Industrial News

President Linda Pomerantz said that although her company only builds a few homes a year, it's a start.

"We made a decision to be a green-home builder last year," she said. "We like the energy efficiency because it's good for the homeowner and the environment. As more of us in the industry do this, I believe some of the large builders will follow suit."

Hanalea is currently constructing two homes, each equipped with solar hot-water systems, on Jacksonville Drive in Jacksonville Beach. Pomerantz said they are building the 3,000-square-foot, two-story homes around the existing trees to take advantage of the shade. Along with the solar hot-water systems, the houses offer other amenities that make living in a coastal environment a little more secure.

”Our houses are concrete block construction on both levels, with impact-resistant windows. We feature gas cook-tops that would allow owners to cook hot food, and have hot water from the solar hot-water heaters, if there was a power outage during severe weather,” Pomerantz explained.

Currently, companies like Hanalea are the exception among builders. However, new tax exemptions went into effect in January – and as more homebuyers become aware of the advantages, solar power and other “green” savings may be more in demand.

“The new energy bill that went into effect in January gives residential consumers a tax credit of 30 percent, up to $2,000, toward the cost of installing a solar water system,” said David H. Smith, president of SunWorks. “In addition, there is a 30 percent tax break on commercial installations with no monetary cap.”

Whether it is a residential or commercial building, water heating and air conditioning are two of the largest users of energy. Switching the water heating portion to solar can save the average homeowner between 15 to 30 percent on utility bills – representing up to $600 a year or more.

Federal credits and incentives can now lower the installation cost to between $1,800 and $3,800 depending on the size and type of solar hot water system added. In addition to the federal tax credits, Jacksonville electric utility JEA offers up to $800 off installation through its solar incentive program.

“At this time, these federal incentives will only be offered for two years,” Smith said. “Certainly, our hopes are that the tax incentives will be extended beyond 2007.”

In the solar energy business since 1973, SunWorks Solar Systems, Inc. is the largest solar energy distributor and installation company in northeast Florida and is a member of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. The company provides consulting, installation and service for solar water, pool heating, solar electric (photovoltaic) systems, skylights, and wind-power systems. For more information, contact 904-731-2099 or visit www.solarenergy.com.

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402) or Stephanie McLain Barker (904-860-0530)