Homeowners collect cash with solar panels

Saving money often motivates people to turn to solar power.

But homeowners with systems ranging from small to massive in western Nevada County say they also turned to the alternative energy source with the environment in mind.

On their Lime Kiln Road cattle ranch, Jerry and Mary Butler have 48 solar panels, enough to meet a majority of their needs, but not all. On most days the Butlers are generating so much electricity their meter runs backward, sending power onto the grid.

Net metering allows them to get credit for what they generate. But when the Butlers pump water uphill and run air conditioning, their meter starts running forward again and their credits diminish.

"I wish it paid our whole bill. Maybe it will in a few years," Mary said. "It will take about 10 years to pay for itself.

"It's better for the environment, although I would like to shoot those birds that sit on it," Mary said laughing. "We're not polluting. Maybe we'll have some clear air to leave for the kids."

With the state rebate system, the Butlers will pay about $38,000 for a $56,000 system. A 15 percent state tax credit will take off another $5,700.

"We were able to get a bigger system," Mary said - from Alternative Power Systems of Grass Valley.

When interest rates dropped, "instead of just lowering our (house) payment, we reinvested in solar panels and kept the house the same," Mary said.

Andy Laursen didn't mess around. He ended up with the largest residential solar installation in California - 372 panels that cover an area near Lake of the Pines that is half the size of a football field.

"My wife and I strongly believe in conservation," Laursen said. "We're both on the Yellowstone National Park Board."

They own a home with a lot of glass that needs seven air conditioners in the summer. There energy bill was more than $2,000, "so I called Jon" (Jon Hill of Sierra Solar in Grass Valley).

He found out that with rebates, he could buy his system "for 50 cents on the dollar ... It was a good thing for the environment and a good thing economically." Laursen predicts the system will pay for itself within 11 years.

John Powers and his wife don't have near the system Laursen does. But the 24 panels atop their horse and chicken barn run it and the pump they need to irrigate their land.

At their home site just outside of Grass Valley, "it's just been great," John said. Last year was their first full one with the system put up by Felix Electric for Sierra Solar, "and we were $37 ahead," John said.

"I love it - no maintenance, no moving parts, and it is quiet. It will pay for itself in 10 to 15 years, and the lifetime is 25 to 30 years" for the system. "I call myself a solar farmer."

To see John Powers' diary of his solar power experience, visit www.hopefulhill.com