Shakaya Cooper
Program Manager
In 2015, this clean energy advocate built his retirement home with solar power at its core, installing a system designed to generate his own electricity. Over the years, he’s added battery storage, made energy-efficient upgrades, and generated more than 71,000 kilowatt-hours of clean power. This past year, he took his commitment a step further by purchasing a VW ID. BUZZ, which he now charges entirely from his home solar system.
Since my seventh-grade science class project, (when I created a working solar cell), I have dreamed of a world where we harness the sun’s energy for our domestic and industrial use. Imagine a world where, by transforming the sun’s rays into electricity and the careful use of this energy, we could finally free ourselves from the dangerous and unhealthful habit of burning fossil fuels. Think for a moment of all the benefits: we could once again have clean air and water, no excess carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere, no drilling and pollution of our rivers and streams. It is possible but it means changing our way of thinking about how we live and what is truly important to us.
Building a Solar-Powered Home
During my work life, I moved frequently, waiting for solar technology to advance and for the opportunity to construct a home designed for solar energy. That opportunity arrived in 2012, when I built my retirement home specifically with solar in mind. I installed twenty-two 285-watt solar panels (totaling 6.27 kW) on the south-facing roof, and in 2019, I enhanced the system by adding two 13.5 kW Tesla Powerwall solar batteries. Both the solar panels and batteries have performed flawlessly since their installation. To date, I have generated 71,400 kilowatt hours of clean electricity – which represents more than 78% of my overall energy use.
Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
I replaced my HVAC system with a new unit capable of heating my home below zero temperatures and cooling it during triple-digit heat, all through an improved heat pump. Looking ahead, I plan to install an induction cook stove to replace my coil-type unit and continue seeking ways to reduce my energy footprint as new innovations emerge.
In December 2024, I furthered my commitment to electrification by purchasing a new VW ID.BUZZ 1st Edition electric van. I charge the BUZZ with my home’s solar panels and batteries in my garage. While traveling in Washington State, I have found public charging stations and feel confident about road travel in the area. The BUZZ is comfortable, spacious, and provides all the speed and power I need, in contrast to my former seriously underpowered 1986 VW Camper.
What About a Financial Return?
I am often asked if I will get “a return” on my investments in solar energy and energy efficient appliances. Some things operate outside a balance sheet mentality. Since I can incorporate these solar and energy efficient features into my home, this investment, return or not, is a wise one. Other approaches may cost less now, but to me, the future is clearly one that is electric and reliant on solar. Fostering greater use of this technology will only drive prices down and fan innovation and mass adoption. So to me, solar was just the right thing to do.
