Solar Power Systems Relocates to U.S. from Europe

DURHAM, N.C. - Sept. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Solar Power Systems, LLC, a firm specializing in photovoltaic (PV) panel installation with European and domestic investors, has opened offices in Durham, N.C. The company will focus on commercial and residential buildings, allowing average households and entrepreneurs to take advantage of existing federal and state tax breaks for PV installation on homes and buildings, thus offering a payback of 10 years or less, while energy production continues for 25 years!

Established in 2008 in Belgium, Europe, Solar Power Systems has installed solar panels on over 3000 homes and hundreds of businesses, with panels ranging in number from 5 to 16,000. The solar construction company gained international press exposure for its participation in the longest project in Europe, the $20 million Solar Tunnel. The installation of 16,000 panels over a two-mile stretch along the roof of the HSL4 (high-speed line Antwerp–Amsterdam) rail tunnel in Antwerp, the first of its kind in Europe, generates 3300 MWh of electricity per year, enough electricity to power the railway infrastructure, including lighting, station heating and signaling, as well as the conventional and high-speed trains using the Belgian rail network.

Luc Martens, COO, states, “We want consumers in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area to know that there is a new player in the PV solar market installing panels on homes and commercial buildings! We want to use the European experience in the American market.

“We started the business from scratch in 2008, successfully generating $30,000,000 in less than three years. Our plan is to create the same kind of growth here in the U.S. with the same target market: homes and commercial buildings and offices.

Solar Power System’s relocation also brings new jobs to the Triangle area. The firm is currently seeking individuals to fill 10 positions for Solar Sales Consultants and Technical Managers.

“We are different from most U.S. solar construction companies. We possess the knowledge to size each installation properly, and the advantage of having experienced the waves of price reductions in Europe that the American suppliers have yet to go through. PV installations sold in the market here are still very expensive.

“When we size a job, we always consider three elements: 1., the size of the roof to verify how many panels will physically fit properly, 2., energy consumption and 3., the client’s budget –– the amount the consumer is willing to invest in green energy. Carefully considering all three elements in combination will reveal how many panels best suits installation for each family or business.”

“Our goal is net metering, not production,” says Martens. “In that way, clients use the grid as their backup battery: When consumers are not using their produced power, they put it on the grid. When the need for power exceeds what they produce, they pull it out of the grid! This is the most efficient way financially to approach a job.”

Martens explains the significant difference in market price is partly related to installation costs.

“The installation processes in the American market are not yet as efficient as they can be. We can complete PV panel installations on a home in one day –– one-fifth the time it takes most companies here in the U.S. to complete a job. That is a big savings in labor costs for the consumer.”

Solar Power Systems launched its U.S. opening September 2, 2014, with the first installations planned shortly thereafter.

“We are very excited to return to North Carolina after 20 years, bringing our experience and expertise to the American consumer!” Martens says. “We recommend that people call us soon so they can take advantage of tax breaks in just a few months’ time. Their investment made now will generate cash tax returns this coming April.  Installations from January on will have to wait until –– April 2016!”

For more information, visit www.solarpowersystems.com, call 919.704.8428 or email Martens at luc.martens@solarpowersystems.com.

Established in 2008, Solar Power Systems, LLC, is a solar construction company headquartered in Durham, N.C., specializing in commercial and residential installation of affordable, high-quality PV solar panels backed by a 25-year production panel warranty. Solar Power Systems provides personal and individualized evaluations for businesses and homeowners, as well as experienced and knowledgeable DIY consumers, providing significant savings in energy costs.

For more information on Solar Power Systems or to schedule an installation evaluation, call 919.704.8428 or visit www.solarpowersystems.com.