Name: Larry Walker

Age: 56

Occupation: Energy consultant, Walker Energy Systems, Madison

Web site:

With the cost of heating and cooling homes and businesses increasing at a rapid rate and the concern of availability of resources in the future, I got concerned, involved and decided to do something about it. I started Walker Energy Systems in October and I visit clients to conduct energy audits, solar assessments and energy-strategy consultations.With the cost of heating and cooling homes and businesses increasing at a rapid rate and the concern of availability of resources in the future, I got concerned, involved and decided to do something about it. I started Walker Energy Systems in October and I visit clients to conduct energy audits, solar assessments and energy-strategy consultations.

I left my career with a local software development firm at the end of 2006 and enrolled in the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's solar photovoltaic assessment certification program. I received my certification in September after I completed the assessment training classes, passed their certification exam and practice assessments. I'm in the process of completing the solar thermal (hot water) assessor's training. The MREA is one of only two groups in the U.S. that train and certify solar assessors.

When I meet with a client to do an energy audit, I look at their energy bills from two or three years and graph out how much energy they use prior to the meeting. Often I can tell if they have an old dehumidifier or an old furnace in the basement eating up energy. Just by looking at the client's energy bills, I can tell them things about their home that they didn't realize. I also look for ways to help the customer conserve energy.

During a solar assessment, I examine current utility bills and talk with the client about their goals and expectations for a solar electric system. I perform a month-by-month analysis of the site's potential "solar window," allowing for shading from trees and buildings during each month of the year. I use a special camera system that photographs the sky from east to west. I then use software that takes the photos and computes the amount of solar energy available in a typical year and the amount that would actually reach a solar collector on the building's roof.

I prepare a detailed report summarizing this information and make a recommendation for an appropriate solar electric system. The report details the monthly cash-flow and long-term payback for the proposed system. I act as a buyer's agent and work with installers to get quotes and provide references for installers in the area. Working together, we can reduce our carbon footprint and remake America's energy system.

What I Do invites people to tell in their own words what they do to make a living. The column runs every Tuesday. To suggest someone to feature, contact Jill Carlson at jillcarlson1957@gmail.com.