WEST MILFORD Hosted by the Sustainable West Milford group, local dentist, Dr. Alan Frenkel, and solar power engineer Mike Mazzeo presented a seminar on solar power recently. Frenkel has been using photo -voltaic solar power panels for the last two years and said he has reaped significant savings and benefits. He said a large three bedroom house with heated pool may pay $0 for electricity from February through July, allowing the systems to pay for themselves in less than 10 years. Another option is a passive solar hot water heater. It preheats the water going into an existing water heater, which save about 70 percent on hot water. These systems have a payback window of less than seven years. Solar pool covers are another popular use for passive solar, eliminating heating costs altogether. New Jersey has led the nation in rebates for solar power installations. Although they used to be higher, there are still rebates for up to 40 percent of costs, but other rebates are possible through a new program set up around the sale of renewable energy credits. Federal energy tax credits are also changing and are due to expire in 2007 but as long as the paperwork is completed by December 31, 2006, you can still apply for up to $500 in total tax credits. Information on rebates and tax credits can be found at these websites: www.energystar.gov and www.dsireusa.org The process of choosing a solar power system, installing it, and getting and all the rebates and credits is complicated and the advice from someone who has “been there and done that” is to find a reputable installer that will help you through the many steps in the process. Both speakers stressed additional savings can be seen with additional insulation or a solar powered attic vent fan that costs little to install, nothing to run, and reduces the attic temperatures significantly, reducing air conditioning costs. “The guest speaker program is a new addition to our monthly meetings and was well met by our membership. Our next meeting on November 20th will feature a recycling discussion led by members of the township Recycling and Beautification Committee,” said founder Dave Watson-Hallowell. “We want to support efforts already underway in the township rather than duplicate efforts so it is important that we all understand what we are doing and work together.” Sustainable West Milford attended the Cool Cities workshop in Chatham to learn more about how to support our township in its quest to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. West Milford is one of 25 N.J. cities and 319 nationwide to sign the pledge to work towards developing green vehicle fleets, become more energy efficient, and utilize renewable energy. Sustainable West Milford will be coordinating volunteer efforts and working with the township to achieve the goals of the Cool Cities program. To get involved call 973-853-2139 or visit www.sustainablewestmilford.org.