By Deborah Brightstar for My Local Home Show
March 24, 2010
How’s this for an approach to business? Build the business and they will learn!
That is what the folks at Solar Gain Inc. have done. Solar Gain was established in 2008 as a platform for educating the local community on both the ecological and economical benefits to converting over to solar energy. They are passionate about teaching the public on how important it is for our planet and our pockets to convert over to cost efficient energy efficient solar water heating systems as well as photovoltaic systems of electricity.
We interviewed Melissa Black and her son Roman Black, who have created an experienced and knowledgeable team to support their efforts. They are concerned and committed to teaching the masses, one household at a time, on the financial and environmental benefits of converting water heating and electrical systems over to renewable sources of energy.
My Local Home Show (MLHS): Why did you choose to get into the Solar business?
Solar Gain Inc. (SG): There is a huge opportunity for us to lead the charge in the green revolution of renewable energy since we, in Arizona, are at the epi-center of solar energy possibilities.
Our greatest energy source is the sun here in Arizona so we can capitalize on that! It is modular so it can be easily brought to other countries. Eventually that’s what we want to do is go around the world starting with the Latin American countries to educate them on the economic and environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources.
MLHS: Why did you choose solar energy as opposed to other renewable energy sources available?
SG: We have been involved with building custom homes for many years and have always implemented energy efficient features and return on investment and tax credit components. There is lots of opportunity to garner a four to five year pay back and gain a 20-30% return on investment.
MLHS: Tell us more about the tax credits and return on investment (ROI)?
SG: There is an 8% tax free ROI on solar systems that are either built into new homes or retrofitted to older homes as an upgrade. It is tax-free equity that adds to residential home values. It is a non-taxable home improvement. Right now it is not an option for most people not to pay their utility bills; unless you have your own personal power plan that pays you. When you do you contribute back into the grid and get paid rather than having to pay for a utility bill.
MLHS: What is your main purpose for Solar Gain?
SG: It is our heart and soul to help our community to join the energy revolution!
We are here to provide a call to action! It’s our way of giving back. We are dedicated to solar. We are saving the planet one house and household and one business at a time! We want to be known as the “green energy resource center”.
MLHS: In addition to your business, what is your approach for educating the masses?
SG: We founded the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce to create a cooperative community that is committed to the solution. Arizona has the highest solar radiation and potential for solar energy usage designated by the Department of Energy as “America’s solar city.
We also send education packets out to clients before we meet with them to give them the research they need to make an informed decision. The rewards for educating them is good business for us. When we have done our job our business will reflect that.
MLHS: What do you see the main benefits to Arizona being?
SG: Solar is the next gold rush! It could lead Arizona back into economic recovery as well as across the nation. Also we are a community that is poised, progressive and perfectly positioned to capitalize on our unlimited solar energy. When you make an investment in solar energy you will have free energy for decades!
MLHS: How so?
SG: It would create tons of jobs for starters. We will need engineers, manufacturers, companies would come to Arizona from around the world creating well paying jobs.
MLHS: What is the mission of the So. AZ Green Chamber of Commerce?
SG: Our mission is to help educate the public by fostering the success of green business and enterprise in Southern Arizona by uniting members under the premise of sustainable business practices. It is a huge proposition that can help us gain momentum by emphasizing the business community segment. With businesses on board that are operating more energy efficiently it helps with their bottom line. It also brings groups together to collaborate and cross pollinate on different green business components.
MLHS: What are the challenges you face right now in getting the word out about the benefits of using solar energy?
SG: Educating the public on the benefits- convincing them that it is a good investment with huge incentives. Prices have come down on the systems making it more affordable than people think it is. Seventy percent of the system will be paid in full in the very first year.
Other barriers are that Arizona’s energy is relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of the nation and other states such as California. In AZ we get a $1,000 dollar tax credit and $3 per watt with a full pay back for investing in a new system within the first year. California only pays out $1.10 per watt and the ROI takes 4-5 years.
MLHS: What other challenges or barriers are you trying to overcome?
SG: People don’t understand how simple it is! It is not difficult! And green energy is actually good business! It increases appraisal values increasing resale values of homes by $10-25 k.
MLHS: What solar products and services do you offer at Solar Gain?
SG: We offer Solar electric otherwise known as photovoltaic. We also specialize in solar thermal which is solar hot water heaters- the most common and easiest system to start your conversion to solar energy systems with. And we provide solar pool pumps as well as radiating floor heating systems. We are also a resource for other solar products such as solar well pumps.
MLHS: What if we don’t get on board with using more solar systems?
SG: We will loose out by missing the curve. We will be left in the dust economically which would be a shame since we could be the epi-center due to our geography. This is our opportunity to compete in the global economy. The renewable energy of solar is our big chance!
The larges transfer of wealth from one country to another has been due to buying petroleum products from foreign suppliers. Instead we can take that economic power back!
MLHS: What is your hope for the future?
SG: We look forward to the day when a home is a minority if it doesn’t have solar energy. It is a group effort that everyone has to be a part of- homeowners, lenders, builders and appraisers. Eventually we can buy a home that pays us a $1,000 for the energy we produce and sell back into the grid.
MLHS: Thank you for your commitment to educate the masses on using renewable energy sources such as solar as an ecological but also economical solution for Arizona as well as the United States.
For more information about your very own solar power system check out Solar Gain Inc. at www.mylocalhomeshow.net or www.solargaininc.com!
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