Moved to renewables. Wanted to try and help with climate change and needed new challenges.
Solar is a fantastic industry. Lots of room for improvement feels like internet did in thr mid 90s. Just a ton of enthusiasm and a sense you're part of something big and important.
I might be projecting, but this is another company doing well enabled by tech like Clickhouse. Tinybird is another. Timeseries and event metrics are just so snappy, and the API and product (Clickhouse this is) are enabling small teams to do crazy cool new stuff.
(We're a Plausible and Clickhouse user at my company)
Agree. HRV / ERV is a powerful concept because it allows you to design better insulated buildings, both with fewer air gaps and thicker wall insulation, while still reducing indoor CO2 and humidity levels by bringing in fresh air.
On the downside, like much in the HVAC world, it requires new construction or a fairly major retrofit to take advantage of it. My guess is that it's only going to make sense for new higher-end construction where other attention is being paid to energy efficiency. (Though I'd love to see a window box HRV for renters, just like window box air conditioners.)
If you haven't heard of HRV / ERV yet, this video shows how they work in an impressive but simple demo with the 4 temperature sensors in the last few minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOSelUK6dpQ (Also compares aluminum core heat exchanger vs. desiccant enthalpy wheel)
Some things I’ve observed about families I know who seem to have suburban life figured out:
- regular (meaning periodic) physical activity is essential, for the adults and kids. Sports leagues, gym classes, whatever. If you’re not into sportsy physical activity, you need a physical hobby like woodworking, gardening, or literally anything to get your blood flowing
- your weekly schedule looks totally different as the seasons change. Skiing in winter, hiking and camping in the fall, beach vacationing in the summer, etc
- regular domestic vacations to escape the boredom, and to make you long for home.
- regular home improvement, to make your life in your house 1% better every month
- regular visits with nearby close friends and family. At least one visit to a close relation every two weeks. Non negotiable, and ideally tied to holidays
- overdo your holidays. Birthdays are huge, winter holiday (Christmas etc) is huge. Thanksgiving is huge. It has nothing to do with the meaning of the holiday and everything to do with getting people together.
These kinds of things are less achievable in the city because you have less money, less space, less autonomy. Just my observations from happy suburban families, I’m curious to see others’ notes.
Solar is a fantastic industry. Lots of room for improvement feels like internet did in thr mid 90s. Just a ton of enthusiasm and a sense you're part of something big and important.