by Jeff Aliotta | Nov 20, 2018 | Renu Solar News
Renu Energy Solutions installing SunPower® solar on home built for disabled service member, who is thankful for low electric bills
DENVER, N.C., Nov. 20, 2018- Local disabled veteran, Angela Cherico and her family are the first recipients of a nearly complete home built by Purple Heart Homes in Denver, N.C. that will come equipped with a SunPower® solar system. Donated by SunPower and installed by Renu Energy Solutions, the system will provide Cherico with greater energy independence, lower electric bills, and added peace of mind.
“My daughter and I will have two of the most important things: stability and security,” said Cherico, whose service experience included two deployments to Iraq. She continues that while there, exposure to burn-pits may be responsible for her ongoing breathing problems, complicated further by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and back and neck pain.
Thanks to local solar energy company Renu Energy Solutions (https://renuenergysolutions.com) installing high quality SunPower solar panels on the home, Cherico and her family can enjoy lower electricity bills. By spending less on utility costs, the Chericos will have more freedom in their budget for other important things. Plus, they’re happy to have access to clean, renewable energy.
Reducing monthly energy costs is already a goal for Purple Heart Homes. Energy-efficient appliances and good insulation are standard for the organization. However, this project marks the first Purple Heart Home in North Carolina to go solar. Renu Energy Solutions company President Jay Radcliffe says of the partnership, “We’ve been installing solar since 2010 and have seen many satisfied customers. But being able to give back through Purple Heart Homes to someone who has made tremendous sacrifices is really special.”
Renu Energy Solutions, a Charlotte-based solar installation contractor, installed the SunPower-donated solar energy system at no cost to Angela Cherico, the future homeowner. A solar rebate from Duke Energy helped bring solar to this home. This solar incentive from the utility remains available throughout 2019 and has no income limits to qualify.
This Purple Heart Home now features solar for low electric costs
About Renu Energy Solutions
Founded in 2010, Renu Energy Solutions is a Charlotte, N.C.-based full service solar energy installer in the Carolinas, and developer of clean energy projects across the country. By analyzing the financial benefits of a project, Renu Energy’s experts help facilitate solar adoption.
About Purple Heart Homes
Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Dale Beatty and John Gallina, two Iraq combat wounded veterans on a mission to provide housing solutions for Service Connected Disabled and Aging Veterans that are substantial in function, design, and quality. Purple Heart Homes has two programs: Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP), which encompasses the Operation Veterans Home Renovation Project (OVHR), and The Veterans Home Ownership Program (VHOP). From building a ramp for wheelchair-bound veterans to providing home ownership opportunities to veterans with physical as well as invisible injuries, Purple Heart Homes’ programs are designed out of necessity and fit the specific needs of veterans of all ages and from all eras, helping them to live and age in place, in their own safe, accessible and sustainable homes. For more information, visit (www.phhusa.org). Purple Heart Homes – Improving Veterans’ Lives One Home at a Time.
by Jeff Aliotta | Oct 29, 2018 | Renu Solar News
The N.C. Sustainable Energy Association recently headed up the creation for the first ever code of professional conduct for solar installers who contract with residential and commercial clients for full-service solar projects. The NC Solar Code of Conduct makes sure that all solar installations meet the proper requirements to provide the highest quality of service.
As reported in the Charlotte Business Journal Duke Energy is running rebate program from 2018-2022 that’s offering savings on projects for eligible customers. Renu Energy Solutions joins with several other members of the organization of sustainable energy businesses to establish baseline professional codes for the industry.
Mike Davis, Director of membership for the Raleigh-based NCSEA, says: “A code of professional conduct is a good thing for any industry. But we have seen an influx of new players in the market (after Duke offered the rebates) and that gave us a sense of urgency.”
Who’s Chasing the Incentives?
When Duke Energy rolled out solar rebates this past spring — mandated by last year’s Competitive Energy Solutions for NC Act — North Carolina notably jumped back up into the top-tier market for residential and commercial solar.
But evidently, a lot of installers who were not in North Carolina previously are getting on the scene now because of local incentives provided through the utility. Installers native to the area are looking to be vigilant and make sure that newcomers can be held accountable for practices that consumers don’t like and shouldn’t have to deal with, which according to the Charlotte Business Journal’s reporting include “high-pressure sales, over-promising on incentives that don’t come through, overselling potential savings and, in some cases, doing shoddy workmanship.”
Ensuring Integrity and Quality, Together
From this point on, NCSEA will not accept new members or retain existing members who do not adhere to the professional conduct described in the code. “We want to be able to assure the public that our members are upholding the highest standards in the industry,” he says. Renu Energy Solutions and other signatories pledge to refrain from deceptive or misleading advertising, never refer to renewable energy as “free” when it isn’t, or to inflate the impact of future rate increases by utilities to solar seem more attractive.
At Renu Energy Solutions in Charlotte, which has grown in recent years to employ 30 people at our Charlotte and Jamestown offices, we’ve by and large heard few reports of solar companies preying on customers’ lack of knowledge. The solar ecosystem here is filled with high-quality firms. But in light of the 60 cents per watt rebate for residential solar, perhaps this code of conduct is overdue or at least well-timed. These incentives can lure all kinds of solar players and we hope to consumers can feel confident choosing someone who’s a part of this code of conduct. We know that any time one person or company has a bad experience with a solar installer, it’s a detriment to all of us.
The Right Standards for Solar in NC
The NC Solar Code of Conduct was designed to provide each customer with the highest of standards. But where did these standards come from? NCSEA and its members reviewed codes of conduct from other states, including in particular South Carolina and California, to develop some initial proposals. Through meetings and conversations with its 27 solar installation and financing members, the group made refinements until the companies finally adopted it. Look at it for yourself and learn what it means to abide by the NC solar installers’ code.
by Jeff Aliotta | Oct 8, 2018 | Energy Storage, Renu Solar News
Mark Phillips has installed a rooftop electric system at home and greened his warehouse
future home of solar panels at the warehouse
OCTOBER 8, 2018 – HIGH POINT, NC – The signature wood and stone furnishings and sculptures from Phillips Collection stand out in any room. Owner Mark Phillips has recently received attention for a different distinction: He’s completed major energy efficiency retrofits to his 166,000-square-foot headquarters of the furniture wholesale business to demonstrate environmental responsibility. At an electric cooperative conference in Asheville where he was invited to speak, he explained the many energy-saving changes they’ve made, including:
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Removing all halogen bulbs from track lighting and replacing with articulated LED fixtures newly invented for this purpose that make use of existing track (in collaboration with ERD of Kernersville) eliminating the need for expensive rewiring, and reducing cooling needs and lighting cost. They even acquired a specialized bulb disposal machine for the job.
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Right-sized the incoming power transformers with help from ElectriCITIES, modifying the facility’s demand
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Put in 3 electric vehicle charging spaces outside offering free power for customers who can plug in
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Implementing a solar installation for the business
Furniture wholesale and design has long been a part of High Point’s culture and Mark’s company specializes in designing organic pieces that embrace natural materials. From mango and acacia tree roots to reclaimed teak, Phillips Collection sources sustainable materials and transforms them into prized conversation pieces. Mark acknowledges that his business depends largely on natural ecology and travels to Thailand to ensure that the next generation of arborists and carpenters are ready to continue a steady relationship with him and his team. On a recent visit he rallied a group of 400 — comprised of local students, teachers, factory workers, villagers and local officials — and together they planted 6,000 trees in a single day.
using less power, storing and showcasing the same great furniture designs
Phillips went solar at his home this month, and the business installation is scheduled for October. Renu Energy Solutions is providing both the residential and commercial installations. Combined they add up to 45 kiloWatts in total size, estimated to produce over 63,000 kiloWatt hours of solar power in its first year.
About his choice to go solar, he says: “My father always said the big decisions in life are obvious. This was one of those.” For Mark, addressing energy sustainability expresses his values, and at the same time he notes that he’s likely to come out ahead by betting that the cost of electricity isn’t going down. He says he committed to energy efficiency and solar at his business and home to save money and because, “it’s the right thing to do.”
Phillips Collection Owner Mark Phillips will be available to talk about his experience pursuing energy efficiency and green standards before and during this upcoming event.
Meet Mark Phillips during Phillips Collection’s Showroom Party (IHFC C-202) High Point Market
210 East Commerce Ave, 2nd Floor C-202, High Point, NC 27260
Saturday, October 13, 2018 beginning at 3 pm – event will be underway at 4 pm
by Jeff Aliotta | Oct 8, 2018 | Renu Solar News
We’re proud to announce we’ve received sonnen’s Brillance Award! Today, most energy customers in the Carolinas and our southeast region have at least a passing familiarity with the potential of home energy storage, also known as a backup battery. When paired with solar, your own energy storage system with battery banks, sophisticated configuration, and reporting integration means enhanced independence and self-sufficiency when an outage strikes. Even on normal days when utility electric service is on, more customers are keen to use their solar energy all the time including at night and storage lets you do that.
When all of us at Renu Energy Solutions began exploring high-level battery storage products two years ago, we weren’t sure how popular it would be. Today, the number of projects under our belt is adding up and we’ve just learned that our partners at sonnen are honoring us among their first year’s award winners for achievements in employing the company’s battery technology.
We’re speechless at being recognized and want to acknowledge that our leadership in this realm is thanks to our clients who have pursued these systems and our installer staff who have taken on extensive education and training to ensure quality.
“sonnen is proud to work alongside innovative companies around the country who represent a diverse array of functions… Partnerships with integrators, installers and service-providers have always been a crucial part of the sonnen mission,” said Blake Richetta, sonnen Senior Vice President and Head of the U.S. Subsidiary. “We’ve come to value our key partners even more as we expand into new markets, such as Latin America, and pioneer new industry categories, including energy automation. This is an exciting time for sonnen, these partners and the renewable energy sector as a whole, and we are thrilled to recognize others who are working diligently to forward the shared mission of making clean, reliable energy accessible to everyone.”
by Jeff Aliotta | Jun 12, 2018 | Renu Solar News
Renu Energy Solutions completes installation for Capizzi MD
Renu Energy Solutions, also Charlotte-based, completed the solar system installation for Capizzi MD in March. It is located on the rooftop of the building and won’t be visible from any public spaces. It’s estimated the solar energy system will produce over 40,400 kiloWatt-hours of energy in the first year, reducing greenhouse gas pollution by the same amount as growing 780 tree seedlings for 10 years, by E.P.A. calculations. In its first 30 years of operation, the system will save over $250,000 in electricity costs.
“Solar has been on my radar for some time. It was my discussions with my son Seth, who is interested in sustainable resources and renewable energy, as well as a friend in Santa Barbara who went solar, that flipped the switch for me,” said Dr. Peter Capizzi.
The medical practice, which performs procedures for face, body, and breasts as well as popular non-surgical treatments, made use of incentives that encourage investment in solar. These include applying for a rebate for customers of Duke Energy Carolinas, a federal tax credit and a utility program called net energy metering, whereby utility customers with solar receive credit for any extra power they produce and send it to the grid.
Dr. Capizzi is proud to be part of the clean energy movement in the Carolinas, adding: “Growing up in New Hampshire taught me the benefits of having alternatives to fossil fuels for power and heating. These included hydroelectricity, nuclear, woodstoves in the house, and even in the early 1980s, we had a friend utilizing wind as well.”
Capizzi MD views its environmental commitment as an extension of a responsible, community-oriented approach. The practice also gives back through its charitable arm, the Capizzi MD Foundation, whose beneficiaries include Safe Alliance, supporting victims of domestic abuse.
About the Customer
Capizzi MD is located in Dilworth at 900 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. To learn more about Dr. Capizzi and the Capizzi MD practice, visit www.capizzimd.com, and join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.
