Charging up to cut charges

Oct 25 - The Sedalia Democrat (Sedalia, Mo.)

One Sedalia family is harnessing the power of the sun to trim its utility bills -- and hopes to help others do the same.

John Arnwine, who along with his wife, Jennifer, owns and operates Arnwine Electric, recently installed a 36-panel solar energy system on his property in northeast Sedalia. The system has been up and running for a little more than a month and can produce 8,000 watts of energy, Arnwine said.

"This is the first large array in the city limits," Arnwine said.

Arnwine grew up in Sedalia and said he started his electrical training in high school. He continued that training while serving in the U.S. Navy before returning to Sedalia to work for Gardner-Denver Machinery Inc. He then spent some time in the refinery and chemical business in Houston before again returning to Sedalia and eventually starting Arnwine Electric Co. in 2000.

When first getting interested in the alternative energy source, Arnwine said he did a lot of research, read books and even attended a seminar on solar energy in Phoenix.

Arnwine said he acquired the materials for the solar array at wholesale prices and, because of his background in electrical work, was able to do much of the labor himself.

"It's basic electricity when you get right down to it," he said. "This is something I've done by myself and I think it's really a worthwhile project for a do-it-yourselfer."

The system is automatic and kicks in when the sun is out. Arnwine can monitor how much electricity is being produced by looking at a digital display attached to the array. The power the system generates helps the family run certain appliances without running up the electric bill.

"We're converting over to do things like laundry and dishes during the day, while the sun is shining," Arnwine said. "It definitely saves money on utilities."

Arnwine was able to finance the project with the help of a $14,000 solar rebate through Kansas City Power and Light, an incentive program that encourages Missourians to go green.

"For what I have in this system, KCP&L basically paid for about half of this," he said.

Arnwine and his family plan to stay in the home for several years and look at the project as a long-term investment that will eventually pay for itself; and because Arnwine did the work himself, the payback will come even sooner.

"A long-term payback would be in about 20 to 25 years, but when you do it yourself, it's about eight years," he said. "I saw it as a twofold win for us, by being able to take advantage of the KCP&L rebate and doing it on our own house."

The system is projected to produce power for 40 years, Arnwine noted.

Arnwine's motivation behind installing the system isn't just financial, but to be good to the environment as well.

"We are definitely trying to go as green as we can," Arnwine said. "We want to save on the carbon footprint."

While most solar panel systems are typically constructed on rooftops, Arnwine said there are advantages to having a ground-level system.

"Installation on a roof is a pretty simple deal, but a ground installation takes more work," Arnwine said. "A ground system is something you can look at. The biggest advantage is that you can be hands-on with your system."

Arnwine said his solar array is weather-resistant and can withstand hailstones the size of golf balls. If a strong storm were to damage the panels, Arnwine said he has an insurance policy that was added to his coverage for the home.

Although Missouri may not be considered a solar energy hot spot, Arnwine Electric Co. does offer solar panel installations and consulting. And because the cost of electricity in Missouri is relatively low compared to other parts of the country, especially in the West, Arnwine admits "it's not going to take off like wildfire," but believes it is still a worthwhile investment for area residents and looks forward to seeing his own solar energy system grow.

"Thirty years down the road, this will be a behemoth of a system, running two, maybe three homes," he said.

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