Reduced Monthly Utility Bills Confirm that Long-Term Saving Opportunities are Real
Franklin and Lucille Shearer’s utility bills were never huge; they averaged in the low to mid-$200’s each month. But like many of their friends and neighbors, the Palmyra couple was trying to determine how they would manage their bills with local rate caps expiring at the end of 2010, and significant utility increases projected. Fortunately, they figured out a solution and today, their bills average about 30 percent less than what they were a year ago.
The Shearers had been contemplating the benefits of having a solar energy system installed on their “total electric” home for quite some time. A visit to Greenspring Energy’s booth at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last year sealed the deal … the time was right to make a change.
They consulted with a structural engineer, an electrician, and solar panel manufacturers to assure that their property could in fact operate using solar power, and that the highest quality products would be installed on their home. They asked Greenspring Energy for references, and made calls. And, they made sure they took advantage of every financial incentive associated with going solar, including federal tax credits and state rebate offerings. They will also be earning passive income for alternative energy credits (also known as renewable energy credits), generated by their solar system.
“I have heard some people say that they can’t afford to make this investment,” Franklin Shearer said. “The real question is – can you afford NOT to? Over time, the savings can be significant. And the financial incentives make this very affordable; in fact, we only paid for a small percentage of the total project cost after we applied all of the rebates and credits.”
In the short time since they were installed on their 40-year-old split-level home, the Shearers’ photovoltaic and thermal solar systems are already producing solid returns. Not only has the family gained control and significantly reduced their monthly utility bills, they know they are doing their part to conserve energy and support a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
“It’s the right thing to do,” said Lucille Shearer. “By going solar, we are reducing our carbon footprint. This was important to us.”
Research shows that some consumers are less inclined to pursue a solar energy system because they perceive the process to be cumbersome and complex. Through choosing Greenspring Energy as their solar partner, the process was turn-key for the Shearer family. The company manages all of the paperwork, permitting and approvals process for customers.
“We were greatly impressed and influenced with the knowledge and professionalism of the Greenspring Energy team,” Franklin said. “It’s a great company that stands behind their product, and their craftsmanship and work ethic are outstanding. We couldn’t be happier.”