Staunton solar company aims to show businesses the benefits of solar

A Shenandoah Valley solar energy company wants to get the word out that incentives for businesses to install solar are better than ever, and throughout October Altenergy Incorporated Staunton will be personally reaching out to area businesses to show them the numbers. Joe Sadonis, Altenergy Incorporated’s Staunton branch manager will give a free talk titled “Using Solar to Boost Your Bottom Line,” onOctober 15, 9am at the Greater August Chamber of Commerce office at 30 Ladd Rd. Fishersville, VA.

Attendees will learn about:

• Rural Energy for America Program grants $2,500-$500,000 (one just received in downtown Staunton!)
• Cost offset of 55% in tax credits & grants
• Up to 30 % return on investment

Altenergy Inc. is championing the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in the Staunton area since all businesses qualify as rural and many are classified as a small under the small business administration guidelines.

Seth Liskey, a property and business owner in downtown Staunton recently received a REAP grant. His project has been approved by the Staunton Historic Committee as the first commercial solar installation on a Staunton historic building.  He encourages other businesses to “…sit down with Altenergy and their CPAs to run the numbers for themselves, especially while incentives are so accessible.”

REAP is administered through USDA- Rural Development, and offers grants, guaranteed loans, and combination grant/guaranteed loans to help rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. All local businesses that meet the small business size standards determined by the small business administration are eligible for REAP.   Additionally, individuals/businesses directly engaged in the production of agricultural products that obtain at least 50% or greater of their gross income from their agriculture business also are eligible.

Joe Sadonis, Altenergy Incorporated’s Staunton branch manager voices his excitement about the potential for businesses to take advantage of huge savings: “The addition of another layer of savings for companies desiring to reap the benefits of solar for their businesses is exciting news for the alternative energy industry in Virginia. By offering ongoing incentives that improve the bottom line financial return that comes from investing in solar systems, the Commonwealth is taking positive steps toward improving alternative energy opportunities.”

For more about Altenergy Incorporated Staunton, visit www.altenergyincorporated.com or contact Joe at(540)885-0493, email jsadonis@altenergyincorporated.com.