Pocono News Section

Homeowners Turn to Solar Power

Homeowners Turn to Solar Power - Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 04:05AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday June 10 2010
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Anew fuse, a flick of a switch outside, a nd some adjustments inside, then Glenn and Damaris Ryerson have solar power.

It's something Glenn has dreamed about since he first saw a satellite powered by a solar panel in the sixties. He recalled, "I remember asking my father 'Dad why does that have a window on it?'"

Decades later families can finally afford that technology. Ryerson said, "It'll eventually pay for itself."

Prices for at home solar power system start at around $30,000. There are discounts available. Electrical Contractor Bill Hodge said, "There is incentives that are incredible right now."

Hodge toldEyewitness Newsthe federal and state government offer rebates and incentives. Ryerson combined them with money from his retirement fund. He said, "Since right now you don't get very much interest on money in the bank or in the stock market."

Jjust minutes after they turned the system on, the family's electric meter started running backwards. Glenn considers this an investment for his finances and the environment. He said, "There is probably a chance that i won't pay an electric bill eventually." And added, "You just can't keep taking out from something and expect someday it's not going to be empty."

The installation company owner said a lot of people feel the same way. Michael Katz said, "Of course everybody wants to stop the dependence on oil especially after what's going on down in the gulf right now."

He says a good dose of sunshine can brighten the earth's future - and your financial outlook.

For information on incentives and rebates visit www. energy. gov .