Film brightens outlook on solar power's feasibility

As Elginites continue to unthaw from the winter deep freeze, a community group is preparing to pitch money-saving ideas using solar power.

The Elgin Community Network, or ECN, is showing the PBS film "Saved by the Sun," and will solicit community input from several speakers at its Elgin Alive! series meeting, at 6:30 p.m. April 15 at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

The presentation is one of six free public events the group is hosting during the winter and spring to help residents embrace green technology and make Elgin more sustainable.

Dave Kaptain, an Elgin city council member and director of the network, said he hopes the one-hour, PG-rated film helps residents start thinking about ways they use can use solar power, a technology many think is expensive, but which has become more efficient and less costly through federal and state tax rebates. Solar power is expected to become a $50 billion industry within the next decade.

"The film features scientists, business people and economists, and why they believe solar power is beneficial; but it also includes average homeowners and what they are doing to their houses to make them more energy-efficient," said Kaptain. "The film's message isn't just about the problems we are facing with rising utility costs and climate changes. It also focuses on the solutions."

Kaptain is moderating part of the discussion, along with Bill Bailey of Slow Global Warming-Elgin and Tom DeBates of Habi-Tek.

The Geneva-based company, a 26-year-old building contractor, specializes in sustainable building practices. The firm has installed solar panels on the roof of Wheaton High School, an energy-efficient water pumping system at the St. Charles Country Club and other devices on homes throughout the Chicago suburbs.

A Gail Borden representative will also discuss the library's planned west-side branch on Bowes Road west of Randall Road. Using land donated by the city and Pulte Homes, library officials will equip the 10,000-square-foot building with a geothermal field to help reduce heating and cooling costs.

"The presentation will really give people a chance to see what the cutting-edge technology is offering these days," Kaptain said. "You can even purchase an electricity-producing windmill that looks like a flag. That's how far the technology has come."

To register for the event, contact the library at (847) 742-2411. Each attendee will receive a free energy-efficient light bulb compliments of the network and its other sponsors, which include the city of Elgin and the Grand Victoria Foundation.