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Wednesday, June 27, 2007 Residents check into saving energy By MELANIE STAWICKI AZAM NEW SMYRNA BEACH — City resident Rhonda Spellers said she looks at energy conservation and alternative power sources as creative ways to save money. “I just bought a hybrid car,” she said. “I had an energy audit (and) we’ve been hanging clothes on the line for the last six months.” She was one of about 70 people who attended Monday’s Utilities Commission seminar on home solar energy systems and green building. This was the first in a series of monthly seminars on consumer-related energy and conservation topics, said public information manager Ellen Mahle. Ralph Locke, a certifying agent for the nonprofit Florida Green Building Coalition, gave a presentation on solar water heaters, pool heaters and photovoltaic roof panels, plus other conservation methods. “Our pockets are getting hit now, so (people) are looking at ways to save energy; it’s just being smart,” said the state-certified building, roofing and solar contractor, based in DeLand. The most popular solar options are pool or water heaters, Locke said. A solar water heater costs about $3,000 to $4,000, which includes the unit and installation. Solar photovoltaic panels tend to be pricier, he said, running between $30,000 and $40,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home, depending on the house’s position and shading. Homeowners can install a backup battery to power a home during an outage or try to sell any excess electricity back to the utility. The amount of electricity a solar energy home system can produce depends on the size of the unit, Locke said. Utilities Commission staff said one customer gets a credit selling electricity back to the utility, but most users can’t produce enough to surpass their own power needs. Utilities electrical engineer Greg Goldsworthy said solar pool and water heaters and attic fans “are pretty good investments in my opinion.” Photovoltaic solar panels can be a costlier commitment and harder to make pay off, especially in the short term. Goldsworthy said people should be cautious when they buy photovoltaic solar panels. “Do the math,” he said. New Smyrna Beach resident Jodeen Kline said she and her husband are interested in sustainable living, but solar panels are cost-prohibitive for them right now. “It’s just not part of our price range,” she said. Wild Orange Drive resident Rene Gutierrez, on the other hand, is looking at building a new “completely green” home and wants to factor in solar energy. “It’s a good investment,” he said, noting there are government incentives to help with the cost. Goldsworthy said two local ratepayers have taken advantage of a state solar rebate system. There are other, easy ways to conserve, Locke said. Low-flow toilet and shower heads save water indoors, while drought-resistant native plants and barrels to collect rainwater can reduce irrigation outside. Better insulation, fluorescent light bulbs and more energy-efficient appliances help reduce energy consumption, but just adjusting the thermostat a few degrees also helps. “If you can’t afford to replace (your water heater), put a timer on it and wrap it with a blanket,” he said. After Locke’s presentation, University of Central Florida researchers conducted focus groups on alternative energy, global warming and fossil fuel dependence. Mahle said the Utilities Commission will get useful demographic data from researchers, in exchange for allowing them access to customers. Researchers will soon send out a survey, which will be enclosed with utility customers’ bills. |
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