By Derrick ForsytheRecord Features EditorFor at least two Warren County residents, using solar energy has been a cost-saving and rewarding experience.They are part of a growing number of homeowners across the country seeking to lower utility bills by “going green” and installing solar panels.Randy and Cindy Speer, who live on Highway W north of Warrenton, decided to install solar ground units on their property after attending a home improvement show in St. Charles last year.“It was definitely a good investment for us,” said Randy Speer, who expects the panels to pay for themselves within eight years.The Speers said the decision to transition from relying completely on the electrical grid to relying primarily on energy generated by sunlight was prompted in part by a rebate program. Over half of the installation was covered through tax exemptions and funds provided by Ameren Missouri, leaving the Speers with a cost of around $30,000 to make the transition to solar energy.Their two solar power units are larger than the typical home units, standing around 17 feet tall and 12 feet wide. They produce around 19,000 kilowatts per cycle.“We produce a lot more energy during the day than we use so that provides us energy for the nighttime,” explained Randy. “Then anything we don’t use can be sold back to Ameren.”Paying Small BillsThe Speers said despite the new energy source, they still receive small invoices from Ameren during the winter months. But solar power supplies all the electrical requirements for their 4,000-square-foot home during the other seasons of the year.“It’s supposed to supply us with a minimum of 90 percent of our electric,” said Randy. “We got no bills from August through November.”For business owner Wes Kelly, who operates both 7 Oaks Home Inspection and 7 Oaks Energy Savers, solar power has been more of a long-term energy solution. He and his wife, Jane, also took advantage of Ameren’s rebate program, installing 43 smaller 3 1/2-foot by 4 1/2-foot units on their property.“We didn’t have a whole lot of money invested in it, so it was a no-brainer,” said Wes, who is also an energy auditor. “Over a year it was supposed to have produced 10,000 kilo hours, and last year we overproduced.”The couple said their electric bills have dropped from about $250-$300 a month to $50-$75 a month.Neither of the couples are planning on becoming completely reliant on solar energy but say it’s a tremendous opportunity to preserve the atmosphere and save money for those who are prepared to make a long-term investment.“They don’t allow you to 100 percent divorce yourself from the grid,” said Wes. “But as long as the sun is shining, we’re producing energy.”The Speers and Kellys chose ground units due to having homes that don’t provide a direct link to sunlight. Other homes are suitable for roof units, which are less expensive to install.“We’re not truly off the grid, but it’s an alternative to doing that,” said Speer. “It gives Ameren energy credits and gives us a break on our electric bill.”Go Green