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LOS GATOS, Calif., Sept. 12, 2003 -- A new generation of solar panels will be installed in two New Jersey homes this week by leading California solar panel installer Akeena Solar, enabling the residents, Mark Holshouser, of Chester, New Jersey, and Neal and Joanne Flaster, of Montville, New Jersey, to take advantage of high-performance, lower-cost solar energy technology while reducing their overall electric bills. Akeena recently opened an office in Clifton, New Jersey to serve the New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia residential and commercial solar energy markets.
Electric rates in New Jersey were raised, starting August 1, 2003, and the long-term advantages of the panels that Akeena Solar will install this week include annual savings of approximately $1,000.00 on electricity, which will increase as electric rates rise. New Jersey state tax credits for the panel installations paid for more than 60% of the solar panels.
Barry Cinnamon, president and CEO of Akeena Solar, and a New Jersey native, notes "if you can afford an SUV, you can afford a solar panel."
"Just as with data networks, with distributed bandwidth, electrical networks can take advantage of distributed power generation, which does not require a wholesale upgrade of the electrical grid," said Cinnamon. "As people's roofs start to generate electricity, they become less dependent on the grid, and can provide their own clean, reliable energy. Distributed generation through solar energy is not only a 'blackout blocker,' but a fiscally prudent move for New Jersey residents."
The Holshauser residence will receive 48 185-watt modules, manufactured by Sharp Electronics, and the Flaster residence will receive 36 167-watt black frame modules manufactured by Kyocera Electronics. Both residences represent the first installations of the Sharp and Kyocera panels, which are part of a new generation of higher-yield, lower-cost solar panels.
Virtually all large residential and commercial solar electric systems designed by Akeena provide positive cash flows in the very first year. Solar electric systems are the most environmentally friendly way of generating electricity.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical 6 kilowatt system in New Jersey will save 32 pounds of nitrogen oxides (NO) each year, 44 pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2) each year and 17,199 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year -- equivalent to the CO2 absorption of two acres of trees. And these benefits will continue for the 30+ year lifetime of the system.
For many residences and businesses, Akeena recommends installing enough photovoltaic (PV) module area to fully utilize each 2500 watt inverter (the inverter is the most expensive component in your system).
Multiple inverter/PV module arrays can then be installed to generate the desired output. Since high-performance PV modules generate about 12 watts per square foot, this will require about 250 square feet of available roof space (there are usually gaps and walking spaces between modules, so space utilization is not 100%). Akeena's office in Clifton, New Jersey can be reached directly at 888-253-3628.
Akeena Solar is the fastest growing national solar electric designer and installer. Akeena provides customers with an unsurpassed combination of solar design expertise, financial analysis and quality installation. Their growing list of satisfied commercial and residential customers is a reflection of the care and attention they pay to every installation.
Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Akeena installs solar electric systems in California, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. For more information, visit the web site at www.akeena.net.
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