Tour Showcases How Solar Homes Save Energy and Money

Seven Manhattan Beach residences were featured in the 3rd Annual Solar Homes Tour on Saturday. Coordinated by the city's Environmental Task Force, visitors got to experience how solar power and other efficient living applications work in a residential setting.

Outfits such as solar panels, tankless water heaters and drip irrigation systems are not just eco-friendly but are usually cost-effective, the homeowners say. In the case of Dr. Bob Elliott, his house's electric bill has gone from an average of $450 to around $30 a month, he told Patch. Fitting a home with a solar panel system is expensive but for environmentally-conscious homeowners looking to save in the long run, the switch makes sense.   

"If everyone had a few solar panels, we would all be much better off," said resident Laurel Lee York.

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