Justin Green is the co-founder of Southern View Energy in Hall County, a new company that designs and installs solar energy equipment in businesses and homes. Just this week, the company's first residential project became a reality.
Green said while the ideal situation for Southern View is to work on new homes, it is certainly possible for the company to retro-fit established homes with solar panels. In fact, this first solar panel installation took place in a ranch-style home that is several years old.
"The layout of everyone's home is, of course, different," said Green. "But, for the most part, if you've got a clear view of the southern sky, the system can work."
Basically, there are two goals to solar-equipping a home or business. One is environmental...the other, financial.
"They [the federal government] are offering 30-percent federal tax credits for businesses and personal use," said Green of solar construction. "The state of Georgia is actually allowing a 35-percent tax credit."
In addition, Green estimates that, with reduced electricity bills, a homeowner will recoup the cost of installing solar panels in about a three-year time period.
Even though this current project is Southern View's first, Green feels there will be many more in the future, noting that as prices rise for electricity and fuel, the demand for solar energy can only grow.
*The location of the home has not been published to protect the privacy of the homeowner.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/11/224580