Small businesses go solar

Kyocera Solar, Inc. and American Solar Electric, Inc. announced that a recently unveiled 19.2 kilowatt solar electric power system has tested at 106 percent of expected projections. The new system — independently tested by Phoenix’s utility company, Salt River Project (SRP) — is installed at the Integrity Building Corp (IBC) headquarters in Mesa, Ariz., and has allowed the small business to save thousands of dollars on electricity.

Designed and installed by American Solar Electric, the flat-roof grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is comprised of 96 Kyocera KC200GT high output 200-watt PV modules. The solar electric system is estimated to produce 32,640 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which equates to offsetting nearly 450 tons of CO2 emissions over the life of the system.

“The fact that the solar electric system featuring Kyocera’s modules has outperformed expectations and tested above 100 percent is indicative of the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence, and providing quality solar energy products to the world,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.

Following the lead of municipalities, universities and home builders, small businesses have shown an increased interest in solar power. As small businesses make up the largest portion of ArizonaÂ’s business sector, itÂ’s a trend that could have a significant impact on the solar industry while contributing to a reduction in the stateÂ’s carbon footprint.

“This is an exciting time for the solar industry as more companies like IBC are showing their commitment to clean energy,” said Lori Singleton, SRP manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies.

IBC is projected to alleviate most of the cost of the system with incentives in three layers: an SRP EarthWise Solar Energy rebate, federal and state tax credits, and corporate depreciation.

“IBC’s project is a great example of how a small business can realize the benefits of a PV power system,” said Sean Seitz, president of American Solar Electric. “Not only will they save money on their utility bill by generating their own solar electricity, but they also significantly increased the value of their property.”

The SRP EarthWise Solar Energy program is designed to help reduce the cost of installing a new solar electric or solar water heating system for residential and business customers who invest in the clean, zero-emissions energy source. An incentive of $2.50 per watt is available for business customers that install solar electric systems larger than 10 kilowatts.

Under SRPÂ’s Sustainable Portfolio, goals set by its publicly-elected board of directors, SRP must secure sustainable and renewable resources to meet 15 percent of its retail energy needs by 2025.

The program determines the incentive payment to the customer — $50,000 for the IBC project — based on the projected energy production of the system. This approach encourages customers and installers to invest in the most efficient products available.

“IBC is committed to practical sustainability; each person does what they can to help preserve our environment,” said Kevin Benson, president of Integrity Building Corp.

“We live in a desert — using solar power is one of the easiest steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint.”