312kW Solar System Installed at Metuchen Sportsplex
Solar Energy World is finishing installing a 312kW solar array with 1,248 LG 250-watt panels at the Metuchen Sportsplex in central, NJ. The solar energy system will supply approximately 34%of the building’s energy needs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 215 metric tons a year.
Metuchen Sportsplex is the tenant of the property. Owned by its joint venture partner, an affiliate of The Maven Group, the property was originally classified as a “Brownfield” and another affiliate of the Maven Group completed remediation of the site and built the 70,000 sq. ft. indoor recreation center, which opened in the fall of 2010.
As part of its development agreement with the Borough of Metuchen, The Maven Group moved forward with solar energy in late spring of 2011 to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and affirm its commitment to renewable energy.
Stuart Schooler, the managing partner of the joint venture, was asked about the firm’s decision to install photovoltaic panels. ”We evaluate geothermal, photovoltaics and wind energy for every project we develop. A relatively urban recreational facility sitting atop a former brownfields site is an almost ideal application for solar-generated electricity. In the long-run it will keep rental costs down for teams that use the fields and provide other practical benefits like reflecting heat off of the roof to reduce the need for air conditioning and extend the life of the roof.”
This solar panel installation isn’t a first for The Maven Group, previously installing solar on their Rockville Ice Rink. So, they were familiar with most of the benefits. The project will generate Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC). These certificates can be sold on New Jersey’s SREC tracking system and will generate approximately $184,000 in revenue during the system’s first year in operation.
“Every installation requires the collaboration of the local government for zoning and permitting, the owner, the user and [while not technically a requirement,] the public utility. During and in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, SEW delivered this rooftop system without losing a single panel and completed its interconnection with PSE&G on time, a testament to the real economic benefits of cooperation even in the face of a natural disaster” said Solar Energy World VP, Geoff Mirkin.
Solar Energy World plans to finalize the solar energy system and connect it to the electrical grid within the coming weeks.
International solar: Kaohsiung World Stadium (Taiwan)
Kaohsiung World Stadium is an excellent example of solar energy for the masses (or even commercial properties). The multi-purpose stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was completed in 2009. It is the largest stadium in the country (by capacity) and the largest solar-powered athletic stadium in the world. Kaohsiung National Stadium hosted the 2009 World Games and holds 55,000 people.
Kaohsiung is semi-spiral shaped like a dragon, with 8,844 photovoltaic solar panels lining the external face. The solar panels are able to provide 75% of the needed electricity for the stadium. The solar panels generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity every year, avoiding 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide output.
Source: World Games 2009
Solar in the News: IKEA and General Motors
Solar energy is the fastest growing industry in the country and it is showing no signs of slowing down.
Locally, General Motor’s broke ground on an expansion to its White Marsh transmission plant just outside of Baltimore. The addition to the plant, which currently produces hybrid and heavy duty transmissions, will be dedicated to making critical components for electric motors. When the plant opens in 2013, the electric motor plant will be the first of its kind by a major U.S. automaker.
The expansion will include a 1.23MW rooftop photovoltaic solar system. Expected to generate nine percent of the plant’s energy consumption, the system will save approximately $330,000 during its lifetime.
According to GM Vice President Mike Robinson, “GM will offset up to 1,103 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the air per year – equivalent to the emissions from 216 passenger vehicles.”
Leading furniture retailer Ikea also recently announced the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on six of it’s east coast stores, two in Maryland. The Baltimore and College Park locations can expect panels as early as fall of this year. The plan for the two Maryland locations includes 7,840 photovoltaic panels that would offset 1,822 tons of carbon dioxide.
Also on the horizon is a $70 million dollar solar energy farm at a state prison near Hagerstown. The solar energy farm would sit on 50 state-owned acres surrounding the medium-security Maryland Correctional Institution and inmates will tend the grounds and keep the panels clean.
The 20MW farm is still waiting on the go ahead from state regulators. If approved, the project could be completed as early as 2012 and would generate enough energy to power 2,250 homes.
Solar power in the news
If you’re considering adding photovoltaic solar panels to your residence or commercial project, here’s some good news: research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found “strong evidence that California homes with photovoltaic systems have sold for a premium over comparable homes without PV systems.” 
In an April 21 article, the New York Times shared that researchers looked at both homes with photovoltaic systems and homes without in California over an eight-and-a-half-year period ending in mid-2009. This is great news for those concerned that they’ll have to use their solar panels for many years before seeing a return on investment.
If you’re installing solar panels, you may get an even bigger bang for your buck. The study found that homeowners who install solar panels on existing houses get nearly three times the premium of homeowners whose house came with solar panels. You’re investing in a valuable upgrade for your home, and the market value will reflect that.
To read more on the study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, visit: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/study-finds-solar-panels-increase-home-values/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Earth Day Round-Up
You most likely knew that April 22nd was Earth Day but did you know that the month of April is “Earth Month”?
Many events were held all over Maryland (even one of our own!) where people celebrated green jobs, clean energy, organic gardening, recycling and much more. Here are a few highlights around town:
Elkridge Solar Firm Launches Nonprofit Coalition to Lobby for More Clean Energy
Solar Energy World became convinced that community activism would have to be part of their business strategy before their rooftop solar panels would gain wide acceptance. In short, they realized they had to first win the hearts and minds of voters if clean energy–principally solar, geothermal and wind–would garner the same tax incentives oil and coal companies received.
Read more about Solar Energy World and the launch of the Clean Energy Coalition>>
To learn more about the Clean Energy Coalition>>
Here is a clip from the press conference with Solar Energy World guests, Maryland Delegate James Malone and Jim Pierobon from the Maryland Clean Energy Center:
BWI Gets Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Earth Day
Gov. Martin O’Malley celebrated Earth Day on Friday by announcing the installation of eight electric vehicle charging stations at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Read more about the BWI EV Charging Stations>>
All over Montgomery County Earth Day was being celebrated! – brought to you by Patch
Congressman Chris Van Hollen and professional artists from Montgomery County stressed the importance of art to young people and to the community as VisArts at Rockville hosted an awards ceremony for the 8th Congressional District Art Competition for High School Students on Tuesday.
A new community garden will give 50 families the chance to grow and harvest their own food. County Executive Isiah Leggett, as well as community and religious leaders, were on hand at the Emory Grove garden to break ground on Saturday..
Commercial Featured Project: Glebar, Inc.
After last week’s post about commercial solar installation, we wanted to share a project. Glebar Inc., of Franklin Lanes, N.J., is a manufacturer of precision grinding systems. In February 2011, Solar Energy World installed 300 Schuco monocrystalline panels to create the optimal solar panel system for Glebar.
Glebar received a 30 percent federal tax grant to help cover the $278,500 cost. The project will offer approximately $8,000 of electrical avoidance each year. The project also resulted in 61 Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs); SRECs can be sold on New Jersey’s SREC tracking system, providing revenue for the system’s first 15 years. New Jersey’s SREC system is second in the nation only to California’s.
Over the life of the project, it is estimated that the panels will earn approximately $300,000 and avoid continued electrical costs.
Commercial Solar: Installation
Many people know that Solar Energy World is a leading installer of residential solar panels. But did you also know that we are one of the largest solar integrators in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and New Jersey? We design and install cutting-edge, highly efficient, versatile solar energy systems for businesses who want to be both green and financially savvy.
There are many options available to commercial building owners, including Capital Investment (customer-owned system) and Power Purchase Agreement. Once your business decides on the best system, our team will work with you throughout the entire installation.
Our commercial installation services include a through cost-benefit analysis, a feasibility study and detailed engineering design, a walk-through of the permit and rebate process, the system install, and on-going service and support. From the initial site survey to marketing support to promote your solar system, Solar Energy World is there, step-by-step.
If you own a commercial building, schedule a meeting to learn how you can start saving and earning with solar.
Commercial Benefits of Solar
You might think that commercial solar arrays are expensive. The reality is this: it’s costly NOT to go solar. Here’s the breakdown (what you’re missing!):
- The typical ROI (return on investment) is between 12-30%!
- The federal government subsidizes your system by 30% (uncapped)
- The state of Maryland (as an example) offers up to $2.5 million per system in tax incentives, and many counties in the state also offer credits or grants. Other states offer credits and grants as well.
- Increase the resale value significantly without adding to property tax liability
- Write off 100% depreciation in the first year
- Reduction in operating costs while electricity costs skyrocket throughout the country
- “Hedge” against the rising energy costs
- Promote your business’ efforts at going green
These are a handful of the benefits of going solar for businesses.
Business owners also have options to meet their needs, as Solar Energy World offers a type of “rent-to-own” option called “Power Purchase Agreements” or the ability to own your own system and fast-track MAXIMUM savings and earnings.
Learn more about our company’s commercial solar energy options, and the government incentives for solar power that are available.
Remember, “Go green, save green!“