Solar power: One dentist's journey to using renewable energy

Aug. 21, 2009
Dental Economics managing editor Kevin Henry talks with Florida dentist Dr. Chan Wilkhu about the recent incorporation of solar energy into his practice.

Note from Dental Economics managing editor Kevin Henry:I recently had the chance to speak to Dr. Chan Wilkhu, a Florida dentist who has installed solar power in his practice. With all of the talk about “going green” and dental practices becoming more environmentally friendly, I thought it would be interesting to talk to Dr. Wilkhu about his experience thus far. I also plan to do follow-up interviews with Dr. Wilkhu to track how the sun is powering his practice, and if he’s happy with the results.

If you’re interested in making your office more environmentally friendly, be sure to check out the articles below. If you’ll be in New York for the 2009 Greater New York Dental Meeting or Boston for the 2010 Yankee Dental Meeting, please attend my workshop titled “Tips for Going Green in the Dental Office.”


Q: When did you first get the idea for using solar power in your practice?

A: My parents had a solar-powered water heater when I was growing up, and they still have the same solar panel today. I got the idea for using solar power in my practice and did some research online. I talked to solar companies in the area and learned what rebates were available. I quickly found out that the rebates would make adding solar panels much more affordable. The state of Florida has a rebate that was very important for me. There’s also a 20-year warranty on the solar panels and a 10-year warranty on the inverters, so that was important.

Q: Was there ever any hesitation once you learned about the rebates?
A: Once I found the right solar company, I knew we were doing it. I had already run the numbers and knew it would be the right thing to do. The hardest part of the whole experience was getting the bank loan and getting that loan to close on time. After getting loans for school and my home, the thought of getting a loan for this project didn’t bother me at all.

Q: A lot of people are put off by the initial investment of “going green.” How did you decide the higher cost was worth the investment?
A: I graduated in 2002 and bought my practice in 2005. I plan to practice here for the next 20 to 25 years, so the initial investment didn’t bother me at all. After checking with my accountant and putting together all of the numbers, I figured it would be about a $12,000 investment after rebates and I could pay it off in three to five years. I recently purchased a Waterlase MD hard and soft tissue laser and, to me, deciding to go solar was no different than buying a large piece of equipment for the office. I figured out the initial investment and how long it would take for me to earn that money back. I also have a 15-month-old daughter, and people’s views seem to change when they start thinking about their children, their children’s future, and what they can do to help make the world a better place.

Q: Did you have any problems during installation?
A: Two of the solar panels broke during shipment, so that pushed things back a few days. Other than that, it was very straightforward.

Q: How are you telling your patients about this project?
A: I mentioned it to some patients and others saw an article on it in the local newspaper. My plan is to have something in the office so that all of our patients will be aware of what we’re doing. I’ve already had several local colleagues ask me about going solar, so I know there’s interest there as well.

Q: Have you already seen a return on your investment, or is it too early to tell?
A: One of the ways I’m earning back the initial investment is by selling back electricity to the electric company. The sun supplies the power for the office and what power the sun doesn’t provide, the electric company will. I work four days a week from 8 to 5. The other three days, we’re not using as much electricity and the solar panels are still collecting energy, so we’re able to sell back the excess. I’ve been in the office a few times afterhours and seen the meter go the other way, so I know we’ve sold back electricity. Will it work as advertised? Time will tell, but I strongly believe it will.

Dr. Chan Wilkhu received his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine and did an AEGD residency at Nova Southeastern University. He has practiced in Brevard County, Fla., since 2003. Since taking over his current private practice in general and cosmetic dentistry, he continues to attend ongoing continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest advancements in dentistry. His practice features digital radiography, a Waterlase MD laser, and solar-powered electricity. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].