Eric's Auto Body installs 80 solar panels to shop

Eric's Auto Body in Colfax has become the first "solar" collision repair center in the area. Another one of the few shops is located in southern Idaho.

"We capitalize on the sun," said proprietor Eric Heise, "We are producing our own power!"

The solar panels and a 24 kilowatt system were installed starting in late October and started producing power in December.

Forty solar panels, each capable of generating up to 300 watts of direct current (DC), have been installed on each of the two shop buildings for a total of 80 panels.

The Washington-made panels use photons from the sunlight to push ele...