Your Home Energy

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

On a hot summer day, the sun can feel downright uncomfortable. But if you’re looking to save Whatever isn’t used is pushed back to the utility company’s power grid. Greenlink staffers mount the solar money, the sun is a real benefit.

“By going solar, you’re doing no harm to the environment,” says Tom Anderson, solar director of Greenlink Energy Solutions, a Rockford-based specialist in renewable energy, indoor air quality, efficiency and restoration. “In fact, you’re actually helping the environment, because you’re not burning fossil fuels.”

It’s pretty simple how solar energy works. Microprocessors located inside the panels on your roof collect the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity.

The energy collected by those panels goes straight to your outlets, and whatever you don’t use is net-metered with your utility. Think of it like an energy savings account for those times when the sun isn’t out – at night or on rainy days. panels to an aluminum rack that’s fixed to the trusses of your roof. The whole installation covers over your existing shingles. Wiring is run through the attic and down to your circuit panel. The installation process takes about two days. For anyone who says they’re concerned about the costs, or if they’re still on the fence, Anderson has a 25-year chart that shows what a ComEd bill is today compared to what it could be 25 years from now. He estimates the average homeowner who uses ComEd will pay about $75,000 for energy over 25 years, which is about how long a solar system will last. These solar systems cost about $30,000, but with state and federal rebates Anderson estimates homeowners will only pay about $15,000 in the end. As an added bonus, Anderson says those solar panels will add at least 5% to your resale value.

More homeowners have made the move to solar power just this year, spurred on by state and federal tax credits that are available for such improvements.

“I always hear people say they’re looking for a catch, but there isn’t one,” says Anderson. “I’d call it a no-brainer to go solar, because you’re going to cut your energy bill in half.” ❚

For an estimate, contact Greenlink at (815) 205-5965 or visit usgreenlink.com.

Fun for All at McHenry County Fair

By Brian Hughes

The McHenry County Fair returns this summer and it’s an event not to miss, especially given that last year’s festivities were sidelined due to COVID-19. Serving the Chicago area for more than 70 years, this McHenry County tradition continues with a six-day event that kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 3, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 8, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock.

From the official opening at noon on Tuesday through the final closing gate at 8 p.m. Sunday, there’s fun for the whole family all week long. Favorites include the traditional 4-H displays, Open and Junior Open livestock and non-livestock shows, a carnival, Miss McHenry County Pageant, monster truck races, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, bull riding and more. Gates are generally open to the public daily starting at 7 a.m.

In addition to all the of the daytime attractions at the fair, there’s plenty of fun once the sun goes down. Grandstand entertainment happens every night and includes a draft horse pull and a professional championship bullriding competition. On Saturday night, classic rock group Kansas arrives with special guest Femmes of Rock. Tickets can be purchased online at mchenrycountyfair.com.

Purchase general admission tickets at the gate or online, for either a single-day entry or a six-day admission. Tuesday is Family Fun Day, and tickets are only $5. Veterans and Scouts in uniform get a free admission on Wednesday with accompanying paid adult, first responders get free admission on Thursday with accompanying paid adult, and health care workers get free admission on Friday with accompanying paid adult. Other special offers can be viewed online.

The McHenry County Fair is where families come to create summertime memories that last a lifetime. Mark your calendars, because this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever. ❚

The McHenry County Fair happens Aug. 3-8 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, in Woodstock, (815) 338-5315.