January 08, 2010

Local Solar Scene Heats Up

If you’re looking for a new career direction in 2010, getting into the solar energy biz may be a smart move. Even though the market in Athens is just now developing, demand is expected to grow thanks to government incentives, increasing energy costs and tighter restrictions on pollution from power plants. As the market grows, demand for trained solar installers will increase.

Local green builder and renewable energy expert, Tony Purcell, teaches Solar Thermal Water Heating System training classes right here in Athens. You can get info on upcoming Jan/Feb classes HERE.

Tony has already completed one project for the EPA on College Station Road (photo left) for their main lab building. It can be seen from the street when driving by on the right side of the roof (facing the building). He has also done an installation for a house built in Bogart that achieved Earthcraft Platinum certification and his personal home has an active solar space heating system installed via a hydronic radiant floor system. He's also done numerous other smaller residential installations in the local area.

“The tax credits have helped demand tremendously by making the installations more affordable and showing a more favorable return on investment,” Tony said. “Certainly more incentives would be beneficial, however I think different incentives would provide better results for more people/companies to be able to afford it. The up-front cost of the product and installation I think is what stops the average consumer from considering it. Sure the tax credits cover 65% of the cost, but you have to pay for 100% of installing the product up front and wait until you file your taxes before you get the credits. The people who could benefit the most (from the lower utility bills) don't have the upfront cash. If rebates were used as incentives instead of tax credits, then the average consumer would more easily be able to afford it.”

For more information, contact Tony at crbrinc@yahoo.com.

solar | athens

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