Antonio's New Solar Panels

My good friend, Antonio Cutolo-Ring, finally took the plunge and installed a 3.2 kW solar pv array on his home in Weston, MO.  The array is grid-tied and we (The Energy Savings Store) used 14 - 225 watt Sunpower panels with Enphase micro- inverters (because of shading issues).  Antonio e-mailed me after the first few days: "Yes, everything seems to be working well.  I know the solar panels won't be always be producing as much electricity as they have the last three days, but it looks to me like that if they did and I don't use any more electricity than last year that I'd be producing as much electricity as I use!  Pretty cool." 

Antonio's home is very energy efficient already and we estimate it will produce about 85% of his electricity needs. 

In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, he was able to take advantage of KCP&L's new $2/watt solar rebate - cutting his installation cost in half.  Antonio and I are both on the board of Concerned Citizens of Platte County together - we work on environmental and health issues.  He told me "I'm very pleased to have finally been able to put my money where my mouth has been for so long!" 

A note on the photo: that's Taneasha Bledsoe - our new Staff Engineer looking so cool on the roof.

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