Fayetteville man uses solar energy to light tree

FAYETTEVILLE — A Fayetteville man has made sure that his outdoor Christmas display is green, environmentally speaking.

The Fayetteville Observer reports that Ray Samples uses a 75-watt solar power panel to light the 400 bulbs on his 30-foot tall artificial tree. The lights use a timer to burn from 5:15 p.m. to midnight each day during the holiday season.

The solar panel is made up of 36 solar cells and is mounted just inside his fence. It points southward to catch the sun. Solar modules face the tree.

Samples also uses solar power to light his home. He estimates he’s spent about $15,000 on his solar power and says it will take him years to break even.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)