Energy Independence Company

IDLEYLD PARK — Many people flip on a light, turn on the television or crank up the heat without a second thought until the monthly bill arrives. For Al and Trudy Walker, electric bills are a thing of the past, but they have had to sacrifice some comfort to be their own power company.

Al Walker, the Umpqua Valley’s ”solar guy,” made his first solar cell as a teaching assistant in high school physics. In the art studio, he baked powdered silicon into a wafer and then painted boron on one side and phosphorus on the other. After coming to the area, he built an off-the-grid home near Idleyld Park. The log home uses wood to heat water for warmth and photovoltaic panels for electricity. Now, he owns a business helping others harvest sun light for electricity and greater energy independence. That’s where the name of the firm comes from: Energy Independence Company. Walker established the company in 2002. It employs two full-time staff, a part-time electrical engineer, and two or more part-time installers. Energy Independence subcontracts with other local tradesmen--electricians, plumbers--qualified to work on solar systems. The company consults with business owners to design photovoltaic systems that generate electricity for their firms. The designs often integrate other ways businesses can become more energy efficient. Among these are building insulation, air movers and passive solar to heat water and shop spaces.