MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On October 4th, many homeowners participated in the Lansing Area Solar Tour, which is apart of the National Solar Home Tour displaying solar systems in homes and businesses throughout the country. A few locations on the tour was right here in Meridian Township.

The home solar systems vary in both size and cost, with some systems being able to power up to 90 percent of the total energy use of the home.

"Overall for the year we spend a little bit on our electric bill, but for the most part it is covered," said solar home owner Kevin Thomas.

Not only does this investment save money on bills, it can also raise the value of the home. Thomas recently sold his home with ease without even placing it on the market. But before investing in this expensive technology, it is recommended that homeowners take the necessary steps first in the conservation of energy.

“The one thing that is real important for people to consider is that while solar systems and small wind systems are great, and solar hot water systems, they are fairly expensive. So you want to do all the low cost energy efficiency measures first," said solar home owner John Sarver. "That has to do with insulating the house, buying more efficient appliances like refrigerators, buying high efficiency furnaces and air conditioners, everything possible you can do to reduce and not use energy is the first thing you want to do.”

Although the cost of solar systems is now close to half of what it used to be, the systems are still a large investment. One of the ideas moving forward, which was discussed during the tour, is community solar programs.

These programs would involve an entire neighborhood pitching in together to produce their own solar power.

While Meridian Township has been looking at these propositions, it may be a while until they begin to see these ideas turn into action.
But with the advances seen thus far, a Community Solar Program in the Lansing area could sprout up in as early as 2015.