Radiance Solar Completes 100 kW Solar Installation at Decatur Self Storage

Jan. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Radiance Solar this week completed a 100 kW solar photovoltaic installation for Decatur Self Storage. Estimated to produce 134,000 kWh of power annually, the system will provide more than 100 percent of the facility’s electricity needs.

With the cost of solar energy dropping more than 50 percent in the last two years, business owners like Mike Easterwood recognize the financial benefits of generating their own power.

“The economic advantages of solar for my businesses were irresistible,” said Easterwood, owner of Decatur Self Storage, “The system will pay for itself in a few years and I am essentially eliminating my power bill for the long-term.”

Easterwood, also a commercial real estate appraiser, says he is also convinced that installing solar has added significant value to his property.

He adds: “As an appraiser and investor, I made the decision to go solar because it’s a 25+ year asset that produces significant income/savings in property operation, and ultimately adds about $250,000 in value to my building.”

A vintage industrial site, Decatur Self Storage occupies one of the first commercial buildings to be built on East Ponce de Leon in 1947.  Installed on the roof of the historic facility, the components for the solar project include: solar panels from Georgia-based Suniva with 396 255W modules; the 12 inverters are SMA Sunnyboy 7000s. The system is interconnected to Georgia Power.

“Decatur Self Storage is exactly the kind of facility that is able to take advantage of solar and experience a considerable drop in their energy costs, said James Marlow, CEO of Radiance Solar. “With the cost of commercial solar continuing to drop, we’re seeing a lot of interest from business owners like Mike Easterwood, who are very excited about the idea of lowering or eliminating their power bill.”

“And because solar systems last upwards of 25 years and have no moving parts, our customers have minimal maintenance costs and are able to leverage their investment over a very long time frame,” Marlow added.

About Decatur Self Storage

Decatur Self Storage is an adaptive re-use of a vintage industrial building converted to top quality storage in 1999. Decatur Self Storage offers climate control, non-climate control, and RV Parking, at competitive rates. www.decatur-self-storage.com

About Radiance Solar

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Radiance Solar is a leading solar contractor, specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of solar energy systems.  Their mission is to bring low-cost, reliable solar energy within reach of every electricity user through a relentless commitment to innovative design, aggressive procurement and efficient construction techniques. www.radiancesolar.com

Contact: Mitch Leff, (404) 861-4769, mitch@leffassociates.com