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Mathews couple builds solar-powered home

A Mathews couple chose solar power for their new home in the Garden Creek area, and they’re waiting to see what kind of difference the choice will make in their electric bills.

Beth and Chris Bond had planned to make some improvements to their old farmhouse that would make it safer, more energy efficient, and more comfortable. But after looking into the costs, they realized they could spend a lot of money and still not end up with what they really wanted, so they decided to demolish the building and start from scratch.

"We wanted to be responsible in the decisions we made, especially with regard to power usage," said Beth Bond.

The Bonds built a 1,300-square-foot cottage with energy efficiency incorporated into every aspect, from extra insulation to Energy Star doors, windows and appliances and a high efficiency heat pump.

The fireplace, tankless water heater, and kitchen range they chose operate off propane gas, said Beth Bond, but everything else in the hous...

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