Tubing with my wife, niece, and nephew on the Battenkill River in Arlington, VT.
Recently, I took a month-long vacation in the serene landscapes of Southwestern Vermont, where I have vacationed previously with my wife on short trips. This was by far the longest I have ever been away from my home and my business. My wife and I had an opportunity to make it work, so we took it. My capable staff and business partner held down the fort wonderfully, which I appreciate greatly.
I’m not a big hiker, but I needed to fill my time, and the hiking in the area was supposed to be fantastic. I scouted out hikes that were at my skill level and committed to an active vacation. While exploring the wilderness, I found myself reflecting deeply on the simplicity and beauty of nature. As a solar contractor, my day-to-day life often revolves around the latest technology and the drive to push our company forward. This break, however, offered a rare opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, reminding me of my favorite quote, “The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation,” written by Henry David Thoreau.
“The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation” – Henry David Thoreau.
Henry David Thoreau’s Nexus With Solar Energy
The quote, from Thoreau’s seminal work Walden, speaks to the unfulfilled lives many lead, disconnected from their passions and the environment around them. While I am passionate about what I do, those around me regularly will tell you that I have a habit of never being satisfied with “good enough” or even great results. My drive to perfect business operations over the years has routinely interfered with my passion for solar energy. This trip, in retrospect, was necessary to help bring me back in line with the reasons that I do what I do.
It resonated with me as I hiked through Vermont’s lush forests and alongside its tranquil rivers. In these moments of solitude, I felt a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life—much like Thoreau described in his time at Walden Pond.
Ironically, while I never made it to Walden Pond itself — a regret I now hold — I discovered upon my return that the Walden Pond Visitors Center has solar carports! Seeing this on Google Maps was a bittersweet moment, knowing I missed an opportunity to experience a place where modern sustainable technology meets historical reverence for nature. It’s a fitting tribute to Thoreau’s philosophy of self-reliance and living in harmony with the environment.
In retrospect, I wish I had visited Walden Pond, not just to walk the paths Thoreau once did, but also to see firsthand the blend of past and future in the form of those solar carports. It’s a beautiful reminder that our quest for sustainability and connection with nature isn’t a new endeavor but one that thinkers like Thoreau championed long ago.
While I didn’t get to Thoreau’s special place, I established my own retreat at a go-to hiking area in a small forested area near my accommodations for the trip. I’m an amateur videographer and made this video that exemplifies the serenity that I imagine Thoreau found at Walden Pond.
Reflections On Time Away From The Solar Energy Business
During my time in Vermont, I was reminded of the value of stepping back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The experience brought a profound sense of gratitude for the success my business has afforded me and the freedom to explore such beautiful places. It also deepened my commitment to promoting renewable energy. Just as Thoreau sought simplicity and connection with nature, we at Florida Solar Design Group strive to bring sustainable energy solutions to our clients, helping them lead lives of fulfillment rather than “quiet desperation.”
In our work, we often talk about the technical aspects of solar energy—efficiency, cost savings, and technology. However, there’s a deeper, more philosophical side to what we do. By harnessing the power of the sun, we’re not just providing a service; we’re enabling a lifestyle that’s more connected to the world around us. It’s about taking a step towards a simpler, more sustainable way of living, much like Thoreau advocated.
Vermont Is A Solar Force
While Florida’s solar market is among the fastest growing in the country, it doesn’t come close in comparison with Vermont for solar energy penetration. In a 2022 study, Florida didn’t rank in the top 20 for solar power per capita, while Vermont was 7th (according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance). Everywhere I looked, I saw solar panels. There are tons of solar farms, ground-mounted solar arrays, and roof-mounted solar panels on homes and businesses.
In fact, Vermont’s energy mix is almost 100% renewable, with about half coming from in-state utility-scale solar power and half from imported hydroelectric power. That makes it #1 in the nation among states for renewable energy as a percentage of consumption.
Solar Energy Means Independence
In a world where many feel trapped in their routines, solar energy offers a way to break free. It’s a step towards energy independence, reducing one’s environmental impact, and embracing a lifestyle that aligns with the natural world. Just as Thoreau sought to live deliberately, we encourage our clients to make deliberate choices about their energy use, embracing the benefits of renewable energy.
Nothing exemplifies energy independence more than off-grid solar, where people live completely off the grid with no utility power while still maintaining modern luxuries. Thoreau would probably be shocked by today’s standard of living for people who choose to live far away from city centers and even established roads. He would likely comment on the simplicity of solar panels, with no moving parts, virtually no maintenance, and silent operation.
Final Reflections
So, while I didn’t make it to Walden Pond this time, I found my own piece of it in the woods and mountains of Vermont. It was a reminder that the spirit of Thoreau’s teachings can be found wherever we seek it, in our work, our passions, and our pursuit of a more sustainable future.
If you’re considering solar energy, think beyond the panels and the savings. Consider the lifestyle it represents—a conscious choice to live more deliberately and sustainably. Let’s not live lives of quiet desperation but instead find fulfillment in the simple, profound act of harnessing the sun’s power.
Here are some photos I took on my amazing vacation that show the beauty of Southwestern Vermont.
