A 95-cent electric bill

HOLLAND, Ohio - There are different ways people are going green in their daily lives. Many are now using solar panels to power their homes, whether it's a complete solar system, or just a couple of panels.

University of Toledo professor Al Compaan and his wife have installed 96 solar panels on their home. But Compaan says you don't have go all out to benefit from the sun's power.

He uses solar panels to light up his house in Holland, and fuel his 1982 truck when he goes to work.

That decision has been positive for him and his wife.

"It's really fun to see this, every time I drive past a gas station I get a good feeling about not having to turn in and fill up," he said.

Compaan is also pumped to get his Toledo Edison bill every month.

"In April it was $5, in May it was $4, in June it was 95-cents, and in July and August together it was $6," he said.

Every circumstance is different, and the reality is some might not be able to afford a system like Compaan's. And that's OK. You can buy one, even two solar panels and benefit.

"If you have just a couple of panels you might use that for maintaining charges on batteries," Compaan said.

The cost is much different than an elaborate solar system. You'll probably pay $1,000 - $3,000 for one or two panels, compared to much more than that for a bigger solar system.

Right away you'll see energy savings with your bills.

You can buy even just one solar panel on the Alternative Energy Store's Web site.