Residents reap benefits from solar power system

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

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Several solar panels adorn the roof of Marge Sherwin and Rose Walton's Treasure Island home.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Marge Sherwin and Rose Walton haven't paid a power bill in five months.

And they are not in delinquency - in fact, they've got power to spare.

Sherwin and Walton have benefited from solar power panels they installed in their Treasure Island home a few years ago.

"Right now we aren't paying any electricity bills," Walton said.

The solar power equipment is used to power their heating and cooling systems as well as supply the house with hot water. The system evens gives power back to the energy grid, which credits their account. That gives the homeowners built-up credit if they have to switch to their back-up electricity.

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"When we came down here, we said Florida, the Sunshine State, how could you not do this,' Sherwin said.

Sherwin and Walton will attend a meeting Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Treasure Island Community Center to discuss their solar system with area residents.

The women admit their energy saving equipment is expensive. The total price tag was $50,000. However, they did receive $20,000 in state refunds and thousands more in tax credits and rebates.

"I would like to see a lot more people do the hot water because it's not as expensive,' Walton said. "That's about five to seven thousand dollars and you do get a rebate for that."

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