Michael Hackleman's Twist On Renewable Energy

By Melissa Brunner

Michael Hackleman gave up owning a car (and that was an electric vehicle (EV)) because he believes so strongly against producing any pollution. Instead he now uses his bicycle for transportation and also uses bus and train transportation for other travel needs. He is dedicated to exploring all of the five renewable energy aspects [wind, solar, hydro, methane (biogas), and wood energy]. He has authored at least seven books on renewable energy ranging from books on wind, electric vehicles, the big five, and water systems, to a book focusing on conversion and conservation as the best approach to renewable energy.

Hackleman grew up wanting to be an atomic scientist but changed his mind after he realized the extent of the waste disposal issues. He left the navy and became active in anti-nuclear work but really wanted to be "pro" something. He started exploring renewable energy and found a lack of information so he started documenting his findings. He also did research on the efficiency of gasoline and found that only 15% of each gallon of gasoline ends up in genuine propulsion.

Hackleman has been working with EV and renewable energy for 30 years. His interest in electric vehicles stems from the ability of the EV to pave the way for 75% of the nation to have the convenience of a car, go three times further for the dollar, and produce less than 10% of the pollution created by gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles.

He proposes that EVs do have a future in the United States. He theorizes that the owner of an EV could use a battery pack and charge it at home or exchange it for a different battery pack at battery stations (like a gas station). The neighborhood EV stations could recharge the battery packs at night when the electricity costs are the lowest.

Presently Hackleman does site evaluations for solar, wind, or hydro use. He also installs and fine tunes renewable energy systems. In addition, he teaches PV (Photo Voltaics) workshops at the Institute for Solar Living. He is also working on three prototypes: a two person electric vehicle for rail, a solar-kitchen design, and a two person, solar-powered, electric-propelled airship.

Hackleman's wish list for the future regarding EVs includes going mainstream with a home improvement show that would appeal to a variety of people including families, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, etc. Hackleman also hopes to see a huge increase in renewable energy in home energy production, commercial enterprises, and industrial processes. However, for this dramatic change from the current oil-based technology to take place, the technologies must become affordable and available to everyone.

According to Hackleman, the obstacles for mainstream use of electric vehicles and RE include a lack of political will, ignorance, and threats that EV and RE pose to corporate interests. However, Hackleman dreams of having a future without a strong need for material wealth and possessions. To him, self-reliance is healthy to each person and in how he/she acts toward the planet. The task ahead involves, "believing that we can make of this earth what we dream a heaven should be."

Melissa Brunner is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Journalism and Education regarding natural resources. She is an intern with the Wisconsin DNR. You can reach her at Mabrunner@students.wisc.edu.