern New England Solar, “parabolic concentrators are like magnifiers that focus the suns energy on a small area.”

Due to the fact that we get such a small amount of sun every year, compared to places like Arizona or California, Adler finds the technology behind the parabolic concentrator makes particular sense. “Because we have so little sun here – only six – eight hours of sun during the winter months, I wanted the most powerful way to get energy every second sun is shining.”

According to Adler, the cost is more efficient as well. “Electric solar is easier to install, but it takes between six to nine years to get your payback. Thermal solar installation is more complicated, but the payback is quicker, between three to six and a half years.”

So Adler installed a parabolic concentrator at his home in West Tisbury. Meaning that now, not far from the windmill at the Allen Farm is the most powerful solar collector in the world. “I don’t mind the way the windmills look, but many people do and they have problems with the noise levels as well. My hope is that people will see this as a viable alternative. I really want to make sure we don’t create a bad name for clean energy.”