Solar energy investing increasing locally

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) Industry officials say there are a lot of misconceptions about solar panels. Some may think they're too expensive, others think they're ugly. We found people that say they are neither, and could be the investment of the future. "It's great for us," says Ron Wilson, who leases panels from High Noon Solar on his Fruita home. "There was no down payment of any money required from us," he says. Wilson's electricity bill has gone down from $120 dollars to $41 dollars a month. "While they were doing the installation on it, one of our neighbors noticed it and came over and they got the pamphlet and contacted them, and they ended up putting them on their home," explains Wilson. The idea caught on. "We also have a close friend from church; they've installed them on their home." The idea caught on like wildfire. "Our other neighbor just to the left of us; they're considering putting them on their home and business," says Wilson. And the Wilsons were pleasantly surprised by the look. "It turned out great because we have quite a few people that don't even know that we have solar panels until we mention it to them," says Wilson. "Leasing has really become prevalent for people, because either they have a hesitation to put a big upfront investment in buying a system, or they just don't have the money available," says Heidi Ihrke, owner of High Noon Solar. Ihrke says if you buy solar panels, you'll recoup your money in ten years. "If they want to have an out-lie of cash at the beginning, and know that they have investment over the long term, and cash flow positive rather quickly," says Ihrke. Ihrke says after those ten years, you won't be paying an electric bill. "As solar gets more and more popular, manufacturing costs come down dramatically, and when manufacturing costs come down dramatically, for anything, it means that the product ends up being less expensive," she explains. Making it a win-win for consumers like the Wilson's. "Anybody that I come across, I truly want to let them know about the system, and take advantage of it," says Wilson. The Excel Energy compliance rebate plan for 2012-2013 opened Wednesday. The program was approved a week and a half ago. The rebate offers incentives for folks to get solar systems on their homes and businesses. They get rebates every month based on the production of the solar system, in addition to the electricity savings they're already getting from not having to buy that power from Excel. Limited megawatts are available under the rebate plan.