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James Betchaver
Medford, NY:

"Mr. Minnick, I just wanted to compliment you and your staff for a job well done. Your entire organization was helpful, courteous, knowledgeable and professional. I cannot tell you my joy at watching my electric meter go backwards.
Be assured that when anyone asks me about my solar system I shall not hesitate to give your company a heartfelt recommendation. It
was a pleasure doing
business with your company. P.S. I just received my electric bill. They owe me $38 dollars. Life is good!"

Ed Crohan
North Shore:

"In the short time I have had solar power, I have realized a substantial reduction in electric and oil use. I am very happy with these results. While not much makes me happier than saving money, the other good part is dealing with the people of Go Solar. Go Solar is established as a company with the most experience in the area. I quickly found out why. Everyone at Go Solar was available to answer my questions, and the job was clean. I totally trusted Go Solar to handle this project for me and I would do it again without question. "

Joan Colao
Riverhead, NY:

"Joe and I have a solar system that was installed by Go Solar many years ago. It has been the best thing we have ever done! Not only have we made a friend for life, we have saved tons of money and energy. Last month our electric bill was $31.00. Take the time to look Gary up! Soak up his knowledge so you can soak up the sun and make your own energy. We had a warranty issue and it was taken care of immediately. Thanks, Go Solar, from two very happy sun worshippers!"

George Gorniok
Wading River:

"There was no pressure from Go Solar's salesman. He just got us the best system for our money. Go Solar's installation team was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout. Our installation went swiftly and efficiently, and they went the extra mile to make sure the job was done well."

June & Joe Metzner
Cutchogue:

"Gary Minnick of Go solar installed a solar hot water heating system in our home 21 years ago. It has operated flawlessly (with normal upkeep) for every one of those years. Two years ago we had Gary install a photovoltaic generating system on the other portion of our roof. We have an all electric house with electric heating and air conditioning. Our bills for 2008 have averaged out to $60.00/month!"

John & Mary Morello
Riverhead:

"We've used Go Solar twice. We installed our first system in 2002 on our previous house. We were extremly pleased with Go Solar's expertise and service. When we built our new house, it was a no-brainer for us to use Go Solar. We haed them install our new PV system, and a solar hot water system as well!"

Don Ockers
Holtsville:

"After 14 months of running the system, my total cost to LIPA for last year was $2.36. If we hadn't had crumby weather in December and January I'd still be showing a credit. Like a dog chases cars I still go out and look at the meter several times a day, I just can't help myself. This was the best home investment I ever made!"

Andrew Squitieri
East Marion:

"Go Solar did a great job. The installation was neat, clean and fast. My system is producing even more than LIPA predicted! I keep telling people about the benefits of solar. I'm very satisfied, and I highly recommend Go Solar."

Gaynell Stone, Ph.D.:

"I'm a happy Go Solar customer since 2002. My solar electric system continues to save money month after month!"

Issue #26 - September 18, 2009

The Future of Solar Has Never Been Brighter

By Donna Avedon

Solar is definitely a strong buzzword these days, especially in the building and construction industry. As energy costs continue to rise, more homeowners are seeking alternative means to power their homes. Utilizing the sun's energy is one of the easiest ways to help save on energy costs while protecting the environment. Renewable energy from the sun offers a simple and productive method for producing power while lowering your utility costs.

In the past, the lack of aesthetics and high cost of installation had squelched solar conversions in many neighborhoods. Solar panels were perceived as an eyesore, both bulky and obvious. Until recently, the solar industry focused only on function not form. Now the industry is beginning to recognize aesthetics as an important factor in the residential market.

The roof's appearance was a non-issue for the Nature Conservancy's project in East Hampton. The architect hired the solar design professionals, Go Solar Inc., located in Riverhead, to install the hottest product in solar technology - Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV). Go Solar, Inc. owner, Gary Minnick said, "A solar roof with this beautiful system blends well with most architectural styles."

BIPV is a system of photovoltaic laminates that are bonded to a metal roofing system with a wiring connection that sends direct electrical current to an inverter. The inverter converts this alternating electrical current to satisfy the structure's utility loads. The laminate used is a flexible, extremely lightweight self-adhesive material that is less than a quarter-inch thick and attaches easily to standing seam roof panels. This thin photovoltaic laminate captures energy from the sun and converts it to electricity throughout the day. In the average home - around 1,200 sq. ft. - the photovoltaic film usually generates all the energy the home requires. If the system supplies more electricity than the structure requires, solar energy will turn the utility meter backwards and reduce or eliminate the utility bill.

Minnick pointed out that the emergence of this attractive roof integrated product "has encouraged many more high-end home builders to incorporate solar systems into their projects." He said "solar cells are available in different colors, so there is no limitation for the architect or the designer." These modules have various degrees of translucency and can be used as filtered daylight sources, which works especially well for skylights and clerestory windows.

Another new emerging product is solar shingles, which resemble traditional asphalt roofing shingles, but are, in fact, photovoltaic in nature. If aesthetics are a big issue, solar shingles are for you. Available in a variety of styles and colors, they protect your home from the elements and converting sunlight into electricity. In addition, they're made of thin, flexible material, so they blend well with the architectural detail of your roof. Solar Shingles make a very attractive choice for new construction because they can be incorporated into the design right from the beginning.

Minnick pointed out that sales of all types of solar energy systems are on the rise due to dropping production costs and incredible rebate incentives. Here on Long Island, homeowners who invest in solar equipment can expect a pay-off in seven to nine years, depending on initial cost and installation techniques. Installing just a solar water heating system can save a family of four more than $670 a year on oil-gas bills.

Bill Anderson, a contractor from Center Moriches, considered solar powering his home in 2003, but at the time found the cost "prohibitive." When he looked into the installation again in the fall of 2006 he was pleasantly surprised. Anderson was sold on solar electricity when he realized rebates and tax incentives would reduce the cost of his 9.7-kilowatt system from $67,000 to $28,250. New York State offers tax credit up to 25% on installations, with the federal government kicking in up to 30%. Both New York State and Suffolk County wave any sales tax. Anderson received a rebate check for $39,000 from LIPA for his solar roof. With electrical rates certain to climb, he and his wife decided it was a wise investment.

"If enough people install solar panels it will have a tremendous impact on the environment," Anderson said. "You don't look at this only in terms of dollars and cents. We're trying to generate renewable power so we're not just burning fossil fuels." He added that selecting solar "is a no-brainer."