SARASOTA, FL – Brilliant Harvest, a solar contractor serving southwest Florida, has completed a number of solar projects stimulated by rebates offered by the major utilities in Florida. The company executed 22 solar projects, utilizing more than 1,150 panels for a range of commercial and residential customers.
In 2015, the State of Florida’s major utility companies offered rebates for solar installations, led by $15.5 million from Florida Power & Light. Brilliant Harvest customers who qualified for rebates received a combined rebate of $539,050 on their project costs. For the average residential installation, Brilliant Harvest clients qualified for rebates of $17,000-$20,000. Additionally, the federal government has offered a federal tax credit of 30 percent for those who install solar energy systems in 2015.
”When the utility rebates were available for solar installations, it was a spectacular opportunity for residential clients to get their systems for almost no out-of-pocket expense, and business owners to install their systems with a break-even point not far in the future,“ says Brilliant Harvest founder and president Bill Johnson. ”But even now that the rebate program has ended, once you factor in the federal tax credit, the ever-decreasing cost of solar panels, and the energy savings that begin as soon as we Ôflip the switch,’ it is remarkably affordable to install solar and move toward energy self-reliance.“
The 22 systems installed will produce approximately 500,000 kWh of electricity per year. That is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 72.6 passenger vehicles, 820,894 miles driven by an average car, 124 tons of waste sent to the landfill, and CO2 emissions from the consumption of nearly 39,000 gallons of gas or the burning of 370,000 pounds of coal. Customers are expected to save a combined total of at least $55,000 annually.
Brothers James and Tom Hinck, owners of Hinck Private Wealth Management in Englewood, have been thrilled with the results of their system so far. Installed this past spring, the system features 117 photovoltaic panels. The FPL rebate saved them over half of the installation cost and a federal tax credit will reimburse another 30 percent. With monthly power costs already down 85 percent, James Hinck expects to break even on the installation costs in approximately two years.
”When we were looking at the cost for the system – taking into consideration the FP&L rebate and federal tax credit – it seemed too good to be true. Last year in August our bill was around $675; this year, even with the rain and cloudy days, it was $90,“ said James. ”My brother and I have lived in Englewood for 42 years. We feel we live in the Sunshine State, solar is a green product, it makes sense financially and we’re helping the environment. I’m excited about what the future holds with solar.“
For more about Brilliant Harvest, go to www.brilliantharvest.com or call (941) 359-3700.
About Brilliant Harvest
Since 2009, Brilliant Harvest has designed, developed, constructed and operated solar hot water and photovoltaic systems for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Palmetto, Ellenton and Port Charlotte. With its headquarters in Sarasota, Brilliant Harvest is state certified and committed to helping southwest and central Florida harness the power of the sun. Their systems have produced over a GigaWatt-hour since their installations, saving 1.4 million lbs. of CO2 emissions. For more information, go to www.brilliantharvest.com or call (941) 359-3700.
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