Simarjit Batth, 17, holds up Harmandeep Batth, 2, while they explain the solar electricity meter on the side of their house on Sun Valley Drive on Monday afternoon in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Lodi utility is promoting solar energy

Lodi Electric Utility is promoting clean, cost-effective solar energy by showing customers how it's done.

On March 10, the utility will take residents on a tour of Lodi businesses and homes that use solar power, according to utility Customer Services Manager Rob Lechner. Lodi has at least five residential and three commercial sites currently using the sun for up to 40 percent of their power.

"We have a nice sampling of residential and commercial sites to showcase and show customers how solar can be part of their lives," Lechner said.

John Gates has had 11 panels on his roof generating two kilowatts for the past year. He said he hasn't seen major savings in his electric bill yet, but expects to save over time.

"In the long term, we will get a benefit," said Gates outside his Dianna Drive home.

Thanks to California Senate Bill 1, public utilities will have millions of dollars to give to customers in rebates. Lechner said that the utility will have $500,000 to give to solar customers beginning in January 2008.

Senate Bill 1 mandates that one-time rebates for solar installations are at least $2,800 per kilowatt. If installed correctly, homes with solar panels on the roof can generate between two and five kilowatts, Lechner said.

Lechner said solar systems pay for themselves in about 15 years.

Two city buses will leave the utility yard at 1331 S. Ham Lane at 8:45 a.m. The tour will visit five residential customers with solar installations, the LOEL Center, the Grape Festival and return to the utility yard to observe the utility's solar panels. Lechner said contractors and residents will be available to answer questions about going solar.

"It is an opportunity to ask questions about what the residents like about solar and how to install the system," Lechner said. "They are the resident experts."

Jag S. Batth has already noticed a decrease in electric bills. Batth said he decided to install solar panels on his Sun Valley Drive house in part to set a good example for future generations.

"I wanted to show the young people and others in the community that there are other options available to make electricity for the home," Batth said.

His 17-year-old daughter, Simarjit, said she likes the fact that her family is doing its part to protect the environment.

"This is definitely helping our environment," she said. "Every little bit helps."

At an upcoming Energy Smart workshop this summer, the utility plans to hold a solar fair, where solar installers from the area will answer questions and promote their technology. He said the utility is raising awareness of solar energy to help clean up the environment.

"We have a goal to promote the environment," he said. "We should be leading by example."

Lechner said the free 2 hour 15 minute tour is limited to the first 80 individuals who sign up. Refreshments will be served. To sign up, call the utility at 333-6815.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

First published: Tuesday, February 13, 2007