ICE STORMS BOOST SOLAR

Oklahoma ice storms power switch to solar home; TechnologyPanels can save money
Sheila Stogsdill, February 8, 2009 (NewsOK)

"In the last nine years, ice storms have created more destruction than tornadoes, costing the state more than $1 billion in damages…After extended periods without running water or electrical power, more and more homeowners are looking to solar energy.

"John Miggins of Standard Renewable Energy…said most inquiries are from people wanting to save money. His business has increased by 25 percent…

"Technology harvests energy from the sun and creates electricity, hot water and heat. When homeowners use less power than they have generated, grid-tied power generation systems allow them to sell electricity to power companies…hundreds of Oklahoma homes use grid-tied systems, and that number is growing."

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"Miggins uses his solar-powered office and 800-square foot rental house to demonstrate solar products. Electricity costs at the rental home, which has a woodburning stove, average about $75 a month…

"Solar products can add $10,000 to $30,000 to a home’s price tag…Homeowners usually make that up in energy savings in about six years.

"A conservative solar package includes the panels, a solar water heating system, insulation and window upgrades, and a radiant heat barrier that reduces summer heat by about 45 percent…

"During the most recent ice storm, which brought single-digit temperatures, [a local solar system owner] never used his furnace, relying instead on a woodstove and solar energy to heat his home…"