EmPower’s Matt Mathosian Featured in Newsday

EmPower’s Commercial Project Manager Matt Mathosian was recently featured in Newsday’s Voices of Long Island.  From the article:

Mathosian, a project manager for EmPower Solar, an Island Park firm behind some of the largest solar-energy projects here, including a recently completed 100 kilowatt project at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset.

“The renewable-energy industry has got to sustain itself. Equipment prices are coming down, and we’re getting additional incentives as far as tax credits. We’ll accelerate our business in the sector. Today, I’m in Long Beach. The only thing I see all day are oil tankers. What’s the difference if there are wind turbines in the water? Of course we’d like to see the power plants all shut down, if what the government is striving for is a totally sustainable renewable economy.”

Matt appeared in a special series Newsday ran on called “The Future of Long Island: Energy.”  Check out the other interesting articles which discuss the unique energy challenges Long Island faces and the potential role of solar energy in future energy decisions.

EmPower CEO Welcomes All to New Website

EmPower recently launched a new website.  Our improved site has more content, more galleries (with more photos of our installations), more information about our projects, and all-around has more to help you learn about solar energy for homes and businesses.  From our site you’ll be able to tell that our entire team is committed to developing a clean energy economy and helping consumers take control of their energy costs.  Listen to a quick word from our CEO David Schieren:

Also, if you want to learn more about solar power, we are hosting a series of solar seminars in different Long Island towns.  Check out where we are going to be and register to attend one!

EmPower Installs more than 1 MW of Solar Power!

EmPower broke the 1 megawatt mark!

Since 2006, EmPower has installed a cumulative 1,001 kW [1000 kW = 1 MW] of solar energy systems.  Thus far these systems have produced an estimated 742,134 kWh and reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 1.14 million lbs.  These systems will continue to produce energy for at least 25 more years, so we expect energy savings and environmental benefits to grow.

Today we commissioned a 10 kW system in Plainview, NY which launched us past 1 MW.  Some details on that system – it is roof mounted, comprised of 47 SunPower-215 Watt panels, has a 25-year panel warranty, is estimated to produce 11,855 kWh annually, and has an expected simple payback of 5.7 years.  In the first year, the system’s electric production is valued at $2,549 and over 30 years the aggregated electric production is estimated to be worth $127,622.

Over the past 4 years, we have witnessed a dramatic drop in prices .  In 2006, systems cost around $8.00/watt.  The 10 kW system we commissioned today cost only $5.92/watt.  Our clients are seeing payback periods in the 5 to 7 year range, and significant lifetime energy savings.  While prices are dropping, so are the direct LIPA rebates, so the return on investment is staying relatively constant despite declining prices.  This trend is expected to continue.

Last week a 30 kW system was commissioned at the Smithtown Municipal Services Facility (pictured above) in Smithtown, NY.  This was a big step in reaching the 1 MW mark.  Residential and commercial-size solar installations will both be key to EmPower’s next megawatt!

Win a Free Solar Backpack!

EmPower will be at the Long Island Home Show on April 9th, 10th, and 11th at Nassau Coliseum.  The Home Show is great place to explore new products and meet potential contractors, suppliers, providers, etc.  EmPower has been at the last two home shows at Nassau Coliseum and is excited to be there again.  We’ve been stocking up on cool EmPower gear and can’t wait to answer everyone’s questions about solar.

Stop by our booth for the chance to win a cool solar backpack.  The Voltaic solar backpack has 4W of solar cells on the outside, comes with 10 charging adapters, and can be used with cell phones, cameras, GPS units, and MP3 players.  Every person who visits our booth and signs up to schedule a free solar site assessment will be entered into the raffle to win the backpack.

These are some pictures of EmPower Team member, Dave Wagner, showing off the backpack. You can see that while he’s in the sun, a small LED lights up to signal it’s producing energy.