She was thrilled to find Greg Rothers at Rothers Design/Build .  Greg had experience with straw bale construction and had previously partnered with The Energy Savings Store on solar projects.  

Together, we built radiant-heated floors using solar energy and a solar hot water system. The water piped through the concrete floors is heated by 4 Heliodyne solar panel collectors mounted on the south wall of a detached garage.  The pre-heated water is stored in two tanks. Janet also uses it  for normal domestic hot water purposes. 

“We appreciate Greg partnering with us early in the process,” says Bob Solger, Proprietor of The Energy Savings Store (TESS).  “Many clients considering building a green home often come to us first and Greg is one of the builders we recommend because of our collaborative relationship.” 

Jim Kostucik, with Redstone Homes, is another builder assisted by TESS when a client was interested in using thin-film solar panels on a metal roof in Stillwell, KS.  “Involving us early in the design process can avoid problems and delays later on,” says Bob.  “Our engineering team and experience  can help builders wade through the enormous amount of information about wind turbines (windmills) and solar panels.”

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Dan will be conducting the “Solar Power Makes Cents Now !” workshop on April 1, 2010 from 6:30 to  9:00.

Solar power costs have dropped over 50% in the past year.  Prices of photovoltaic  modules have fallen dramatically over the last 12 months. Missouri has a generous rebate program that started in January  2010. These factors, combined with a 30% Federal Tax Credits have slashed costs by over 50%.

In this talk, Dan Chiras, Ph.D., will discuss the highly favorable economics of solar energy. Dan will discuss the basics of solar energy – how solar modules work, the types of systems, and common misunderstandings. He will also discuss how much it will cost to install a photovoltaic system on your home or business, taking into account numerous incentives now available in Kansas City that are making  solar such a great investment! Dan will also present other inexpensive and innovative ideas that can help you reduce the initial size and cost of your PV system.

Dan is author of numerous books on renewable energy, including Power from the Sun, Power from the Wind, and The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy.

Come by early and tour the showroom, see different types of solar panels, wind turbines and more.

Drinks and appetizers provided.
Sponsoring organizations include ShowMeSolar ; Hathmore Technologies; and Heartland Renewable Energy Society.

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This picture shows them standing in front of one of four new energy efficient homes in the Argentine area of Kansas City, Kansas.  Solger’s Lenexa, KS,  based wind energy and solar power company installed solar hot water units, Solatubes for natural light, SolarSheats for space heating, and solar attic fans on each home. Other energy saving features include improved insulation, vapor barriers,  and spray foam around the homes’ rims.

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Solar became the solution for Ray and Kathy Baisch after seeing their electric rates increase by over 30% in the last three years.  Located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, the Baisch’s had been considering a solar-powered electric system for years.  The couple got serious about making the investment when they learned that KCP&L was offering a new solar rebate.  The new rebate was a result of Proposition C that Missourians overwhelmingly passed in 2008 (read more here). The $2/watt rebate covers about 25% of the price of a solar system.  Combining this incentive with the 30% Federal tax credit – and nearly half of the cost is covered.

After meeting with a Renewable Energy Consultant at The Energy Savings Store, the couple decided to purchase a 4.14 KW system.  The solar system will offset nearly 90% of their energy usage.  The system was placed in service the first week of January. “The Baisch’s may be the first rebate recipients in the state,”  said Roland Maliwat, Manager of Sustainability at KCP&L.  “We supported Prop C and are very happy to see it result in solar installations for our customers.”

Net Metering
Not only are Ray and Kathy excited about being the first KCP&L customers to receive the rebate, they are also eagerly awaiting the possibility of watching their electric meter spin backwards when their system is producing more than they need.  In addition to the rebate the utility company will allow the couple to net meter.  With net metering the Baisch’s will be able to accumulate credits for months that their system produces more than they need.  When they have months that they use more electricity than their system produces they will be able to use the accumulated credits from the prior month.

Over the course of the year the Baisch’s will end up paying very little on their electric bills. They are looking forward to a day in the near future where the energy savings will have paid for the cost of the system - after that Ray and Kathy can expect decades of free electricity.

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I’ve been selling solar energy systems for a number of years and have learned a thing or two about helping people select the solar panels that are right for them.  I love being back in Kansas City and hope you’ll come in to see some of the solar equipment on display and ask some questions. 

Making a solar photovoltaic (PV) system purchase can be intimidating to say the least.  There are many things to consider – correct placement, all the technology and innovative solutions available, among them. I’m going to try and shed some light on the process for you. It may help you to see some of what I’m talking about in our showroom. 

We carry traditional solar panels as well as the solar PV laminates (which are somewhat less efficient) and the more upscale solar roof tiles.  While there are some similarities, there’s a wide a variety of differences in panels, and they are suited to fit particular situations. 

Our staff at The Energy Savings Store has the most experience installing solar panels in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois – we have a pretty good sense of what’s going to work well in our area and for your particular situation. (As a side note, we also ensure that our clients get all the available financial incentives.) If you talk with  different installers, you’ll want to be informed about what the important issues are: I’ve outlined them below. 

Your Utility Bills
First take a look at your last twelve months of utility bills. Your electric bill will show you the present and previous meter readings, along with the difference, which is your usage.  This is how you’re billed for electricity used, measured in kilowatt hours (or kWh for 1,000 Watt hours).  You’ll likely have peaks in the summertime due to the cost of air conditioning, and even greater peaks in the wintertime if you have electric heat.  For homes with non-electric heating, the average usage is about 12,000 kWh per year.

Assuming you’ve already completed a number of projects to make your home more energy efficient than average, we’ll suppose you use 10,400 kWh annually.  You then need to decide what percentage of that total you’d like to offset with clean, renewable solar energy.  For this example, we’ll assume you want to produce half of your electricity with the solar.  Now you can contact several solar installers to find out what it will take and cost to do that.

Example A
Let’s say Installer A proposes to install eighteen 230 watt (W) panels from a leading solar panel manufacturer with a good reputation.  The 230 W power rating is calculated using standard test conditions accepted in the industry.  This means that that each panel is capable of generating 230 watts of power, and under ideal circumstances the panel could produce 230 kWh in an hour if operating under perfect conditions.  The array of 18 panels forms a total of 4,140 watts, or 4.14 kW.  You’re told that the system will require approximately 400 ft² of roof space, and can be expected to produce 5,206 kWh of power annually.

Example B
Installer B provides you with a proposal to install sixteen “high-efficiency” panels from a different manufacturer, which are also rated at 230 W.  Because of the higher efficiency (18.1% compared to 14.2% for the competitive panel), this 3.68 kW system is expected to produce 3% more energy than the larger system – 5,363 kWh annually – for about the same price.  It also requires only about 250 ft² of roof space to install.

What’s the Difference?
On the surface, it might appear that the higher rated system would be the better value.  However, if the southern exposure on your roof is limited, you might opt to go with the higher efficiency panel with the smaller footprint.  The return on your investment, though, is best measured in the actual output, or the kWh produced.  By looking at the total amount of energy produced over the life of the system, you can project a fixed cost of the electricity produced.  Panels typically last 40-50 years, but degrade slightly (about 1% per year) over time, so 30 years is commonly used as a typical life span of a system.  By multiplying the annual production by the 30 years, the larger system (A) produces 156,180 kWh, while the smaller, more efficient system (B) produces 160,890 kWh. By dividing the rebated cost by the total energy production, you come up with a fixed cost p/kWh.  Given the available financial incentives, in most cases this will be only slightly more than current rates. 

We all expect energy prices to rise – the question is how much.  In the past 25 years, electric rates have risen an average of 4.4% per year nationwide.  Industry analysts predict 6-9% annual increases over the next 25 years.  If you take a conservative 5.5% annual increase, you’ll see a $0.09 p/kWh rate turn into $0.19 in 15 years.  In 30 years, it will be $0.42.  So if your fixed rate ends up being 10-12 cents, you can rest assured that you’ll be smiling about your investment in future years.

Conclusion
The bottom line here is to ask questions about how much energy a system will produce, and how the installer arrived at that number.  Ask to see how the efficiency ratings stack up against other panels.  Picking the best solar PV panel is one of the most important decisions that you will make for your solar power project. We can help you through the process as well as make sure you get all the financial incentives possible.

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We are going to see the first ever utility rebates for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on Missouri homes and businesses starting January 1st, 2010.

These new rebates, in combination with the federal tax credit, can reduce the cost of a system by over 50%.  Instead of a 20 year payback, many Missourians can now see a 10 year payoff of their initial investment using conservative assumptions! Wow.

It’s not always an easy process to identify what rebates and credits you might be eligible for, and then wade through the paperwork needed to file for them. Rest assured that we want our clients to every financial incentive possible. Our staff have become experts on this and we’ll walk you through every step of the process.

Here is a summary of the incentives available for solar PV in Missouri:

• $2.00 per watt solar rebate (capped at $50,000) for KCP&L and Ameren customers in Missouri only starting January 1, 2010
• 30% federal tax credit
• Net metering – you can “store” excess solar energy on the grid at any time during the billing cycle, and receive a credit for any net excess at the end of the month.

These incentives apply to both residential and commercial customers.  Businesses can take advantage of even more perks:

• The 30% federal tax credit can be applied for as a grant in 2010
• The 5-year accelerated depreciation is expected to be extended into 2010

Here is an example of how incentives can lower the cost of a residential solar PV system. Let’s assume you are buying a small 1kW solar array (about 6 panels):

Proposition C is designed to require that a certain percent (15% by 2021) of our utility power come from renewable sources, like wind and solar.  This is called a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).   Investor owned utilities (KCP&L and Ameren) can choose to build wind and solar farms or they can purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from individuals that install solar and wind systems on their homes or businesses.  The utility companies can then use those credits toward compliance with the RPS.

The will create a market that will drive pricing for RECs in Missouri.  Your utility may pay an up-front lump sum for RECs from smaller systems, or may buy the RECs as the energy is produced over the life of the equipment for larger systems.  This market will be established once the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) finishes the rulemaking process.  The PSC will be finalizing the draft rule within the next few weeks.  After a 30 day comment period and a public hearing, the Commissioners will produce a final rule.

So what do you do if you want to install solar on your home or business and take advantage of the new programs? Talk to us. We make this process as easy as possible and we make sure our customers get every financial incentive possible.  You may also want to check the Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association (MOSEIA) website. MOSEIA members report on the rulemaking process, monitor the industry, and train installers. Bob Solger is a founding member and a key member of the board. You may also consult a tax professional to understand how the tax implications will affect you.

Find  listings of all federal, state, local and utility rebates, credits, grants and loans at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org).

Susan Brown has worked diligently to bring clean energy to Missourians. She now wants to make sure you get every available financial incentive for installing a TESS solar or wind energy system.  Stop by our showroom, call 816-877-6760, or email SusanB@TheEnergySavingsStore.com.

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Solar Array at the Faultless Starch/Bon Ami Headquarters in Kansas City

When the historic Sewall Paint Building in the West Bottoms of Kansas City they had a couple of objectives. “We wanted to focus on sustainability and incorporate as much of the character of the original building as possible in the new design”, says Scott Brown, General Counsel.  The original  heart pine timbers were used as stair treads, paneling and furniture.  Bike racks and showers encourage employees to bike to work and the new windows are energy efficient.

“We wanted to really make a statement by using solar energy, but didn’t know if we had the budget”, says Brown.  “The Energy Savings Store not only designed and installed our 2 kilowatt grid-tied solar array, but assisted us in capturing all possible incentives.  The solar may even be eligible for historic tax credits.”  Along with providing  a small portion of their electrical power needs, the new solar array is also a focal point for companywide sustainability efforts.

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Carla Klein represents The Energy Savings Store in D.C. for Clean Energy Jobs Legislation

The Energy Savings Store joined hundreds of business leaders from across the nation in Washington D.C. to take the message to our leaders that the time is now to act on clean energy legislation.  “We traveled to the nation’s capitol to urge our leaders to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that will create millions of new jobs, make our country more energy independent and protect the environment for future generations,” said Carla Klein, Marketing and Policy Coordinator for The Energy Savings Store.

 “It was very exciting to be part of such a diverse group of business leaders that understand our economic and national security depends on the US being a leader in the new energy economy”, explained Klein.  “We need new industries made in America that work for America.  It will take a range of businesses to address our nation’s energy needs and tackle climate change, what we saw in DC was the great American ingenuity ready to meet the challenge.”

More than 150 businesses from more than 30 states joined to support comprehensive energy & climate legislation. Participants in the We Can Lead effort met with top Obama Administration officials and dozens of Senators to make their case for action this year.

Read more on this story here

We Can Lead is sponsored by the Clean Economy Network and Ceres’ Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) .

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Our Showroom Ribbon Cutting!

The moment finally arrives – Bob (Co-Owner) is cutting the ribbon with the gigantic scissors (thanks to the Lenexa Chamber).  From left is Ryan (Director of Sales), Shane (Renewable Energy Technician), Susan (VP of Sales and Marketing in white) and Jeff (Operations Manager in blue).

To the right of Susan is Janet Baker, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council of Kansas City and Ron Worley, Kansas State Representative.

Ryan explains the efficiencies, payback and ROI benefits of Sunpower

Ryan (Director of Sales) is discussing  the benefits of Sunpower Solar Panels.  Sunpower panels reduce payback and increase return on investment!  We worked for three years to achieve dealer status.

We are now  the exclusive dealer of Sunpower Solar Panels in the area – the most efficient panels on the market!

Prior to moving back home to Kansas City, Ryan ran the sales department of a Sunpower dealership in California.

We were pleased that so many people took time out of their day to visit us.

The pictures below show some of our friends who stopped by:

Phelps Murdock (Executive Director of Bridging the Gap) chatted with Janet Baker (Executive Director of the US Green Building Council – KC Chapter) – both big supporters of ours. We appreciate all they have done in the community for renewable energy!

Jesse (a Staff Engineer) and Janet Baker took a moment to show off our energy efficient fireplace plugs ($65).

A couple of very smart kids who loved our wind turbines! The picture is of a Skystream 2.4 KW small wind turbine, perfect for residential and small commercial applications.

Phelps Murdock and Janet Baker

Jesse and Janet show off our Fireplace Plugs

Kids loved the Turbines

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Bob Solger (center) talks to Dr. Dale Chapman, Dr. Sue Czerwinski and Mike Morgan in front of newly–installed solar PV system.

Just a short distance from the majestic limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River is the main campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois.  While the lush green grounds of the campus are obvious, a progressive shift to green the rest of the campus is underway.  The college is a founding member of the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network, and is committed to providing cutting edge, innovative green job training programs to area residents.

Dr. Dale Chapman, president of the college, has embarked upon a mission to transform the campus into a model for sustainability, and has empowered a team of people to develop and implement a plan to reduce their carbon footprint, become more energy independent, and creatively embrace the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  The most recent step in their well-developed plan was to work with The Energy Savings Store to design a grid-tied solar PV system on the roof of the Advanced Technology (Trimpe) Building to harness the clean, renewable energy of the sun.

The project, which was funded by a grant from Madison County, includes sixteen Sharp solar panels, each rated at 224 watts.  The resulting 3.6kW system will be used as a teaching model in an upcoming four-week course on Photovoltaic Design & Installation, where students will learn the basics of PV design and installation.  Jim Duffey and Mike Morgan, who designed the curriculum and will teach the course, are eager to teach not only the students but the larger community.  “We want to demonstrate the viability of solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels, and this system will provide a great opportunity to ‘show and tell,’” said Morgan.  The system is expected to generate 4,500kWh of electricity annually, which is more than a third of what a typical home would use.

Jessica Pascoe, the director of the college’s Institute for Environmental Sustainability, was an advocate of the project from the start.  “The Solar Photovoltaic Training Lab is the first of many steps toward preparing workers for a new green economy,” she said.  She leads a number of action teams responsible for implementing the green initiatives that Dr. Chapman envisioned, all of which contribute to the students’ education.  Energy efficient lighting was installed throughout the campus, including compact florescent lights in buildings and LED lighting on parking lots.  The campus food service program is replacing Styrofoam containers with recycled paper products, and will use real silverware or biodegradable flatware rather than plastic utensils.  They’ll also begin composting food waste, which will be used as natural fertilizer for landscaping.  Ultimately, the college’s goal is to eliminate the use of chemicals and pesticides on all of their campuses.  The programs are funded in part by a new “green fee” instituted in the fall of 2008, in which each student pays $1 per credit hour.  Students, faculty and staff provide input on the way the funds are used.

The most spectacular example of sustainability is the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, located at the confluence of the three great rivers – the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi.  Lewis & Clark formed key partnerships to bring about this state-of-the-art facility, which is designed to have minimal impact on the environment.  The facility is designed to be very energy efficient, and includes a green roof with abundant skylights to maximize natural daylight.  Renewable energy is harnessed from a variety of sources, including wind and low-impact hydro for electricity generation, and The Energy Savings Store is providing a solar water heating system. NGRREC officials are seeking a LEED Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council.  More details will be provided on this achievement when the facility is completed this fall.

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