For some, having money in the bank gives people security.
But that's not true for one man whose goal is to live more sustainably.
His security is powered by the sun, and it's saving him a lot of money.
Columbiaville resident Clark Tibbits will never have to pay for electricity again.
"It really gives me a sense of security," said Clark Tibbits who owns the Land Stewardship Center.
Three weeks ago Tibbets got a bright idea. He installed 15 solar panels on the roof of his home to power his electricity. He fears the country will enter into an energy crisis.
"As soon as the recession ends, I think everybody expects energy prices to really go up, and cause a general inflation in the country," said Tibbits.
That's why Tibbets decided to be one of the first people to sign up for Detroit Edison’s SolarCurrents program. It cost him $28,000 to install the panels, but he'll get that back with tax credits, and rebates.
Reps from Michigan Solar Solutions say, more homeowners in the next decade will have solar panels, especially if the cost of electricity continues to climb.
"The government is behind it I believe at an incentive level, and the population is starting to become more educated on it," said Dave Biono with Michigan Solar Solutions.
Solar panels work a lot like traditional electricity, the only difference is Detroit Edison will pay Tibbets for any energy he doesn't use.
"When we need electricity at night, and we're not producing any with our solar panels, we dip into their bowl of water and take a cup out, and then the next day, when we start producing electricity with our solar panels, we put the water back in the bowl," said Tibbets.
But Tibbets still says he can live more sustainably.
"I’d like to put in geo-thermal heating in the house next," said Tibbets.
He’ll pay for it with the money he saves from using the solar panels.
