Needham resident goes solar to save money and the environment

Aug. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- This summer’s record-breaking sunshine is good news for Ken Farbstein’s electric bill.  Farbstein’s newly installed solar electric system is already producing enough power to cover all of his electric usage, and contributing to the increasing sustainability efforts in Needham.

While the 30-panel solar array that sits atop Farbstein’s roof is a new development, it is hardly the beginning of his efforts towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle.  Prior to going solar, Farbstein was always mindful of conserving energy, taking steps such as riding his bike for errands rather than driving his car.  “When the new tax breaks came into effect, we looked into solar seriously for the first time,” he explains.  After receiving a free site evaluation from Sunlight Solar Energy, Farbstein and his wife knew that solar was the right choice for them.  They were able to save significant money on their system, thanks to a 30% Federal Tax Credit, coupled with a $1,000 state tax credit and a substantial state rebate.  

Farbstein is among one of the many Massachusetts homeowners choosing to go solar in order to reduce their environmental impact and dependence on nonrenewable resources.  With the Gulf oil spill and climate change on the forefront of local and national dialogue, alternative energy is becoming a more realistic and sensible alternative for consumers.  “It’s green in two ways – environmentally and economically,” says Farbstein.   “Our panels were made in America,” he adds. “In a tiny way, that helps create jobs here, instead of sending our money for energy to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, or to Big Oil.”

His solar photovoltaic system saves more than 25 pounds of CO2 per day, reports Farbstein, who has been passionate about tracking his solar production daily.   Sunlight Solar Energy, a solar design and installation company in Newton, customized the system to cover all of Farbstein’s electric use and handled all of the rebate paperwork in order to make the process as simple as possible.  

Farbstein, who works as a patient safety advocate, says he’d be happy to talk with people who are interested in going solar.

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Sunlight Solar Energy is a certified grid-tied solar electric installation contractor committed to providing the highest quality grid-tied solar electric installations for homes and businesses.