SunPower Solar - Since 1972

Where do we begin...

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:30:00 +0000

...so much is going on at SunPower!

1. THIS FRIDAY is our first non-profit benefit event, to raise funds for SunPower Afrique!

Event info. and registration are available here: http://www.sunpowerafrique.org/invite.html

2. Kira Costanza was quoted in this weekend's Inquirer, commenting on a new solar panel manufacturing facility opening in Philadelphia.

The full story is here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20091128_Solar-panel_factory_coming_to_Navy_Yard.html

At SunPower Builders, one of our M.O.’s is and has always been to provide locally manufactured solar products – which is why we have done business with the GE solar plant in Newark, DE for over 15 years. It is sometimes ironic that “green energy” products like solar panels are often shipped halfway across the world and have a massive carbon footprint…that’s why it’s important to us to work with local suppliers – we practice what we preach and others are starting to follow.

3. SunPower's Solar HQ will be feaured on this Saturday's Green Home Tour run by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC). All are welcome to 80 Pechins Mill Road, Collegeville, PA between 12:30 and 2PM. Rumor has it Joe Sestak will be in attendance!

Just a sampling...much more to come as we continue to grow in 2010 and take our efforts to West Africa.

DEP Press Release: PA Sunshine Program Boom!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:36:00 +0000

The PA solar industry continues to grow :)

Paste this link into your browser to read on...

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=1278&q=549454

PA Sunshine Program Rebate Step-Downs

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Here at SunPower we pride ourselves on being well-informed and tuned in to PA policy. It is important to provide accurate and timely information on incentives to our customers.

First, the Small Business PV program Tier 1 rebate level has closed - future projects will receive rebates in the Tier 2 rebate level.

Second, please note the following message we received from DEP, the state agency that runs the PA Sunshine Program:

The residential PV program is still accepting applications for Tier 1 incentives. Tier 1 will end as soon this program reaches 10 MW of project applications and/or reservations. There will be no extensions to this limit. As of November 13, the program has received applications for 4.66 MW of residential PV projects. The Department will accept 5.34 MW of additional applications before the residential PV program steps down.

An announcement like this went out for the small business program and it closed the next day, which is why we were concerned and wanted to get this out to consumers and potential clients considering an installation. If you’re planning to do a project please contact us ASAP and we will file your rebate to secure the high incentive level!

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you soon - GO SOLAR.

610.489.1105

SunPower Solar Open House Press

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Our annual Open House, part of the National Solar Tour, was a great success.

Please see a write-up about the event from the PV Chamber here: http://www.pvchamber.net/pdf/Oct-2009.nl.pdf

Thanks to everyone who came out and here's to another great year of solar.

Federal Incentives

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:07:00 +0000

There's been so much talk around here lately about the PA Sunshine Program that we thought we should remind everyone about the Federal Government's support for solar.

Here are our top tips for taking advantage of Federal Incentives:

1. Don't believe your CPA when he/she tells you that the Federal ITC is capped at $2K...

The Federal Tax Credit of 30% for Residential Solar PV installations was UNCAPPED at the end of 2008. It is not at all rare for the IRS not to put out new forms until partway through the year. Therefore, the 2008 form that shows a $2000 cap on the residential ITC for solar projects (Form 5695) is still floating around...HOWEVER, the truth is that the Federal ITC is 30% and uncapped, effective 2009, and
extended thru end of 2016. You can find this notation in the "What's New for 2009" section in the notes on the 2008 Form 5695.

Your CPA still doesn't believe you? Call SunPower, we are here to help.

2. Commercial Project? Go for the ITC Cash Grant!

The Stimulus Bill created an additional incentive for commercial projects that are put in service in 2009 - 2010: you can take the Federal ITC as a Cash Grant!

Treasury will administer the solar grant program and is required to pay out each solar grant within 60 days of the receipt of each application [Section 1603]. The solar grant is not subject to federal taxes [Section 1104].

This is a very informative link about the program: http://www.sunwize.com/commercial/business-solar-grant.php

What's next? Let's hear it for some MEANINGFUL climate change legislation!

Ontario, Canada has just implemented a feed-in tariff and we can't get PA House Bill 80 out of committee...stay tuned for legislative alerts to call your reps!

SunPower's Annual 2-Day Open House! Oct. 2nd & 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:56:00 +0000

It's that time again! You are invited to our annual 2-day open house in Collegeville.

Come see our expanded facilities - Net-Zero Energy and 100% solar powered! Celebrate this exciting year for solar with SunPower staff and other solar enthusiasts.

When: Friday October 2, 12pm -2pm & Saturday October 3, 10am-4pm

Where: SunPower Solar HQ - 80 Pechins Mill Road - Collegeville, PA 19426

What: SunPower Solar's 2-day Annual Open House, part of the NESEA Green Buildings Open House and ASES National Solar Tour. Enjoy networking, refreshments and presentations about PA rebates and solar financing, solar electricity and solar hot water and SunPower Afrique (www.sunpowerafrique.org)

Please call 610.489.1105 or email kira@sunpowerbuilders.com for more information.

Read the full Press Release:

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kira Costanza, 610-489-1105, kira@sunpowerbuilders.com

PUBLIC INVITED TO SUNPOWER SOLAR’S OPEN HOUSE

Leading PA Solar Installer to open doors October 2 and 3

Collegeville, PA – September 16, 2009 – Always wanted to learn about solar and energy efficiency? SunPower Solar (a division of SunPower Builders) is a local company that has been installing solar energy systems since the 1970s, and invites the community to celebrate solar at their annual “Off-the-Grid Gala” from 12 pm – 2 pm on Friday, October 2 and during the National Solar Tour & Green Buildings Open House from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, October 3. Both events take place at SunPower Solar office at 80 Pechins Mill Road, Collegeville, PA.

Now in their 4th decade of solar installations and energy efficient design and construction, SunPower Solar has compiled a diverse portfolio of projects in Southeastern PA, bound by the common threads of fine design, high quality craftsmanship and energy efficiency. Jon Costanza, President of SunPower Solar, states, “With state rebates, Federal Tax Credits and other incentives, solar is now more affordable than ever.” More information about how you can afford to go solar can be found at www.sunpowerbuilders.com.

Friday’s “Off-the-Grid Gala” is an opportunity to see a large solar energy system at work, completely powering the SunPower Solar office! Enjoy networking, meet the staff, and learn about everything solar, from technology to financing. Saturday’s event, part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s (www.nesea.org) Green Buildings Open House and American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour. SunPower Builders’ office, also the site of Founder and President Jon Costanza’s super energy efficient 1703 stone farmhouse, will be featured on the Tour for the 12th consecutive year. Costanza’s property is not only host to his home’s and business’s active photovoltaic (solar electricity generation) and solar hot water heating systems, but also exemplifies passive solar techniques, daylighting, superinsulation (soy-based), a geothermal heat pump and is built out of 80% salvaged and recycled materials.

At both events, information will also be available about SunPower Afrique, SunPower Solar’s nonprofit partner that is working to install solar energy systems through microfinance in Togo, West Africa. More on SunPower Afrique can be found at www.sunpowerafrique.org. Light refreshments will be served and casual dress is highly recommended.

Visit SunPower Solar at the PA Renewable Energy Fest - Kira Costanza also to speak about SunPower Afrique - Friday 9AM

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Hi Everyone -

Just a quick note to let you all know that SunPower Solar will be participating in the Pennsylvania Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Festival this weekend in Kempton, PA. Please come visit us at BOOTH 115!

In addition, Kira will be giving a presentation about SunPower Afrique's non-profit solar projects in Togo, West Africa at 9AM ON FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER. For more information about SunPower Afrique or to support these projects, please visit http://www.sunpowerafrique.org/

Hope to see you there!

The SunPower Team

PA Sunshine Program Update and Upcoming Events!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:47:00 +0000

The PA Sunshine Program is humming along quite smoothly. SunPower has received a slew of rebate reservations and is actively installing PV and SWH systems throughout SouthEastern PA!

Contact us to get started on going solar! (info@sunpowerbuilders.com)

The rebate level will remain at $2.25/Watt until the first "step" of installed capacity is reached in the state. Here is an update on those numbers:

In other news...

SunPower will be joining MSEIA and the SEF at the Sustainable Energy Conference at Lafayette College in Easton, PA on the weekend of July 31st. The event is open to the public and information is available here: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=710259

Kira Costanza will be traveling to Togo, W. Africa in August to work on SunPower Afrique project development. Please learn more and support SunPower's nonprofit work here: http://www.sunpowerafrique.org/ (every little bit helps!)

UPCOMING EVENTS: This fall will bring SunPower's annual hosting of the NESEA Solar Homes Tour and Open House, scheduled for the weekend of October as well as several other events including:

- September 12: Trappe Community Day
- September, TBC: Main Line Today Magazine's Home & Garden Show
- September 18-20: PA Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Festival where Kira will be giving a talk about SunPower Afrique! (http://www.paenergyfest.com/)
- September 26: Willow Creek's "Beyond Cans and Bottles Recycling Day" - SunPower has designed a large-scale solar PV system for this organic farm in Collegeville. (http://www.willowcreekorchards.com/)
- October 10: Peace Valley Nature Center's Solar Tour - SunPower designed and built a passive solar atrium at this Nature Center in Doylestown. (http://www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org/)

Please contact kira@sunpowerbuilders.com for information on any of these events and please do come out and join us!

Go Solar - Allez Solaire

Action Needed on PA House Bill 80!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Your help is needed ASAP to ensure the successful passage of House Bill 80, which has the potential to increase the solar share, continue our industry’s spectacular growth in PA and grow solar companies like SunPower!

Now is the time to make THREE calls to your reps! Please take 5 minutes to do so this afternoon or tomorrow morning, it will make a huge difference!

1. Please call your own representative and ask them, very simply, to support HB80 to grow the PA solar industry and create jobs (a personal anecdote or sentence about your company is helpful.)

Find your rep. here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm)

2 & 3. Please call Rep. Keith McCall at 717-783-1375 (Democratic leadership) and Rep. Sam Smith (Republican leadership) at 717-787-3845.

The message is: Please support solar in HB 80 with amendment 1997, which is the 3 percent solar share starting in 2011-2012.

Background: HB80 will increase the amount of solar power by a factor of six, and lead to the development of new renewable energy generation. This legislation would extend the timeline for the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) act to 2026 and strengthen Pennsylvania's competitive position by sending a strong, long-term market signal for new investment.

Thank you for your help – please call Kira Costanza at 610.489.1105 if you have any questions!

SunPower is Hiring!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Needed: Lead Carpenter to work with a growing solar and green contractor.

You have a sharp mind and pencil. You are nice, motivated, diligent, reliable and ethical. You can read and interpret plans and walk a roof like a mountain goat.

Must have reliable transportation, valid DL, and tools.

Great company, pay and benefits; solar training and incentives for a committed craftsperson.

Please send cover letter and resume to kira@sunpowerbuilders.com.

Go Solar! Save the Polar Bears!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:52:00 +0000

A typical 10kW system is equivalent to:

Planting more than one acre of trees per year.

Driving a car 10,000 miles less per year.

Burning 50 less barrels of oil per year.

Emitting 5 less tons of Carbon Dioxide per year.

Emitting 40 less tons of Sulfur Dioxide per year.

Join SunPower & the PA Solar Community at PV AMERICA!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Fri, 29 May 2009 00:24:00 +0000

On June 8-10, 2009 PV America conference takes Philly by storm! The conference, being held at the Convention Center in Philadelphia, comes at an exciting time for the PV (Photovoltaics - used to generate solar electricity) industry,whose momentum appears unstoppable in 2009. It is also exciting to have the nations first conference dedicated solely to PV right in our backyard!

As a member of the Executive Comittee for the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA), a co-sponor of the conference, Kira Costanza has worked for months with fellow MSEIA members to ensure the conference's success.

If you have not already signed up for PV America, please do! (especially if you are an MSEIA member! You get a great discount!) If you are a solar business, the conference is an excellent opportunity for networking and learning about new incentives and financing opportunities. If you are not a business, just an individual interested in solar, the conference is open to the public as well on the 9th, from 12pm-8pm.

AND if you can't make it to the conference, MSEIA is also organizing SOLAR TOURS in the greater Philly area - You can register and find out more information here: http://www.mseia.net/SolarTours.html or contact kira@sunpowerbuilders.com.

Hope to see you there! Solar Geeks Unite.

PA Sunshine Program NOW OPEN!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:10:00 +0000

MEDIA ADVISORY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kira Costanza, 610-489-1105, kira@sunpowerbuilders.com

SOLAR TAKES OFF IN PA with LAUNCH OF REBATE PROGRAM

Collegeville, PA – May 18, 2009 – On Monday, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) begins accepting rebate applications for residential and small business solar energy installations. The rebate program, called the PA Sunshine Program, was approved by the legislature last July under Gov. Rendell’s $650 million Alternative Energy Funding Act, and allots $100 million for the Commonwealth’s new solar initiative.

In the wake of the new program, new solar companies are cropping up throughout our region. PA has an aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, with 225 mW of required solar installed by the year 2015, and a developing SREC market. Thousands of kilowatts of PV are expected to be installed in the first year of the program, SunPower Solar alone has nearly 30 contracts in queue to receive funding. Once a 3 person operation, SunPower’s staff of 20 now looks forward to hiring more installers and office staff, as well as increasing its office facilities to accommodate the business’s growth in 2009.

The beginning of the program may present a bumpy ride, as thousands of applications are filed in the first few days and the state grapples with new procedures and a lack of personnel to administer the program. In addition, the solar Thermal (solar water heating) portion of the program will be opening one week late, as a result of problems with the online application. However, PA is the first state in the US to open up a state-wide solar thermal program and its energy policy is quite progressive, ensuring a bright future for solar in PA. SunPower Solar has worked with legislators, the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA), and others throughout this program’s development. As Ron Celentano, VP for MSEIA, states, “MSEIA worked very hard to help shape the Sunshine program design. Although not all of our recommendations were included, we are very happy to see this program finally launch.”

In addition to the PA Sunshine Program, several other initiatives are opening in our state to fund solar energy projects. The Commonwealth Financing Authority has also opened its Solar Energy Program, for larger solar projects as well as R&D and manufacturing. Details on this program can be found at http://www.newpa.com/. The DEP is also accepting applications for Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority (PEDA) grants, which can be used for large-scale, innovative solar projects, and hopes to open a new program for nonprofits and municipalities called PA Conservation Works! in mid-June. Information on these, as well as the PA Sunshine Program can be found at www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent.

About SunPower Solar, Est. 1972 – SunPower is now in our 4th decade of solar installations and energy efficient design and construction. SunPower has compiled a diverse portfolio of projects, bound by the common threads of fine design, high quality craftsmanship and energy efficiency. More information on SunPower’s projects, experience and how to get started with solar energy can be found at http://www.sunpowerbuilders.com/

PA Solar Rebates

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:38:00 +0000

It's official! The PA Sunshine Program will open on May 18th!

SunPower has confirmed that the program will be offering $2.25/Watt installed reimbursement grants for residential PV projects up to 10kW (close to our 30% projection.) For projects greater than 10kW, the rebate amount will step down $.25 for each level (11-100kW @ $2.00/Watt; 100-200kW @$1.75) For residential solar thermal projects (solar water heating) there is also a $2,000 rebate available.

This rebate, when combined with the 30% uncapped Federal ITC, savings on your electric bill and SREC sales, makes the payback on your home or small biz solar system 6-7 YEARS!

The public guidelines for the program as well as the list of participating contractors will be available on the 16th of May. SunPower has already received its certification as a Participating Contractor for the Sunshine Program from DEP (image below.)

Solar has never been more affordable in PA - Contact us to get started and schedule a site survey!

info@sunpowerbuilders.com or610.489.1105

Jon Costanza Profiled in Grid Philly 2009 Issue!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:33:00 +0000

These days, when Jon Costanza talks to groups about the benefits of solar power, he starts off with his ponytail tucked up out of sight. His audiences, consisting of many people dressed in business suites, often look far more conservative than those he addressed decades ago. Back then, audiences looked a lot more like him, Costanza likes to point out as he lets his ponytail down.

Read the full article by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/redflag/gridphilly_200905/#/10
(Page 10)

Closer and Closer...Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Information is beginning to become available on the PA DEP website about the PA Sunshine Program. Applications for qualified installers have been online for several weeks and the DEP has begun publishing information about the program and about solar for consumers interested in solar in PA. Please visit this website for information:

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=545926

We hope that you had a great Earth Day! Since we are no longer the only ones hugging trees, we were happy to have participated in the following events and "Green Fests" throughout our area:

• Jenkintown GreenFest
• Lower Providence Earth Day Celebration
• Rep. William Adolf's Green Energy Expo
• Rep. Mike Vereb and John Rafferty's Alternative Energy and Environmental Awareness Expo
• Wyeth's Earth Day Celebration and Green Expo
• ECA's 25th Anniversary & 2009 Energy Awards (congratulations to our hero Maureen Mulligan!)

Additionally, on April 21st, Jon Costanza was a panelist at Penn State Great Valley's Green Energy Summit , where he addressed a crowd of hundreds of homeowners and local politicians about the benefits of the solar energy boom in our state. Kira Costanza also spoke on a Green Jobs panel at Penn State Brandywine last week, to parents and high school students looking to get into green and STEM careers.

Coming up:
• Kira speaks at the Bryn Mawr Rotary Club about SunPower Afrique (May 11th, 2009; www.sunpowerafrique.org)
• PennFuture's 2009 Clean Energy Conference (June 3-4, 2009)
• PV America (co-sponsored by MSEIA, June 8-10, 2009)

Stay tuned for updates on the opening of the PA Sunshine Program and call us with any questions - 610.489.1105

CFA Vote Passes in Harrisburg!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:54:00 +0000

The solar industry has surpassed another hurdle, and the PA rebate program is weeks away!

Today in Harrisburg, the Commonwealth Financing Authority voted unanimously to raise the neccesary bonds to fund the PA Sunshine Program.

With standing room only, a crowd of nearly 30 PA and NJ solar installers, integrators, financiers and other stakeholders, representing 18 companies, attended the CFA meeting. SunPower Builders rep. Kira Costanza (who also serves as Secretary for the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association, or MSEIA) was there, following up on last weekend's Inquirer article and getting ready for the solar boom.

Thank you to Maureen Mulligan, Ron Celentano, fellow MSEIA members and everyone else who helped make this happen!

Read the Inquirer article here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20090414_Pa__solar-rebate_funding_approved.html

Read the full MSEIA press release (coming soon) at http://www.mseia.net/

SunPower in the Inquirer!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Posted on Sun, Apr. 5, 2009 on philly.com

No funds yet for Pa. solar plan

Lawmakers allotted $100M in July for the program. It's been stalled in Harrisburg.

By Diane Mastrull
Inquirer Staff Writer

Way before "going green" became the crusade it is today, Collegeville contractor Jon Costanza built one of the first solar-powered homes on the East Coast.

That was in Haverford in 1972.

He has waited since then for the industry to catch fire and believed, in July, that the Pennsylvania legislature had at least struck the match.

It had approved Gov. Rendell's $650 million Alternative Energy Funding Act, which allotted $100 million for a new solar initiative. The Pennsylvania Sunshine Program would provide rebates of upward of 35 percent to homeowners and small businesses to offset the cost of buying solar systems, much as New Jersey does.

With Sunshine's birth, "we immediately started hiring," Costanza, president of Sunpower Builders, said last week.

One big problem: Funding for the program still has not materialized. That has delayed the installation of possibly thousands of residential solar systems and the hiring of countless people to do that work, just as Pennsylvania tries to recast itself as a leader in green technology - both as a consumer and innovator.

"If the incentive money doesn't start flowing, we're going to have to start laying off instead of hiring," said Costanza, whose Sunpower Builders now has 12 employees.

While lauding Rendell for the Sunshine Program, Costanza's daughter Kira, who works in the family business, said: "Until we see those dollars going into the rebate program . . . it's just words."

She said that about 40 contracts between Sunpower and potential customers sit in a drawer while the Sunshine funds remain stalled in Harrisburg.

Read the full article here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/homepage/20090405_No_funds_yet_for_Pa__solar_plan.html

(NOTE: If this article is no longer on the Inquirer's website, please contact kira@sunpowerbuilders.com for an electronic copy, thanks!)

Bring on the Sun! (ASAP...)

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:20:00 +0000

The Sunshine Rebate Program is still on hold partly because Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA) has not yet voted on floating bonds to fund the Program.

CFA’s next meeting is to be held on April 13, 2009, and the guidelines are on the agenda again. This will be the third time this issue is on the agenda. If you want the PA Sunshine Program to start soon, attend the CFA meeting on April 13. Wear something to distinguish yourself as a solar business or advocate. There will a very limited opportunity to speak but they will at least know we are there and need them to vote to open the program now. BE THERE!!!

CFA meets at Dixon University Center
Richards Recital Hall
2986 N. Second St.
Harrisburg, PA

April 13, 2009 : 10AM

Please let us know via email (kira@sunpowerbuilders.com) whether,

You will attend this meeting

And/Or

If you are a solar installer – please tell us how many projects you have lined up that have been stalled because of this delay

Or

If you are personally waiting to have a solar system installed at your house or facility.

J - O - B - S

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:26:00 +0000

The Solar Energy Research & Education Foundation (SEREF) and Google.org today unveiled an interactive “solar jobs map” that visually tells the story of how effective federal energy policy will drive a rapid increase in the use of solar energy and create thousands of new green-collar jobs.

Please check out this great interactive map here: http://seref.us/solarjobsmap.html. (Google Earth software is needed to view and manipulate the map.)

SunPower Solar Workforce -
Growth and Development

The Economics of Solar

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Jan. 2009 - We are no longer a handful of experienced installers and environmental idealists...new installers, financiers, engineers, students, consultants, manufacturers, salesmen and politicians jump onto the "Green Bandwagon" every day. The overwhelming response and industry growth has made one thing very clear: the attractiveness of solar is now in the numbers.

Here at SunPower, where we have been designing and installing solar energy systems since 1972, we couldn't be happier!

Above: SunPower's solar office is powered by the PV poles pictured here!

A solar system is a long-term investment in renewable energy at a kiloWatt rate that will never increase. When considering utility rate inflation and other rising energy costs, the payback period on your system can be significantly reduced. Not only will solar save you money, it will reduce your impact on the environment by producing clean, green energy!

SunPower Builders understands the considerable investment that a solar system represents. We are available to provide information, submit applications and connect you to the necessary resources to finance your installation.

While we are not CPAs, lawyers, wordsmiths or financial advisors, we have detailed several of the financial incentives for going solar below. They are intended as informational guidelines from the solar industry and do not replace an analysis by your financial or tax professional - each situation is unique!

Above: A SunPower Solar Barn in Newtown, PA

1. Federal Tax Credits

The Federal Government’s Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit and Business Energy Tax Credit offer up to a 30% tax credit for solar installations. For businesses and residences the tax credit is 30% of installation cost and is uncapped.

2. Pennsylvania Sunshine Rebate Program

In July, Pennsylvania passed the Alternative Energy Investment Act, a law that will provide $100 million for solar photovoltaic systems and solar water heating systems for homes and small businesses. Like many other states, this $100 million will be distributed through a rebate program on a $$/Watt installed basis. While the dollar amount has not yet been specified, legislators and industry professionals estimate the rebate at approximately 30% of installation cost. This program will be managed by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which is now working to design the new program and place applications online.

Kira Costanza of SunPower participates regularly in the state's Solar Working Group meetings and is in regular contact with legislators and industry professionals to assure the most up-to-date information for our clients.

Above: Part of a 19.2kW PV array in Bucks County, PA.

3. Net Metering – For PV Installations

SunPower will work with your utility company to set up a net-metering program. Net metering is when the solar power produced by your system exceeds what your home is using, and the excess electric power flows into the utility power grid. At the end of each month, the utility subtracts the solar power produced from the total power used.

4. Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

An SREC market is emerging in Pennsylvania. The state is now requires electricity suppliers to provide a percentage of their electricity sales from solar generation through Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS.) This means they have to construct large solar arrays to provide sustainable electricity or (more likely) they will purchase this power from other suppliers. If you own solar photovoltaics, you produce SRECs, which can be sold on the open market like any commodity. SunPower can help you to sell and/or trade your SRECs, generating more savings with solar!

In addition, we are all looking to President Obama for the future of the Solar REC market...it is possible that he will raise the National RPS, providing more incentive opportunities and a huge boost for the solar industry.

5. Financing Programs

SunPower Builders is an approved contractor for PA's special financing programs for solar installations and other energy-efficient home improvements. Keystone HELP, Solar Lending Now, the Sustainable Energy Fund and others offer varying loan amounts and terms. Please contact us for more information about these programs.

Above: A roof-mounted installation on a S.E. PA residence.

6. Consider This: Utility Rate Inflation and Deregulation

Energy costs are increasing. Due to the "uncapping" of electricity rates by PA in 2010-2011, for the first time electricity consumers will pay real market costs for generating electricity- an increase of at least 30% of generated cost. The costs to fuel our vehicles and heat our homes, schools and businesses are projected to increase as well. "Business as usual" is an increasingly expensive option and investments in solar are even more attractive.

Deregulations has already started in Western PA. According to the Susquehanna Economic Development Association (SEDA), Allegheny Power customers' bills could rise by 63 percent when its rate caps expire late in 2010!

Please be in touch with us to discuss the economics of solar at your home or business.

Happy Holidays from SunPower

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:28:00 +0000

SunPower in the News

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Currents Fall 2008: Businesses consider solar power

More than four years ago, Tim Kauffman became fed up with the electricity and gas bills at the physical-therapy company he co-owns in Lancaster County.

Shortly thereafter, 30 solar panels were installed on the roof of Kauffman-Gamber Physical Therapy's main office, near the border of Manheim Township and Lancaster.

The solar-power system provides the office with electricity and hot water, Kauffman said. The hot-water needs at the office include the therapy pool, showers and laundry.

The system saves the company about 90 percent of what it normally paid each year to heat its water, Kauffman said. And it saves the company about 50 percent of what it usually paid annually for electricity, he said.

"We're definitely saving, as far as the amount of energy that we're consuming from the utilities," he said. "For the past two and a half months, I've had the gas line literally shut off and the plug undone, so everything's come from the sun."

Kauffman-Gamber, a private physical-therapy practice, worked with Montgomery County-based SunPower Builders to design and install the system. Kauffman would not disclose the cost of the system but said based on the price of electricity in 2004, the firm expects the system to pay for itself within 15 to 18 years.

On the hot-water end, the system is expected to pay for itself within three to five years, he said.

"It is a big upfront cost, and you have to have the vision to look beyond just the next paycheck," Kauffman said.

SunPower has designed and constructed energy-efficient systems for residential and commercial buildings for more than 30 years, said Kira Costanza, spokeswoman for SunPower.

A system typically can pay for itself within seven to 15 years, depending on the size and cost of the system, she said. Increasing oil prices, the anticipated removal of Pennsylvania utility- rate caps and other factors will significantly reduce the payback period, she said.

The federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit for businesses that install solar systems, Costanza said. This summer, the state Legislature also passed an energy bill that will provide rebates of up to 35 percent for solar installations, she said. The program has yet to be administered.

"The only hesitation is cost, but this is starting to change. People want solar. We get cold calls all day long from businesses hoping to reduce their environment impact and utility costs," she said. "For businesses, more than for home-owners at this time, it is becoming a reality."

For the complete article, click this link:

http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=27253723.8692743.892242.1984936.1155599.768&aID2=68625

Celebrate Solar with SunPower Builders!

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:41:00 +0000

Please click on images to ENLARGE THEM.

http://www.sunpowerbuilders.com/

610.489.2381

Jon Costanza wins Green Power Pioneer Award from PennFuture

noreply@blogger.com (SunPower Builders) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:07:00 +0000

By Kira Costanza

On Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Jon Costanza was honored, with other Pennsylvania 'Green Power Heros,' at a PennFuture luncheon in Philadelphia. In front of a crowd of PA renewable energy enthusiasts and activists, Jon was recognized for his 33+ years of experience and dedication to the solar industry in Pennsylvania.

He was awarded the "Green Power Pioneer" award for his "continued efforts to grow the solar energy industry in Pennsylvania and participation in the Great Green Jobs Campaign."

Jon's award was well deserved and it was wonderful to see him recognized for his commitment and hard work.

Other winners included the Phillies, the Pittsburg Children's Museum and several organic farms for their promotion and use of renewable energy. Several PA power companies that sell large amounts of wind and solar power were also awarded. Optimism and anticipation defined the mood of the luncheon, as we celebrated the growth of solar and wind and other environmental achievements in our state.

All of us at SunPower are thrilled to see the rise in use and increasing mainstream conciousness of solar energy in Pennsylvania. It's time to go solar!