
The 24-kilowatt system consists of solar panels made in the USA by Helios Solar Works of Milwaukee, Wis. The solar panels will supply about 66 percent of Mid Valley Electric’s annual electricity demand. The solar energy system is warranted to produce power for 25 years, with an expected lifetime of over 35 years.
“So far, nonprofit, educational and religious institutions have led the way on using solar power in Harrisonburg,” said Andy Hershberger, president of Shenandoah Solar, the developer of the solar energy project. “Now, Mid Valley Electric is showing other for-profit businesses that today, with lower solar panel prices and federal tax incentives, solar power has become a reasonable commercial investment.”
The current federal solar tax credit allows purchasers of a solar photovoltaic or thermal system to claim up to 30 percent of the cost of equipment and installation as a credit against any federal tax they may owe. There is no maximum on costs and unused credits can be rolled over into the next tax year. This incentive is due to expire at the end of 2016.
“The solar energy system will not only help the company save money on energy while helping the environment, it will also help Mid Valley Electric to demonstrate to its own customers the benefits of solar power. For companies concerned about controlling costs in the face of rising electricity bills, generating your own solar power on site is a good investment,” said Tim Link, president of Mid Valley Electric.
About Shenandoah Solar
Shenandoah Solar, LLC is a newly formed partnership of Secure Futures, Mid Valley Electric, and GOT Electric. Andy Hershberger serves as the president of the company, which provides services to design and install solar photovoltaic energy systems to commercial and non-profit entities within the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas. The business brings together a direct relationship between the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and financing of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Altogether, Shenandoah Solar brings over 35 MW of solar installation experience, in Virginia and throughout the mid-Atlantic region. For interest in commercial solar energy projects, email Shenandoah Solar directly at [email protected] or find them online at http://www.shenandoahsolar.us.