About Me/Contact Me

My name is Tim. I have been interested in solar and wind energy since my childhood. My grandpa and I would make small piles of rocks in the rows of his garden. They would absorb the heat of the sun during the day and gave off heat longer than the soil alone, during the night. Later I learned that this passive solar energy system was a very effective method of storing heat, even when used on a bit larger scale, to provide heat for a home or shelter.

My parents, brothers and I used to go on rides to the Kansas plains. We’de stop at someone’s farm and get a freshly pumped drink of water(can you guess how?). By the old well pump that was next to the windmill. I was sure entranced by that windmill and remember how it worked. As the wind turned the blades, they, in turn, rotated a short shaft at the top, that turned the gears at the top, right behind the blades.  The gears, in turn, turned a second longer shaft that ran down to turn the pump at the bottom. I later learned this was for the cattle watering system, as well as for us to drink.  I can tell you, the water tasted fresh and cold.

As I matured, I always seemed to notice things like; a house with solar panels on the roof, three bladed windmills, underground houses(by the small part visible usually in a hillside), steam rising from streams and other subtle observances. Sometimes I would take it a step further and visit these oddities. Most people were eager to tell me about their energy saving projects.  Now days, I sometimes visit and write about using, developing and living with alternative/renewable energy.  This is something I’ve always(it seems like) been interested in. I’ve been able to travel around the U.S. and see some of these unique uses of something that’s readily available, renewable energy. I’m always amazed at some people’s ingenuity.

I’ve spent several years on other adventures, following a couple of years in the Marines, I went to college, got my private pilot’s license, went to law school, worked for KMart, sold insurance and annuities, owned a car dealership, worked on private jets and learned(just a little) something with most every experience. I feel all of this has been in preparation for my lifelong desire to be involved in alternative/renewable energy.

My last “employed position” was as an A&P(airframe & powerplant) technician, working on a private jet fleet for NetJets for the Hawker/Beechcraft Corporation. An A&P has a broad job description, from the very basics of the aircraft frame to the jet turbine powerplants, with many sub-disciplines from avionics to non-destructive testing.

After four years training, I achieved a FAA(Federal Aviation Administration) liscense as an A&P. With an additional 18 months training, I was certified as a Level 3 non destructive testing technician.

When I entered this field, the economy was faltering but this field was thriving. Shortly after starting, I was offered a promotion and transfer. I chose not to be transferred and was subsequently laid off during a major reduction in workforce.

With the experience of aerodynamics and fluid flow dynamics, I felt a strong connection to the wind energy field. My electronic background led me to wanting to work with PVs. My natural inquisitiveness and mechanical abilities have led me to explore these and other forms of alternative/renewable energy.

I have picked through some of the items that would be a benefit to you and put some of them on this site. Please look around my site.

 Another one of my current work venues is writing articles for the “Examiner”. I am the alternative energy examiner for Little Rock, AR. Click on this link – Little Rock Alternative Energy Examiner Come read these informative articles and leave me a comment. If you enjoy these articles, click on the “subscribe” button to receive e-mail notifications of new articles.    

For any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to contact me at tim@altsolarandwind.com I’ll personally respond.