Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 134, Number 36, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 6 September 2012 — Page 8

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Solar Energy Systems saving money with the sun

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Photo provided Those that want to find ways to save on energy costs can contact Solar Energy Systems to use nature's cleanest power source. Solar Energy Systems is located at 1952 W. Market St., Nappanee. Inside the store, shoppers can peruse a variety of batteries and solar panels from 10- to 220-watts, or check out the 14-foot, solar-powered freezer.

By Ancf.l Pkrkins Eon ok NAPPANEE With energy costs regularly rising, people living in this inconsistent economy might consider investing now to save more in the long run. The specialists at Solar Energy Systems in Nappanee can help people do just that whether they are trying to save energy costs in their home or business, or wanting to generate energy to power anything from feeding systems on their farm to reducing generator time on their RVs, or operating the lights on their buggies. Inside the store, shoppers can peruse a variety of batteries and solar panels from 10- to 220-watts, or check out the 14-foot, solar-powered freezer, or get more information from owner Brian Burkholder or sales manager Dave Parcell. Burkholder started up the business in 2006 which grew out of his home office to the present Nappanee location in 2011. Most of Solar Energy System's customer's needs involve residences, farms and businesses and the business' distribution branches into 26 states and six countries. Acquiring solar energy is fairly simple. Solar panels convert the sun's energy into electricity and then an inverter changes the electricity allowing it to power devices plugged into electrical outlets (already installed), and any excess energy generated flows through the meter to offset the customer's electric bill. And solar energy generation isn't only on bright, 90-degree days.

Nappanee's next Second Saturday I events will be held Sept. 8 with the I theme "Harvest Time." All day there I will be activities, deals and family I fun; a little something for everyone. | Nappanee Public Library is inviting children to make a harvest time scarecrow treat bucket from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Teapot and More (in Coppes Commons) will have a small animal petting zoo and miniature pony rides. There is no charge for either. The Wiener Shack will be available downtown with gourmet hotdogs and exotic sausage. There will be local lunch specials at Miller's Dutch Kitchen (700 N. Tomahawk Trail); Amish Acres Restaurant and Round Bam Theatre (U.S. 6 west of Nappanee): El Cielito Lindo

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"On an overcast day you can generate up to 60 percent output from the solar panel and even when it's raining, you can still get 10 to 15 percent," Parcell explained. Not only can solar and wind-pow-ered improvements save money on a customer's overall utility bills, it can also save money through a Federal Tax Credit. "Before 2009 the credit would max at $2,000 (toward energy-efficient improvements)," explained Parcell. "But now, for any renewable solar energy system there is a 30 percent credit with no maximum, and that includes the product and its installation.'' Savings can also be found for those connected to NIPSCO's electricity. "They have an attractive program made available that a lot of people take advantage of," Parcell explained. "If you put a system in per their guidelines, they will pay you 30 cents per every 10 kilowatts that the system generates." Those involved in NIPSCO's "feedin tariff" program actually make money from the extra power they generate using solar power, but they can't use it themselves; it goes to NIPSCO for 15 years; and it has to be a system that generates no less than 5kW and no more than SMW. Net metering is similar but NIPSCO customers using solar energy are metered and can receive credit for any electricity they are generating beyond what they are using which can then be applied to future usage of NIPSCO's energy. Solar Energy Systems offers after-

2 (108 W. Market St.); Main Street Coffee House (105 N. Main St.); and Hunter's Hideaway, Inc. (153 S. Main St.); Athen's Gyros (161 S. Main St.); Tex-Mex Restaurant (1103 E. Market St.); California Grill half off buffet all day and White Dove (1403 E. Market Sti); and McDonalds (1540 E. Market St.). Shopping specials can be found around town including the following participants: Graber's Flooring Studio (156 N. Main St.); LJ Wagner and Sweet Bee (1200 E. Market St.); Downtown Design & Consign will offer 10 percent off any

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sale customer support including 24-hour emergency assistance, finance options, free estimates, at- site evaluations, and can size systems to each individual or business' solar (or wind system) needs. Insured, experienced and dependable staff also offer customers high-quality, durable products. Parcell explains why he feels his business has quickly become so poplar. "Our solar panels are all Americanmade," he said. "We first meet with the client and talk with them and take a look at their electric bills to determine what their needs are. Panels need to be facing south so we see if they need a roof or ground mount with a racking system and go from there. Costs are not just clean cut. We look at every client on a case-by-case basis. It all depends on the size of the project, what all needs to be done, and what the client is trying to achieve." Those that want to find ways to save on energy costs can contact Solar Energy Systems to use nature's cleanest power source. Solar Energy Systems is located at 1952 W. Market St., Nappanee. Learn more by calling 574-773-0546, emailing sales manager Dave Parcell at [email protected], or owner Brian Burkholder at brian@ sesindiana.com, or visiting www. SolarEnergySystemsLLC.com online. Additionally, inside the business is sister company Ameri-light, an LED light bulb business run by Antony Zimmerman from which customers can save even more money. Contact him at 574-646-2150 or email [email protected].

ft purchase of $25 or more; Antiques I on the Square is celebrating its 20th ■ year; Veni's Sweet Shop is offering la free fall pretzel with purchases pot more than $5; Verizon Wireless Mobile Generation (156 S. Main St.); Natalie's Christian Wellness Center is offering 20 percent off all food items all day; Metzler Shoe Store has New Ugg Australia Boots arriving daily; Martin Hardware (151 E. Market St.); KEY Boutique (154 E. Market St.); All Seasons Tent & Party Rental; Floral Cascades; Coppes Commons (401 E. Market St.): at Light of Grace Bookstore, Teapot & More, Nappanee Bakery, Rocket Science Ice Cream, Culinary Mill, and seasonal vendors. For more information regarding listed activities and shopping specials go to www.visitnappanee.com