Aiming for the sun
A Coudersport man with a lifelong interest in

renewable energy is taking his hobby to the next level.

Many people are familiar with David Snyder as the manager at the Coudersport Theatre.

But few know that Snyder's other passion is alternative energy technology. It's all concentrated on his self-designed Internet site, which is aptly named: www.AnythingSolarPowered.com

"I've always wanted to do something with solar energy and wind power," Snyder said. "I put up a windmill and built some simple solar panels back in 1999. It's just a small system, but it powers a little cabin."

If Snyder has his way, his modest website will become a clearinghouse for information on solar energy and energy-saving tips; a forum for would-be inventors to demonstrate their latest contraptions, and a venue for manufacturers and other advertisers to draw attention to their offerings.

He already has struck cooperative deals with Home Power Magazine and ClearDome Solar Thermal, a manufacturer of solar energy products.

Research firms, universities, government agencies and writers are on the lookout for innovation when it comes to saving energy, Snyder pointed out.

David Snyder uses a self-built photovoltaic electric panel and a purchased sun oven to provide some of his electricity needs. "The sun oven works great for cooking bread, chicken and other meats, as well as soups and stews," he said. The solar panel has a battery bank that stores the power. "I purchased three panels, a mounting bracket, the pole and a charge controller so the battery bank doesn't overcharge," Snyder said. The battery bank has enough capacity to run things for several days when there is no sunshine.

"Maybe some of the ideas we share could be massproduced or plant the seed for other visionaries who are looking for ways to capture the power of the sun, wind or water," he added.

He's sponsoring contests and giveaways to draw attention to Anything Solar Powered.

As the site's popularity grows, Snyder would like to use any revenue it generates to spread his mission. Snyder's dream is to travel to some of poorest places in the world to share practical knowledge of small-scale renewable energy sources.

"Why not aim high, like solar water pumping in Third World countries?" he said. "Just imagine the difference it would make in some areas if we could put up a small building, windmill, solar panels, batteries, power inverter, heating, lights, or even a satellite receiver."

Snyder can be reached by email at: sunpower@ zitomedia.net, or by phone at 260-4569.