An Electric Car Powered by the Sun?

For as long as he can remember, Dan Hollands has wanted an electric car. He was finally able to fulfill that wish when ford started selling the electric Focus in our area last June.

"I was the first one that called up and said put me on your list for the electric car," says Hollands.

The retired electric engineer knew it would save him money. But he didn't realize just how much he'd enjoy it until he got behind the wheel. "We love it. Once you drive an electric car, you will never want to go back to a gas powered car. The quietness, the acceleration, the way it handles, there i just no comparison," says Hollands.

The car plugs into a station in his garage. He gets about 75 miles to the charge. He figured what he was paying for electricty would be about the same as paying a dollar a gallon for gas. Which got him thinking...."it wasn't part of the original plan but our house is perfectly situated for solar panels and over the last few years I said gee wouldn't it be neat to have a solar panel.0"

While electric cars like these have been gaining in popularity the idea of pairing it with solar panels is a relatively new concept. Shawn Lessord of Renewable Rochester installed 12 panels on the Hollands roof.

"Over the years I have seen how solar panels can reduce people's electric bills down to nothing. Now with the combination of cars being in the mix it's a pretty exciting thing," says Lessord.

A new way to save money and the environment at the same time.