An all electric solar powered home is drawing national attention to the Ozarks. People from across the country are coming to tour the home near Stockton Lake. The home was on the 2007 National Solar Tour. It won two Energy Value Housing Awards in 2008. Homeowners Mitch Ross and Cheryl Marcum say even though Missouri isn't on the fore front of solar technology, homeowners can still save a lot with a little research.

Ross says, "We've got 18 solar cells." Ross points to the roof of his home that’s powered by the sun nearly year round. When the sun shines and they are not using appliances that draw a lot of electricity their solar system generates more electricity than the house they buy electricity from the grid.

However, they say more often than not they're trying to keep sun out. The couple says they use every bit of sunlight to their advantage. They heat their own water and they've eliminated the need to turn on lights during the day with sun tunnels. Sun tunnels use an aluminum spiral to shine light into rooms all day long. Ross says, "Our large overhangs combined with the placement of the windows keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.” The couple says they only spend $36, plus a $20 service on utilities for their 3,700 square foot house. Ross says, “You can put the cost into your home or you can write the utilities a check."

Their cost cutting doesn't end there. All of their appliances are energy efficient. If a conventional oven takes 20 minutes to cook something theirs can do it in seven. Their stove top brings water to a boil in just 42 seconds. They say the less time ... The less energy used. The couple says their home is so energy efficient that their meter runs backwards. They say their utility company has to pay them. Ross says, "With our utility bills it’s as if our house is writing us a check."

They say becoming solar powered will take some work in Missouri. Marcum says, "Builders aren't in the game, utility companies aren't in the game. In Missouri, you have to do the research on your own sadly." They say they're happy to know they're not only saving money. They're saving the planet 33,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

They say anyone can reduce their energy use by choosing which way your house should face and where your windows will be placed. As for anyone who doesn't plan on building, they say energy efficient appliances and blocking the sun can start saving money.