Cumberland County home provides energy in NC

FAYETTEVILLE -- An eastern North Carolina county has its first net zero home, providing more power than it uses. The Fayetteville Observer reported Monday that the two-story home with cedar siding in Cumberland County belongs to Randy and Anke Darling, who use solar energy. A solar hot water system also has been installed. Alternative Energy Concepts of Fayetteville did the work, including the installation of the south-facing solar array in the yard. That 6.2-kilowatt system by a pond is made up of 32 200-watt photovoltaic modules. The Darlings paid $41,000 for the solar array and another $6,800 for the hot water heater. They will get tax credits from their investment. A 35 percent North Carolina tax incentive is available on the cost of a solar array, along with a 30 percent federal tax credit. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)