When Amy and Les Harlan open their mailbox to find their monthly utility bill, they get excited. Unlike most people who dread the appearance of this monthly and often significant invoice, the Harlan family is eager to tear the envelope open and learn just how miniscule their bill is. And with the “amount due” line showing numbers as low as $32, every month they can see their investment in solar energy is yielding the returns they had hoped for.
The trick? The Harlans took advantage of a Maryland state grant program and with the help of Timonium-based Greenspring Energy, had a photovoltaic solar system and a solar hot water heater installed at their Reisterstown home. And today, these systems are utilizing sunlight to generate a significant amount of the energy needed and used by the household, allowing the family to save money each month.
“There are so many programs available to make this an affordable investment,” says Mrs. Harlan. “We were able to take advantage of a grant program from the state of Maryland, were eligible for federal tax credits, and are selling renewable energy credits back to the power company. If you plan to stay in your house for a long time, this really makes a lot of sense.”
Living in a more environmentally friendly and “green” manner is also on the benefits list for the family.
“It feels really good to be green,” continued Mrs. Harlan. “I look up at the roof and I love it. It’s beautiful and it’s a constant reminder that we are doing our part to help the environment.”
With several local solar energy companies available to choose from, the Harlan’s did their research and investigated their options before ultimately deciding on Greenspring Energy as their partner for the project. Impressed with the knowledge and responsiveness, as well as the quality of products offered by Greenspring, Mr. and Mrs. Harlan’s process began with an energy audit, which provided information about their utilization trends and opportunities for efficiency upgrades. And in early 2009, after many years of considering the investment, the family hit the green light.
“The team from Greenspring made it easy for us,” says Mrs. Harlan. “They were easy to deal with and they took care of all of the permits and paperwork required. We lucked out and couldn’t be happier.”