Solar panel alternative energy

MAUMEE, Ohio - Going green seems like it's the way of the future as more people harness alternative energy in their daily lives.

Already, there are many homes in Northwest Ohio with solar panels on their roofs. But is this is an affordable energy option for the average homeowner?

It all depends on your financial situation, and how passionate you are about the idea.

One home in Maumee is a good model to show you what a finished solar system looks like. Every day, the energy that powers the home on Secluded Pines Drive comes from the sun.

So, in terms of how televisions and lights are turned on, Carol Bintz's house is no different from anyone else's, except the fact that she pays a lot less when it comes to energy bills. She pays $55 a month.

"A lot of it is getting the word out, they are affordable, they do have a payback," said Dave Leahy, the regional manager for Dovetail Solar and Wind, which designs and installs solar panels in businesses and homes.

"We go out, do a survey of the property, we talk to the customers about their energy bills and things like that, then based on the site, determine which way to go," Leahy said.

Factors like having an unshaded, south-facing roof can tell you if you can even get a solar system.

Also, if you want to get this alternative energy, some say it's important to have an energy efficient house first.

It would be foolish not to, according to Decker Homes President, Bill Decker.

"It's important to have an energy efficient home because you're going to reduce your heating and cooling costs and operating costs by a minimum of 35- to 50-percent," Decker said.

The Bintz house in Maumee is energy efficient from the ground up. It is complete with everything from super insulation and LED lights in the kitchen.

"The cost of the panels on a house like this would probably be $35,000-45,000," Leahy said.

However, there are incentives out there and tax credits that can make this alternative energy, an option. For example, there's a Residential Energy Grant in the state of Ohio that covers 30- to 40-percent of the solar system cost. But you really need cash up front.

"Even with those incentives, those are after the fact payments so you still have to come up with funding for panels," said Bintz said.

KeyBank and Kevin Boyce, Treasurer of the State of Ohio, have come together to offer a program called ECO-Link (Energy Conservation for Ohioans), you can get a loan and pay those capital costs.

"The ECO-Link loan itself will pay for those so you don't have to come up with $25,000 of your own money. It will also put you in a position where you can have that money up front," Bintz said.

"It's really one investment in your home that pays you back because once you've paid for that, then you're electricity is now paying you back," Leahy added.