A grid-tied solar power system has been implemented at a chemical compound company in Alachua, Florida. The implementation of the system was made possible due to a grant from the Renewable Energy for America-Program (REAP), which funded the cost of installation.
The system was engineered, designed and installed by Solar Impact located in Gainesville. Solar Impact is a photovoltaic (PV) system provider. PV systems use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Solar Impact plans to bring its PV systems to the Tampa Bay region.
“We would love to implement similar systems in Tampa,” says Don Ryan, director of sales and marketing for
Solar Impact. “We continue to educate business owners and homeowners on why they should own their electricity through solar means instead of renting it through utility companies. Many business owners are simply not aware of the tremendous financial returns with solar. ”
The PV system that was installed in Alachua is a rooftop system that consists of 180 Mage PowerTec Plus 190 MH modules. According to Ryan, the project was an excellent investment.
“Between a 30 percent federal tax credit and the REAP grant, they recovered over 80 percent of the cost of their system in less than a year,” Ryan says. “They are earning over 17 percent annually on their investment in solar. ”
The USDA, which awards the REAP grant, funded $45,000 for the project. These funds represent the federal government’s investment in renewable energy.
“First and foremost, the U.S. cannot continue to do business as usual when it comes to energy,” Ryan says. “Our reliance on foreign fuel is both an economic and national security issue. It is critical that we continue to find ways to harness the power of renewable energy sources that have been with us since the dawn of time, such as solar and wind. ”
Writer:
Kimberly Patterson
Source: Don Ryan, Solar Impact
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