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Solar energy systems doing more than heating water Solar-powered systems generated more than $4.8 million worth of energy savings for Northern California home owners, during the last year. And the number of homeowners investing in solar energy has rapidly increased, according to the nonprofit Northern California Solar Energy Association. "The number of solar installations has grown tenfold in the last five years," according to Jeremy Pearl, director of the NorCal Solar Home Tour. This year, said Pearl, solar energy output reached nearly 70,000 kilowatts, compared with just over 6,600 kilowatts in 2000. The Solar Home Tour, NorCal Solar's major public event, drew more than 1, 100 people last weekend to homes throughout the Bay Area. Supported by volunteers and community associations, the tour featured 85 open homes in 30 communities, from Sonoma County to San Jose and beyond. The tour is part of the American Solar Energy Society's national open house program in the fall each year, and is now in more than 800 communities across the country. The average Northern California residential customer uses 550 kilowatt hours per month at a cost of 12.49 cents per kilowatt hour, according to PG&E.; Solar energy systems can cost from $10,000 to $30,000 per home, said Pearl. "But the use of these systems can help diminish the need for foreign oil," besides cutting monthly utility bills, he said. It usually takes about 10 years for a solar system investment to pay for itself with energy savings, according to PG&E.; Homes on the tour featured examples of solar electric systems, participants saw examples of passive solar designs, ventilation systems, radiant space heating, solar water heating, exterior sun control devices, smart lighting controls, recycled building materials and even solar cooking. The next Solar Home Tour is be held Oct. 1, 2005. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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