Phil Strinste

Wisdom of a “Prosumer”

For over two years beginning in 1982, Phil and his wife, Gwen, helped build the passive solar house in Fairhope that Gwen’s father, Bayne, had designed with his wife, Annabelle. At the time of construction, inclusion of a photovoltaic component was often mentioned but was never incorporated. 

     Phil and Gwen have lived in this house since 2012, and in 2021 added a 5.1 kW photovoltaic system to the structure. About one third of the energy generated by this system sustains them, with the rest being fed back to the grid for a modest profit; hence they have become a PROducer + conSUMER of electricity, or a “prosumer.”

     His program will include coverage of their pathway to this achievement, as well as how becoming a “prosumer” has changed their thinking about the electric power upon which our lives depend.

     Phillip Strniste has been a member of the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship since 1982. He has a background in Mathematics (B.S. 1976) and Horticulture (M.S. 1987). For twenty years he together with his wife, Gwen Snyder, earned their living by running a Community Supported Agricultural project in the Fairhope area. In retirement he enjoys being an active member of this fellowship, staying fit, singing folk music, and volunteering where needed.