Couple shares own 'Green Power' story

Herald & Tribune

Couple shares own 'Green Power' story

By SARAH WINTERS
H&T Staff Writer

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy used the Appalachian Fair this week as an opportunity to spread the news about "green power" — renewable energy sources — available in our area through the Environmental Advocacy Program.

Guest speaker Jim Small attended the fair with his wife, Anne, to tell about their personal expe- rience with renewable en- ergy for their solar-pow- ered home in Churchill, North Carolina.

An estimated 500-600 people were expected to learn about renewable energy resources this past week through their Appalachian Fair booth.

According to Million Solar Roofs Coordinator Gil Melear-Hough, wind and solar power are the two fastest power sources in the United States.

"The industry is booming," Hough said. "Solar and wind power usage is increasing by about 60 percent every year." Major companies like GE, Shell and BP are beginning to realize the value of clean energy sources for fuel, Hough explained. They are making efforts to increase the amount of green power sold as opposed to coal-burning fuel.

One big advantage to using green power, other than the environmental benefits, is the jobs created by new, renewable energy companies.

"These are clean, high-paying jobs," Hough said. "The manufacturing and installation of solar panels, for example, is more expensive at construction, but it eventually pays for itself. You never have to pay an energy bill again."

The government is providing additional economic incentive for using solar power through their new "solar credits." According to an energy bill which took effect Jan. 1, anyone who uses a renewable power source will receive $2000 back on their taxes each year, Hough explained.

Jim and Anne Small are one couple who decided to switch to solar power and are experiencing the benefits first-hand.

"We are ecstatic with the results," Jim said. "We produce 3/4 of our power without pollution; we can store

power for seven days in the event of a power outage; and we are able to sell back any unused power to the electric company."

Jim and Anne have a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house, in which they have gone from using 2700 watts of power each month to using 400 watts, with solar hot water and a solar electric system. "We've been through lightning storms, power surges, and power outages in our neighborhood without being affected," Jim said. "We couldn't be more pleased with our system."

The biggest savings the Small's experienced came from their use of solar hot water.

"About half of our electric bill was from the hot water heater," Anne said. "If someone is just going to install one system, we suggest solar hot water. It is a better value for your money."

Before people switch to solar or wind power in their homes, Hough said, the first step should be to make their home more energy efficient. Hough urges people to "Replace old windows, install additional insulation in the walls, and replace old appliances with ones that are more energy efficient.

'Control energy then go solar," Hough said.