The Solar Seventies

The 1970s were interesting times indeed. Disco, crazy fashion trends and pet rocks were all the rage! The modern environmental movement was also born in 1970 with celebration of the first Earth Day. Environmental concerns intensified in 1973 with the onset of an international oil embargo and an energy crisis felt around the world.

In response to the energy crisis, solar energy became much more popular and affordable in the 1970s. A major milestone occurred when research by Dr. Elliot Berman brought the price of solar energy down from $100 per watt to $20 per watt . While still costly for most residential applications, solar cells began powering items such as navigation lights and railroad crossings.

Chippewa Nature Center got into the business of solar 

education in the fall of 1977 with a two-day solar greenhouse workshop. As part of the event, a 200 square-foot solar greenhouse was constructed and plants were grown throughout the winter. Subsequently, an "Alternative Energy Group" was born and education efforts continued over the next five years.

In 1981, CNC constructed a duplex to add additional space for our growing staff. The new building included two solar greenhouses and active solar panel collectors on the roof for the domestic hot water system. Due to maintenance problems over the years, the solar panels and greenhouses were eventually removed. Likewise, cheap fuel in the 1980s led to a fading of the solar energy craze that looked so promising in the 70s.

Fast forward to recent years. Concerns over climate change and our dependence on foreign oil (not to mention the largest oil spill in U.S. history) have put solar and wind power in the forefront once again. In 2009, CNC opened a new Nature Preschool building (see photo below) which includes solar panels on the roof for hot water and electrical energy.

As alternatives to fossil fuels continue to grow, you can bet CNC will be there, providing education and information on these Earth-friendly energy options. There is talk of a solar panel making workshop in our future as well as other program opportunities. If  YOU have an idea of something you'd like to see, be sure to let us know!