With the much-appreciated volunteer help of a passel of enthusiastic deer hunters, (our client's guests) the solar thermal collectors made it to Alan Henrick's south wall last weekend.
The rest of the project will be completed in a leisurely manner in order to get Alan several hundred more back on the project in Federal Tax Credits. (If it was completed in 2008 the amount he'd get back would be capped at $2,000. Wait 'till the year turns and he'll get a full 30% credit.)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Project Update: One Step at a Time
It's not always easy being the first.
As the first solar thermal contractor in Marathon County, we're paving the way in terms of letting suppliers know exactly what the industry needs in terms of parts and materials.
Although work on the Henricks project began a while ago, it's taken until now for everything to finally get here and ready to go.
In the meantime, Dan's been working outside in the chill Wisconsin winter, getting the panel mounts ready for installation. This particular project presents a unique challenge because of a combination of awning-mounted panels over vinyl siding and a less-than-flush exterior wall. The panels must be mounted securely enough to withstand windstorms, while the vinyl needs room to flex with outside temperature variations to avoid cracking.
Dan tells me the panel mounts are almost completed and the parts are lined up and ready to go.
They're planning to hang the panels Saturday.
We'll keep you posted!
As the first solar thermal contractor in Marathon County, we're paving the way in terms of letting suppliers know exactly what the industry needs in terms of parts and materials.
Although work on the Henricks project began a while ago, it's taken until now for everything to finally get here and ready to go.
In the meantime, Dan's been working outside in the chill Wisconsin winter, getting the panel mounts ready for installation. This particular project presents a unique challenge because of a combination of awning-mounted panels over vinyl siding and a less-than-flush exterior wall. The panels must be mounted securely enough to withstand windstorms, while the vinyl needs room to flex with outside temperature variations to avoid cracking.
Dan tells me the panel mounts are almost completed and the parts are lined up and ready to go.
They're planning to hang the panels Saturday.
We'll keep you posted!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Solar Thermal Installation Under Way!
Our first installation is under way! After some delay due to shippping and supply hassles, Dan's started work on our first official solar water heating system. Wish him luck as he braves the chilly Wisconsin weather to bring warmth from the sun to the household of Alan Henricks of Marathon, WI!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Yes, We Can!
Come January, we'll have a new bunch in charge in Washington - and that bodes very well for renewable energy.
Obama wants to "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change." His economic plan calls for a $150 billion infusion into clean energy, creating five million new "green collar" jobs.
His plan includes the retrofitting of federal buildings to increase their energy efficiency within 5 years. The ultimate goal is zero emissions for federal buildings by 2025, and for all buildings by 2030.
An ambitious and far-seeing plan. It'll take a lot of hard work and commitment. But as Obama says, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Let's get to it!
Yes, We Can!
(Click on the title of this post to read Obama's energy plan.)
Obama wants to "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change." His economic plan calls for a $150 billion infusion into clean energy, creating five million new "green collar" jobs.
His plan includes the retrofitting of federal buildings to increase their energy efficiency within 5 years. The ultimate goal is zero emissions for federal buildings by 2025, and for all buildings by 2030.
An ambitious and far-seeing plan. It'll take a lot of hard work and commitment. But as Obama says, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Let's get to it!
Yes, We Can!
(Click on the title of this post to read Obama's energy plan.)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Marketing Grant from Focus on Energy
Marathon Renewable Energy has been approved for a Marketing Grant for $1,500 from Focus on Energy, the organization responsible for promoting renewable energy in Wisconsin.
The funds are earmarked for the development of basic marketing materials, including a logo, brochures and a web site.
We're thrilled to have qualified for the grant and eager to put the funds to work!
The funds are earmarked for the development of basic marketing materials, including a logo, brochures and a web site.
We're thrilled to have qualified for the grant and eager to put the funds to work!
Friday, October 24, 2008
This Beats the Stock Market
Is it just me, or is the stock market starting to resemble a giant flushing toilet?
How 'bout finding a safe place for your savings?
A solar water heater cranks out free energy once it's installed. Enough to offset 10% of your equipment investment costs at today's energy costs.
Your return on investment is guaranteed to inflate right along with rising energy prices. The higher they soar, the more money you get to hang onto.
10% + ROI, or the swirling bowl? You decide.
How 'bout finding a safe place for your savings?
A solar water heater cranks out free energy once it's installed. Enough to offset 10% of your equipment investment costs at today's energy costs.
Your return on investment is guaranteed to inflate right along with rising energy prices. The higher they soar, the more money you get to hang onto.
10% + ROI, or the swirling bowl? You decide.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Marathon Renewable Energy meets with Keller, Inc.
Thank you to Keller, Inc. for allowing us to present to their sales staff this Wed. Oct. 15th.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thanks to Our New Suppliers
As a company providing solar hot water installation services, we depend on good relationships with quality local suppliers.
We are very pleased to announce Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc.'s acceptance as a credit customer by three Wausau area firms: Able Distributing and Ferguson Enterprises (plumbing suppliers) and Wausau Chemical (who will supply us with suitable antifreeze solution.)
We are very pleased to announce Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc.'s acceptance as a credit customer by three Wausau area firms: Able Distributing and Ferguson Enterprises (plumbing suppliers) and Wausau Chemical (who will supply us with suitable antifreeze solution.)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Marathon Renewable Energy Meets The Samuels Group
Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc. would like to thank the Samuels group for their invitation to present to their staff. Dan spoke with about a dozen employees of the Wausau architecture and construction firm today about the benefits of solar thermal heating.
The Samuels Group has made a corporate decision to become a front runner in the LEED/Green movement. In light of this goal, Dan's presentation was received with interest.
We look forward to partnering with them on future projects.
Visit The Samuels Group's website at www.samuelsgroup.net.
The Samuels Group has made a corporate decision to become a front runner in the LEED/Green movement. In light of this goal, Dan's presentation was received with interest.
We look forward to partnering with them on future projects.
Visit The Samuels Group's website at www.samuelsgroup.net.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dan Attends Solar Thermal Site Assessment Training
Dan Michelsen attended a solar hot water site assessment workshop this past weekend in LaCrosse.
The class was taught by solar hot water guru Bob Ramlow (One of the participants quipped, "It's like taking a class from Woodie Guthrie!") and offered through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.
The class was taught by solar hot water guru Bob Ramlow (One of the participants quipped, "It's like taking a class from Woodie Guthrie!") and offered through the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
It Passed!
Whatever you may think of the Wall Street bailout bill, the fact that it passed the House is very good news for anyone thinking about going solar.
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) carries a rider extending federal tax credits for solar energy investment by a whopping eight years! Not only that, but the $2,000 cap currently in place for residential solar projects has been lifted. Starting in January, homeowners will receive a full 30% of solar system costs back on their taxes, regardless of the total cost of the project.
Solar Energy Industries Association president Rhone Resch calls the bill“A major step in our long journey toward energy independence." He predicts, “This long-term extension of the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families, businesses, and communities.”
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424) carries a rider extending federal tax credits for solar energy investment by a whopping eight years! Not only that, but the $2,000 cap currently in place for residential solar projects has been lifted. Starting in January, homeowners will receive a full 30% of solar system costs back on their taxes, regardless of the total cost of the project.
Solar Energy Industries Association president Rhone Resch calls the bill“A major step in our long journey toward energy independence." He predicts, “This long-term extension of the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families, businesses, and communities.”
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Project Approved!
Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc.'s first official solar installation proposal has been approved!
Our customer will receive an incentive check for $1,584 from Focus on Energy to help pay for his solar hot water system. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
He will also get a $2,000 credit on his federal taxes, bringing his total incentive savings to $3,584 - more than 1/3 the cost of his system.
Now that the system has been approved, we can go forward with installation! We'll post details of the event as they occur.
Our customer will receive an incentive check for $1,584 from Focus on Energy to help pay for his solar hot water system. Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
He will also get a $2,000 credit on his federal taxes, bringing his total incentive savings to $3,584 - more than 1/3 the cost of his system.
Now that the system has been approved, we can go forward with installation! We'll post details of the event as they occur.
Monday, September 29, 2008
First US Greenhouse Emmissions Cap & Trade Auction
Last Thursday, Sept. 25th, marked a milestone: the first U.S. auction of greenhouse emission pollution permits.
A coalition of ten Northeast states, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, conducted the auction, in which power companies and other interests compete for the right to pollute. The system is intended to halt the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, and then gradually reduce emissions emanating from the region after 2014.
Thursday's emissions price ended up at $3.07 a ton, not too much above the minimum bid of $1.86, and well below Europe's current rate of about $37 a ton. The low prices are likely to rise in future auctions, as emissions caps are lowered.
The states plan to invest much of the $38.5 million raised by the auction in renewable energy technology.
Coalitions in other areas of the country, including the West and Midwest, already have plans for similar auctions under development.
A coalition of ten Northeast states, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, conducted the auction, in which power companies and other interests compete for the right to pollute. The system is intended to halt the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, and then gradually reduce emissions emanating from the region after 2014.
Thursday's emissions price ended up at $3.07 a ton, not too much above the minimum bid of $1.86, and well below Europe's current rate of about $37 a ton. The low prices are likely to rise in future auctions, as emissions caps are lowered.
The states plan to invest much of the $38.5 million raised by the auction in renewable energy technology.
Coalitions in other areas of the country, including the West and Midwest, already have plans for similar auctions under development.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Dept. of Energy predicts 17% rise in natural gas prices
Dig out your heavy wool sweaters! Natural gas prices in the residential sector are predicted to rise about 17% this year, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. Department of Energy's statistical agency.
This is despite a predicted increase in U.S. marketed natural gas production of 7.8 percent in 2008 and 3.8 percent in 2009.
Several factors contribute to the impending price hike, including:
This is despite a predicted increase in U.S. marketed natural gas production of 7.8 percent in 2008 and 3.8 percent in 2009.
Several factors contribute to the impending price hike, including:
- An expected increase in total (residential and commercial) natural gas consumption of 2.7% in 2008 and 2.2% in 2009.
- Rising prices in Europe and Asia, and
- Increased global demand for liquified natural gas (LNG).
Friday, September 26, 2008
Senate Approves Solar Energy Tax Credits
The New Energy Reform Act of 2008 enjoyed overwhelming support in a 93-2 decision yesterday by the U.S. Senate. The bill would extend federal residential and commercial solar energy tax credits for the next eight years.
The proposed tax credits would cover 30% of project cost of new solar installation projects. A significant change from current tax credits is the removal of the $2000 cap on residential systems. This would make solar energy more affordable for homeowners. Since the typical home installation runs around $10,000, this would cut the average homeowner's cost by $1,000.
Because Wisconsin has strong state-funded incentives in place (see Focus on Energy's website on our links list), Wisconsin homeowners would enjoy incentives covering approximately 50% of system costs.
First, though, the bill has to be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. Sounds like a good opportunity to write your representative!
Fortunately, the House is on the ball and has set up an easy way to do it. Just go to https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml and select your state and zip code. You'll be taken to your own representative's web site, where you can ask them to support renewable energy by supporting the New Energy Reform Act. Just look for their contact page (you'll need to type in your contact info, including zip+4.) It's easy, only takes a minute, and you'll have done your good deed for the day!
The proposed tax credits would cover 30% of project cost of new solar installation projects. A significant change from current tax credits is the removal of the $2000 cap on residential systems. This would make solar energy more affordable for homeowners. Since the typical home installation runs around $10,000, this would cut the average homeowner's cost by $1,000.
Because Wisconsin has strong state-funded incentives in place (see Focus on Energy's website on our links list), Wisconsin homeowners would enjoy incentives covering approximately 50% of system costs.
First, though, the bill has to be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. Sounds like a good opportunity to write your representative!
Fortunately, the House is on the ball and has set up an easy way to do it. Just go to https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml and select your state and zip code. You'll be taken to your own representative's web site, where you can ask them to support renewable energy by supporting the New Energy Reform Act. Just look for their contact page (you'll need to type in your contact info, including zip+4.) It's easy, only takes a minute, and you'll have done your good deed for the day!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
We're Official!
It's official! Marathon Renewable Energy is now Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc., registered in the State of Wisconsin!
Our first solar domestic hot water installation is under way, for a gentleman in Marathon, WI. Right now we're waiting for the paperwork to be reviewed by Focus on Energy before Dan begins the actual installation.
In the mean time, we've been doing all the necessary legwork - finding suppliers, filling out paperwork, etc.
I'll be posting periodic updates on the project, as well as other news as it comes up.
Our first solar domestic hot water installation is under way, for a gentleman in Marathon, WI. Right now we're waiting for the paperwork to be reviewed by Focus on Energy before Dan begins the actual installation.
In the mean time, we've been doing all the necessary legwork - finding suppliers, filling out paperwork, etc.
I'll be posting periodic updates on the project, as well as other news as it comes up.
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