Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, May 26, 2003
French Island family is solar powered
For some families, saving money on electric bills means dad walking around the house turning out lights.
But for the Nichols family of French Island, saving energy is a way of life. Last month, their Xcel Energy electric bill was just $7.31 for a family of six - and that includes the $5 service charge.
"It's always been a hobby of mine," said Deb Nichols, a social worker at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. "Some women knit. I research alternative energy sources."
 The Nichols residence on French Island is powered mostly from this solar pannel located in their backyard. PETER THOMSON photo |
Several months ago, Deb culminated several years of research into solar energy by installing a 700-watt photovoltaic generating system in her back yard. Unlike the old solar hot-water systems some people are familiar with, this system generates electricity. Six large panels collect the sun's energy and turn it into power. Deb Nichols said Xcel officials told her she has the first such system in La Crosse County.
The equipment cost $5,800, but Nichols got a $1,900 cash-back reward from Wisconsin's Focus on Energy Renewable Energy program. Focus on Energy is a public-private partnership that provides energy efficiency and renewable energy information and services to the state's energy utility customers.
"The system will pay for itself in six years," Deb said.
It's possible that some months, Xcel could end up owing the Nichols money. That's because excess electricity generated by the solar panels flows into the power grid. When it does, the electric meter turns in reverse.
However, the Nichols haven't achieved these savings only by installing the solar panels. They also take pains to save electricity around the house. That means energy-saving light bulbs and appliances, as well as really turning things off.
Nick Nichols explained that many appliances like TVs continue to use power even when they're off, so he puts all their appliances on power strips so the power can be completely cut off.
According to Focus on Energy, Nichols' solar electric system will help remove one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping the environment.
The Nichols recently put their solar-powered home at 224 Hinkley Road on the market because they've found a country home in the town of Medary, something Deb Nichols has always wanted.
If the person who buys their home doesn't want the solar electric system, the Nichols will take it with them. But Deb hopes the buyer will want it so she can buy a new system for their new home.
"If we put up two, we've doubled our conservation efforts," she said.
Consumers and businesses throughout Wisconsin who want to install, develop or use renewable energy can benefit from Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy program. A variety of incentives, including cash-back rewards, low-interest loans, grants and scholarships are available.
To qualify for Focus on Energy grants or incentives, individuals and groups must be located in the service territory of a participating electric utility. Homes and facilities that are off the grid are also eligible, provided they are located within the service territory of a participating utility.
"Now is the time to develop, install or use renewable energy technologies, when financial assistance is available," said Charlie Higley, program director for the Renewable Energy program.
Financial assistance is available for eligible projects that use renewable fuels, such as wind, biomass, solar, hydro and ground source energy resources. Applications, with full program details, are available at 1-800-762-7077 or at www.focusonenergy.com.
Reid Magney can be reached at rmagney@@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8211.
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