A solar electric system had been on the wish list for Al and Sue Lake for nearly 10 years. Solarize Salem, a community-wide bulk purchasing program, made it pencil out. The couple took advantage of discounted pricing, Energy Trust incentives and tax credits to help offset the cost of their 3.4-kilowatt system, which consists of 14 panels mounted on their garage. With the financial incentives and energy cost savings, they expect the system to pay for itself in less than 10 years.

The Lakes pay attention to the energy they generate and expect to produce about 26 percent of their electricity needs. “It’s exciting to watch what we’re generating,” Al said. “Seeing what we’re producing has made us much more aware of our consumption. My wife says it’s a pity we don’t have more roof so we could mount more panels.”