Photo by Mike Brothers
The Illinois Solar Tour travels through Sullivan Saturday, Sept. 22 featuring the solar powered home of Mike Fowler on S. Patterson Road.

•September 19, 2018•

By Reddy Kilowatt
for the News Progress

Mike Fowler installed solar panels two years ago and on Saturday, Sept. 22 his Sullivan home will be part of the Illinois Solar Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when solar energy users from all over the state open their homes for the public to learn about renewable energy.
The statewide tour including 200 locations is coordinated by the Illinois Solar Energy Association.
Fowler became the first home in Sullivan to operate on dual solar power and conventional electric service in September 2016.
Not only does he save money utilizing the sun to generate electricity for his home, but he can sell excess electricity back to the city of Sullivan’s electric utility.
“I am really appreciative of the cooperation from the city council on agreeing to the solar contract,” Fowler said, noting he gets wholesale credit on the excess electricity produced by his solar system.
“The system has operated with no problems,” he said, emphasizing the company he chose not only did professional work but helped direct him to financial incentives that will almost pay for the whole system in five years.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.