Solar power project paying off for Elkhart County man

August 07, 2012|By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com) | WSBT-TV Reporter

An Elkhart County man has found a way to lessen his electric bill and make money at the same time.

WSBT's Ed Ernstes takes a look at the solar power system that may also be helping pump power into your home.

Marvin Bartel has a lot near his home that’s home to a small vegetable garden. It’s there he recently had two large solar panels installed, a source of clean electricity. There’s plenty of sunshine there, unlike near his house which is shaded by trees.

“It seemed to be economically feasible and the right thing to do, for the ecology, for the environment as well, so we decided to go with it,” Bartel said.

Not only does Bartel’s solar panels offer a source of clean electricity, he sells the power to NIPSCO. And, each month he receives a check from the utility for the amount of electricity generated.

Bartel says the money receives from NIPSCO covers his monthly bills for electricity, gas, phone and Internet.

Although the solar panels don’t generate a lot of energy, Bartel said he believes the project is very worthwhile and in a small way, helps leave less of a carbon footprint on the Earth in the wider scheme of things.

“It’s like recycling your aluminum cans. You know it doesn’t make a big difference, but it makes a tiny difference,” Bartel said. “When you recycle aluminum cans, they don’t have to process new aluminum and use all that engery. I see (this) something like that.”

Bartel started the solar power project in May and figures he should be paid off in less than 15 years.

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