East Decatur Station Installs $900,000 in Solar Panels
Decatur Metro | December 24, 2010The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported yesterday on East Decatur Station’s recently installed one of the largest solar panel systems in metro Atlanta, which carried a $900,000 price tag. The panels are projected to off-set the development’s energy prices by 20%.
Of course, with all things solar these days, there are plenty of government incentives to bring the price down for the property owner. According to the ABC article, East Decatur Station will receive a grant through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for 35% of installation costs and additional 30% Federal grant. (The article doesn’t specify whether that’s off the installation costs or the cost of the panels themselves.)
This is a great move taken by the owners of East Decatur Station. In addition to the generous Federal and State clean energy incentives, their solar energy system gives them a long-term hedge against rising Georgia Power rates. One commercial client of mine estimates his power bills will rise by 17% THIS YEAR.
The Federal and State clean energy incentives apply toward the total cost of the solar installation, equipment and labor. The Federal incentive comes as a 30% tax credit or a grant (your choice.) Georgia provides a 35% tax credit. Also, the Feds allow you to depreciate the system on an accelerated 5-years schedule.
All-in-all, this investment will probably pay back the EDS owners in 4-5 years, and will continue to produce electricity for them for 25 years or more.
Not bad!