Saving big with energy alternatives

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - How would you like to kiss most of your utility bills goodbye?

One local family has done just that by relying on alternative energy sources. Whether he's turning on the hot water, or powering his washing machine, homeowner Gary Lavelette and his family have almost non-existent energy bills.

Lavelette said, "Our highest bill since September....I think our highest bill has been around $9.30 cents."

In the summer they're, even cheaper. Solar panels front most of the utility bills. Any excess energy that's produced during sunny times can be sold back to the utility company which covers their costs during the more dimly lit months.

But it's not all about the solar. A wood burning stove gives his friends and neighbors a place to recycle those dead tree branches.

As for the solar panels, Lavelette would have had shell out over $40,000 dollars, but a state grant gave him a huge discount

"Out of pocket, the panels cost me just under $8,000 dollars," said Lavelette.

He estimates that will pay itself off in 5 years.

The Lavalettes were able to get this huge discount through a grant from the state of Massachusetts. One of the restrictions for their particular grant was that their home had to be valued at less than $350,000.

There are several other restrictions as well, for more information about solar grants in Massachusetts, click here.

Click here for information about solar grants in Rhode Island.