Selling Sunshine

By Randall Turk

The Norman Transcript

Matt Wilkens is standing by for Jan. 1, when federal tax credits convince many metro residents to harvest the sun's energy for more than just a suntan.

Wilkens, of Norman, is a partner in EnergyWise Systems, Inc., a family business that provides solar heating and lighting for homes and businesses. "We'll start to get real busy next year when the tax credits hit," he said. "This will be a major opportunity for homeowners to save substantially on utility costs.”

Wilkens, 24, said EnergyWise has specialized in installing solar systems that heat water for homes and swimming pools. He fully expects the company will also provide solar systems to heat interior environments.

The company began by selling and installing "Solatubes," patented tubular skylights that bathe interior areas in concentrated sunshine.

Solatube claims its products capture and divert up to 99 percent of sunlight, retain only 10 percent of the sun's heat, and block ultraviolet light rays. Perhaps 25,000 Solatubes have already been installed throughout the metro area, Wilkens said.

Solatube also offers solar-powered attic fans designed to draw damaging heat and moisture from attics with no operating costs.

As solar tax credits are extended over the next two years, Wilkens believes informed property owners will be clamoring for solar systems to heat water, a task that accounts for 25 to 30 percent of a home's utility costs.

Windpower tax credits for homeowners have not fared as well. Congressman Tom Cole has said he will author a bill to grant similar tax credits for installing residential wind turbines that generate electricity. Such legislation would provide a boost to Bergey Windpower in Norman, the country's leading (of the few remaining) small wind turbine manufacturers.

"Solar hot water heating is the most efficient alternative energy on the market," Wilkens said. "These systems pay for themselves in 4 to 8 years." But he urges solar energy enthusiasts to use caution in the rush to take advantage of the 30 percent tax credit.

"The technology for solar heated water has been around since the late 1800s," he said. "There are hundreds of designs for solar hot water systems, but only two of them work."

EnergyWise specializes in a closed loop glycol (antifreeze) system that withstands cold weather. The system's solar panels can heat water to the boiling point. This summer, Wilkens anticipates his company also will concentrate on solar systems to heat swimming pools. EnergyWise solar systems are modular instead of custom designed. "We can just bolt them on top of a tank. That makes installation easier and more cost-effective," Wilkens said. Solar panels for hot water heating systems cost about $1,350 each, he said. Normally, only one or two panels are required, depending on family size. For a family of two, the cost of a hot water system runs$4,000 to $5,000, installed. Deduct the tax credit, which can total up to $2,000.

Wilkens, who has a degree in business management from the University of Oklahoma, was a framing carpenter for homebuilders. Two years ago his parents, Clyde and Jennifer Wilkens, bought EnergyWise. The company has been operating since the mid-'70s.

Today, Matt Wilkens provides estimates for solar energy projects and supervises two installers. He believes a new era of alternative energy lies ahead. "This is a great opportunity for us and for our customers."