From the New York Times, "For a Devotee of Solar Energy, a Shot at Earning Respect" on Tacoma resident and solar proponent Richard Thompson. And there's even a UPS connection:
"Not that many years ago, Solar Richard was simply Richard Thompson, a working stiff trying to make a buck. But since he began powering his home completely with solar power in 2001, he has been transformed into a certified character in this port city just south of Seattle. He is recognized on the street. He gives talks on solar energy to grade schools, and last February he traveled to Nigeria to address a conference on solar matters. His message is always the same: solar energy will save the planet, but the planet needs to get going...At Mr. Thompson’s urging, the new mile-long Tacoma Narrows Bridge is on its way to being lighted with solar power, a project toward which the state has contributed $1.5 million. And if all goes as planned, there will be electricity left over to feed back into the city’s power supply.
...His work brought him to the attention of David Gilmour, a retired professor at the University of Puget Sound who was planning to build a home in Idaho.
With some trepidation, Mr. Gilmour said, he hired Mr. Thompson to equip the house for solar energy. After spending $70,000 for parts and labor, Mr. Gilmour’s home also has reverse meter readings, along with plenty of hot water and a heated floor.
“It works very well,” he said, adding that he had learned Mr. Thompson’s strengths and weaknesses, including a generous nature, a short fuse and terrible business acumen.
“He’s an old hippie,” Mr. Gilmour said. “He’s irascible and can get angry quickly at people’s lack of information.
“It’s because of so many years of frustration,” he added. “But he’s only concerned about the world finally getting savvy.”
Isn't his house just off of Sixth Avenue? I think I've driven past his place with all of its solar arrays.
Hat Tip: Derek at the ever-excellent Exit133.
