RWE SCHOTT Solar Inc. (Billerica, MA), a manufacturer and distributor of solar modules and systems, announced that one of its recent customers, La-Z-boy Furniture Galleries located in Rancho Cordova, CA, has completed installation of a 30kW, non-penetrating, SunRoof FS flat roof photovoltaic (PV) system capable of powering 10 to 20 average homes.
The building's system qualifies for a rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric Company's self-generation incentive program equal to half of the cost. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) reduced the initial cost of the system by contributing $40,000 worth of PV panels to the project. The system has a life expectancy of 25 years, and with the financial incentives in place, has a payback period of approximately seven years.
Jim Reego, owner of the Rancho Cordova store, stated, "There's no doubt we wanted to install this system to bring our electricity costs down. But it wasn't just that. We wanted to make a contribution that reduces greenhouse gases and helps California obtain a level of energy independence. Even without the financial incentives we would eventually break even and have the system pay for itself. With the incentives, the break-even point comes a lot faster and our savings just continue to grow."
