Solar Energy on the Rise in N.C. Homes

But for some members of communities around the state, such as Kim and Barry Koster of Durham, sunny days are much more significant.

Since last January, the Kosters have been enjoying what Kim Koster calls "a really sensible system" of solar energy.

The system consists of solar panels that ultimately provide heat for their water and house. Although the Kosters have a heat pump and air conditioner as backup, their house is almost completely powered by solar energy.

Other residents are following the trend, and solar energy systems seem to be springing up everywhere, from Durham to Chapel Hill and across North Carolina.

The Million Solar Roofs initiative was developed in 1997 by then-President Clinton. In an effort to increase the use of renewable energy, Clinton challenged participants to install 1 million solar energy systems nationwide by 2010.

North Carolina embraced the idea, instituting the program in Guilford, Orange and Watauga counties, as well as in the city of Asheville and its surrounding area.

In Orange County, a committee was promptly established to head the initiative.

Committee Chairwoman Joyce Brown said the committee's main objective is to educate the public on solar energy's benefits

"The goal is to increase the awareness of the possibilities of using solar energy and learn to deal with it in a realistic way," Brown said.

Another objective, as outlined in the committee's action plan, is to install 500 solar roofs in the Chapel Hill area by 2010.

More than 100 systems already have been installed.

"Chapel Hill is one of our two most active communities," said Eric Soderberg, an employee at the North Carolina Solar Center at N.C. State University who serves as a liaison to the Million Solar Roofs project.

As more people in the community are encouraged to join the initiative, questions about the practicality of installation are being raised.

The systems can be expensive -- the Kosters' cost nearly $25,000. But most systems are less comprehensive, focusing on either solar water heating or photovoltaics, in which sunlight is converted into energy via a photovoltaic cell.

But proponents of the systems said the perks of installation ultimately outweigh any setbacks.

"In terms of energy cost, it has definitely saved us money," said Kim Koster.

And although the trend of solar energy systems is just beginning to take root in North Carolina communities, there seems to be no turning back.

"I have a feeling that more and more people are becoming aware of (the solar energy option)," Kim Koster said.

"As I'm driving around town, I'm seeing them everywhere."

As the public becomes more educated and is made aware of the benefits of such a revolutionary program, expansion seems inevitable.

"It's definitely growing in interest," Brown said.

Kim Koster said she sees her solar energy system as a logical and helpful way to embrace technology.

"We wanted to show people that (living off of solar energy) could be done," she said. "You're paying a price to do the right thing, but it is the right thing."

The Features Editor can be reached at features@unc.edu.