USA: Walton County Man Saves Thousands Thanks to Electric Car and Solar Panels

Walton County – Gas prices have recently taken a dip, but just a few weeks ago they nearly topped $4 a gallon. Transportation costs are still eating up a major portion of every family’s budget. A Walton County man wants to see our country’s reliance on the oil industry come to an end. And he’s leading by example.
Posted: 8:56 AM Apr 27, 2012
Reporter: Meredith TerHaar
Email Address: meredith.terhaar@wjhg.com
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Walton County – Gas prices have recently taken a dip, but just a few weeks ago they nearly topped $4 a gallon. Transportation costs are still eating up a major portion of every family’s budget. A Walton County man wants to see our country’s reliance on the oil industry come to an end. And he’s leading by example.

Even before the worst offshore oil spill in our nation’s history, Dave Rauschkolb was against drilling in Florida waters. He created the group “Hands Across the Sand” to spread his message. Two years after the spill he’s even more determined to change the way our nation relies on oil. That’s why he now drives a car fueled by the sun. “I can’t tell you how freeing it is to actually just drive by the gas station, especially with how much everybody is paying for gas. Three thousand miles, $82.50, that is how much it cost me in electricity to drive this 100% electric Nissan Leaf,” said Rauschkolb.

The savings are staggering. But they don’t end there. Dave had solar panels installed on his roof, now they provide the electricity needed to fuel his vehicle and cut his home’s power bill, netting a savings of $1,000 a year. “Add that to $3500 to $4000 a year in gas that I am saving and it will soon pay for itself,” said Rauschkolb.
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