NC Solar Code of Conduct and Renu’s Commitment

NC Solar Code of Conduct and Renu’s Commitment

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.

Furniture Wholesale Business Goes Green, Owner Goes Solar

Furniture Wholesale Business Goes Green, Owner Goes Solar

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:

  • 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.

  • Right-sized the incoming power transformers with help from ElectriCITIES, modifying the facility’s demand

  • Put in 3 electric vehicle charging spaces outside offering free power for customers who can plug in

  • 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

Charlotte cosmetic surgery practice gets a solar lift

Charlotte cosmetic surgery practice gets a solar lift

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.

Turning a renewable leaf to power a preschool

LeafSpring School, formerly Rainbow Station, will use clean solar energy

February 27, 2018 – CHARLOTTE, NC – A local preschool has gone solar, and the young students are among those most excited about the change. LeafSpring School, until recently known as Rainbow Station, located off of Providence Road West, prides itself on innovative learning. The school has recently completed a 40-kiloWatt photovoltaic solar system on the south side of the building’s roof, with their partner Renu Energy Solutions, a solar energy company.

This area is in full view from one of the main outdoor play areas, and the leadership team at LeafSpring School is thrilled to incorporate solar power into their students’ experience. At the same time, it will directly reduce the energy from the grid that the school uses to power the building daily.

LeafSpring School owner Parks Hunter says the solar energy system adds to the school’s core values, saying, “We are constantly looking to set the standard in all aspects of early childhood education from implementing a leadership-based curriculum to having the ‘Serengeti Plain’ for our playground. Going solar is another example of LeafSpring School continuing to raise the bar and be the leader in early childhood education. Partnering with Renu Energy to make solar power a reality for our facility has been great.”

Parks’ high regard for the school and its aims is matched by enthusiasm on the part of parents and students. The students are all very excited. One said, “I think that it’s very cool that our preschool is being powered by solar panels. We are the first school in the area to do that!”

Another student shared those sentiments saying, “I think that solar panels are outstanding because they use light to get energy. It’s pretty cool that my Afterschool and Preschool is the only one near here with solar panels.”

Renu Energy Solutions is located at 801 Pressley Road, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. For more information about services or for a consultation please contact (704) 525-6767.

About Renu Energy Solutions

Renu Energy Solutions is a full service solar installer committed to helping the customer take charge of their energy future, get utility bill savings and enhance environmental stewardship, with a clear and simple client experience from initial consultation to your install and beyond.

Local to Charlotte, Renu serves North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Since 2010, Renu has performed installs for thousands of energy customers. For more information visit: renuenergysolutions.com/ or facebook.com/renuenergysolutions

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Wise Man Brewing announces plan to add solar

Winston-Salem’s Wise Man Brewing Is Going Solar

Winston-Salem, NC – October 10, 2017 – A local Winston-Salem brewery is announcing something no other production brewery in the Triad has up to now: Wise Man Brewing plans to harness the power of the sun!

Wise Man Brewing has quickly gained recognition since opening in January 2017 in the historic Angelo Brothers building located in downtown Winston-Salem. Their planned 34-kW solar system will offset a majority of the brewery’s future power bills. This new development is energizing brewery staff and garnering tremendously positive feedback from taproom customers.

This is a big step for an antique building: the 90-year old Angelo Brothers structure had been sitting vacant for about a decade and was in dire need of repair. Remodeling for the brewery began in 2015, and Wise Man was able to open its doors two years later. With the remodel of the historic building came an opportunity to make efficiency upgrades to the building such as a new roof, insulation, LED lights, high-efficiency water taps for brewing, and now finally solar energy.

Wise Man’s owners expect to see the electric usage decline even while beer production increases. On the timing of the decision, Wise Man Brewing Co-Founder Jason Morehead says, “We have always had a focus on sustainability, but getting a brewery off the ground is a monumental task. Now that we’re up and running, we’ve been able to take a step back and focus more on our footprint. Anyone who has been to our taproom knows that community is core to Wise Man’s culture. Being an environmentally friendly brewery is central to being a good neighbor and responsible business.”

“Speaking as both a lover of craft beer and as a supporter of renewable energy, I’m thrilled that Wise Man Brewing is moving ahead with solar,” said Patrick Cavanaugh of Renu Energy Solutions. “I love a good craft beer in a historic setting, and now the building will feature clean energy, too. The Renu Energy team is pleased to be a part of this project, and it wouldn’t surprise me if more breweries opt to start using solar to reduce monthly power costs while making a statement about taking care of the planet.”

Within the past 15 years, Winston-Salem has transformed itself from a textile and tobacco economy to be a leader in the nanotech, high-tech and biotech fields. Medical research, banking, and a flourishing arts community have come to give Winston-Salem its character in recent years. Wise Man Brewing along with others breweries is making a mark on the craft brew scene in North Carolina, in quality and in social benefits.

Renu Energy Solutions has provided solar energy systems for home and business since 2010 and is proud to partner with Wise Man Brewing as they join the renewable energy revolution. No-cost consultations for solar are available for qualified homeowners and commercial customers.