What is More Environmentally Friendly?

Hi Wally,

You know it sounds to me like you've already (and quite admirably) answered your own question.  The most important part of the decision to invest in alternative energy first involves a good site analysis.  I think you've done that and have even included some valid moral issues as well.  It is also interesting to note that saving fuel use and expense and even "Going Green", in terms of benefiting the entire planet, for most people involves economic sacrifice in that it requires them to make a rather large investment.  In your case it sounds like you can accomplish all of those things just by letting Mother Nature handle things on her own.  And isn't that the real idea behind all of this and your best alternative too?   

I live in Spain, so I don't know what if any alternatives exist in the US, but here there are a few companies that would allow you to participate in solar power projects, even if you don't have your own rooftop.  They are building PV power stations of 500kW to 5MW and even 20MW, in which they are selling shares of each power station, perhaps to people just like yourself.  Each investor receives his portion of the power sold into the national grid.  In fact, I am planning to start just such a venture.  In that manner, you could be free to "do the right thing" for your site and generate solar power as well.  If you can't find a similar option locally, I could give you the names of some companies in Germany and Spain that already have such projects in operation.  Just a thought.