| If you want an unique, pleasant, environmentally sound | | | | Not only did we enjoy our stay, but we came away |
| experience, visit the 1880 inn that is helping to stop | | | | determined to get into solar power too. Anyone can |
| global warming by completely converting to a | | | | set up their own solar power system. From a purely |
| photovoltaic solar power system. | | | | financial point of view, the most appealing aspect is |
| If you want an unique, pleasant, environmentally sound | | | | locking in your cost of power over the long term. In a |
| experience, visit the 1880 inn we found that has | | | | future energy crisis you would be immune from the |
| completely converted to a photovoltaic solar power | | | | cost increases if you have a solar system. This is |
| system. Andy and Barbara Seaman are the | | | | great news for those who anticipate or are already |
| progressive thinking and environmentally concerned | | | | living on a fixed income. With a solar electricity system, |
| owners of a 16 room inn in Spring Lake New Jersey. | | | | even as electricity costs increase, home and business |
| Worried about global warming and the legacy they are | | | | owners will not have to worry about increased utility |
| leaving their children, the Seamans took advantage of | | | | bills. In addition, there are several studies that indicate |
| New Jersey's Clean Energy Program. This innovative | | | | every dollar saved on your utility bill with a solar electric |
| initiative provides funding for both commercial and | | | | system will increase your overall home value by |
| residential solar power systems. The Seamans | | | | twenty dollars. It is estimated that $1,500 in annual |
| installed a series of roof top solar panels that not only | | | | electric bill savings from solar will equate to $30,000 in |
| supplies all of their electricity needs but feeds unused | | | | additional resell value. In today's increasingly tight |
| power back into the state grid. The | | | | housing market, a solar electric system helps set a |
| Financial Picture for Spring Lake's Commercial Solar | | | | home apart from the others in the neighborhood. A |
| Power System | | | | home with a fixed electric bill from solar power is |
| The process wasn't cheap, but the return on | | | | "cheaper" to live in, and thus is very appealing to |
| investment, the cost savings and the reduction in | | | | potential buyers. |
| greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming | | | | The Nitty Gritty of Spring Lake's Commercial Solar |
| are substantial. The solar power energy system | | | | Electric Power System |
| equipment and installation cost around $75,000 and the | | | | The Spring Lake Inn has about 40 photovoltaic solar |
| state provided a grant for more than half the cost. But | | | | panels on its roof and two bi-directional meters in the |
| the savings didn't end there. There was a federal tax | | | | basement. The panels are unobtrusive and the whole |
| credit, credit for the sale of excess electricity and cash | | | | thing was installed in about 2 days. A good rule of |
| back from the company where they purchased the | | | | thumb is to allow 100 sq. ft. of roof space per every |
| system. The Seamans expect to break even in a few | | | | kilowatt (kW) of electricity the system produces. A |
| years and to make money after that. They are | | | | typical residential solar electric system will require |
| already planning to expand to a wind and solar power | | | | approximately 300-500 square feet. Most businesses |
| system in the future. | | | | and homes are able to purchase a solar power |
| The Effect of Spring Lake's Solar System on Global | | | | system thanks to the incentives and aid offered by |
| Warming and the Environment | | | | the federal government. In several states residents |
| The beneficial effect on the environment is significant. | | | | that install these systems are also eligible for rebates |
| The firm that put in the system, Renewable Energy | | | | from their local energy company as well as certain |
| Concepts, estimates that over a 30 year period the | | | | federal tax credits. A home solar power system will |
| Seaman's solar power electric system will save 619 | | | | also significantly reduce monthly utility bills. The average |
| barrels of oil, be the equivalent of 541,344 miles of | | | | six-cent price of a solar kilowatt hour is less than half |
| automobile travel not used, reduce acid rain emissions | | | | the average 14.5 to 15-cent rate of a utility company's |
| by more than a ton, reduce green house gases by 216 | | | | power rate. You can expect to pay back the price of |
| tons and be the equivalent of planting more than 1000 | | | | the equipment within five to six years. Solar power is |
| trees. That all adds up to doing a lot to help stop global | | | | the cleanest and quietest electric technology available |
| warming while reducing resource use! | | | | and an investment in a solar electric system offers |
| Spring Lake Is Inspiring Others To Install Commercial | | | | many significant advantages. |
| and Residential Solar Power Systems | | | | You can: |
| The Spring Lake Inn is the only completely solar | | | | * Reduce your electric bills because you no longer |
| powered inn in the area but others are intrigued and | | | | need to purchase as much power from your electric |
| are investigating commercial solar power systems for | | | | utility. |
| their businesses and guest visiting the inn are | | | | * Further reduce your bills through net metering, which |
| considering home solar power systems. Anyone | | | | credits you for any surplus solar electricity generated |
| concerned about the environment can't help but be | | | | by your system. |
| impressed. This 127 year old inn is a delight in its own | | | | * Stabilize your electric costs. |
| right but the fact that it has become a leader in solar | | | | * Enjoy an uninterrupted supply of electricity during |
| power makes it even more special. The inn is spotless, | | | | power outages, if your system design includes |
| attractive, has an interesting history and is located in a | | | | batteries. |
| village of multi-million dollar homes, tree lined streets, | | | | * Benefit the environment because solar electric |
| wonderful restaurants and it is one block from a huge | | | | technology generates electricity without producing any |
| unspoiled beach. Each of the 16 rooms is unique and | | | | emissions. |
| the breakfast included with your room is varied and | | | | So why wouldn't you put in a solar system? If you |
| delicious. Andy took time to explain the solar system, | | | | want to know more look on the net and treat yourself |
| show us the installation, the photovoltaic cells, the | | | | to a stay at The Spring Lake Inn. Here are some |
| bi-directional meters and answer all of our questions. | | | | useful links to get you started. |