With many incentives offered to residents in New York state for solar energy, Solar Revolution has expanding into Western New York.
The company is based in Erie, Pa., but because of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's rebate program, John Purvis, Solar Revolution owner, said it is a great time for Western New Yorkers to invest in solar power.
''When you invest in alternative energy, you're doing the same thing as investing in regular energy, but you're saving money,'' he said. ''Our systems makes power for 25 years and you pay it off in five years. After it is paid for, you have 20 years of free power.''
Article Photos
An example of the work Solar Revolution has done in the area with solar power. Solar Revolution is based in Erie, Pa., but is expanding into Western New York, which includes this work done for Jamestown Community College.
Submitted photo
Commercial and residential services provided by Solar Revolution includes solar hot water, solar pool heating and photovoltaic, which is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors. The photovoltaic system is connected to a house's main electrical panel. The meter will track usage. It will spin forward when using power from the local provider and spin backwards when creating credits from the solar system.
Purvis said the best part of his job is when the system is connected and people start to see the energy being stored in the solar system.
''Watching (the customer) turn it on and seeing the meter spin backwards - that is the payoff, when customers see their meter spinning backwards,'' he said.
The business provides factory-trained technicians and is fully insured and licensed. Services include maintenance contracts, warranty repairs, free quotes, free solar sizing and technical information.
''We offer free estimates. We will come to you and build a proposal for you, with information on the tax credits available,'' Purvis said. ''We don't charge to do this. Other companies charge up to $300 to $500 for this service.''
The company has done several projects in Western New York, including one for Jamestown Community College. Purvis said there is no Jamestown office yet, but he is actively searching for a business location. Also, Solar Revolution has teamed up with the Jamestown-based company Ahlstrom Shaeffer, which does the electrical installation work for the company.
For more information, call 372-1260 or visit the business' website at www.solarrevolutionerie.com.