Carolyn Macartney is a world-renowned photographer and filmmaker whose work has been recognized and awarded around the globe. She has recently taken an interest in painting signs and solar energy. She traveled the world about two years ago before settling in Alpine, Texas. Carolyn combines her artistic and entertainment callings by painting anything from signs to trailers to buildings. She spends her remaining time attending Marfa’s arts, music, and cultural festivals and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, and visiting Chianti Hot Springs.
Carolyn has always been fascinated by solar power but was worried about its affordability. She explored solar power six years ago, but the trees on her roof made it unfeasible. She heard about Freedom Solar this year from Peyton Gardener at Ballroom Marfa.
Installing solar panels in West Texas
Freedom Solar energy consultants Craig Hawker Alex Seyer walked through a solar proposal. The savings were substantial because her roof receives a lot of direct sunlight, and she uses only electric appliances. Carolyn said, “Learning I would save money and could do it right away with financing was a no-brainer for me.” “Why wait?”
Carolyn was eager to get started after the first meeting. She handled the paperwork via email, and a few weeks later, the site assessment team came to her house and studio. The system was installed shortly after signing her contract. Since then, she’s watched her credit balance on her electric bill slowly increase. She also noticed that the panels created shade over the roof of her studio and house in summer, which would have otherwise absorbed heat from the West Texas Sun.
SOLAR ENERGY IS A CONSERVATION METHOD
Carolyn firmly believes in taking small steps to conserve our resources, like recycling and reducing the energy we use. However, she believes there are opportunities to go further and do more, as well as think bigger, by switching to renewable energies. Solar energy is a more significant investment and has more positive effects. It’s also becoming more affordable for people like me.
Converting to solar energy is a decision that reflects a long-term perspective and a duty. She remembers growing up among England’s oak, beech, and chestnut trees. These trees were planted by conscientious people hundreds of years ago who thought about future generations. This is what inspired her to choose solar and plant oak trees in her old home in Dallas. Carolyn feels that by using solar power, she can do her part to protect and preserve the planet we call home.