Ferguson Talks About Solar Power in Hunterdon Co.

Press Release

Ferguson Talks About Solar Power in Hunterdon Co.

During a visit on Tuesday to John and Barbara Corbin's farm - which boasts 96 solar panels that track the sun's movement during the day - Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., said bipartisan legislation he introduced in Congress would make installing solar power system cheaper for more homeowners.

The "Solar Opportunity and Local Access to Resources Act" builds on Ferguson's earlier legislative effort, which he introduced earlier this year, to expand federal tax credits for homeowners who purchase and install systems that generate electricity from solar power.

The new legislation would protect consumers from restrictive covenants that prohibit solar systems on homeowner's roofs and also make it easier for utility companies to purchase from homeowners excess power generated from those solar units.

Ferguson is the principal Republican sponsor on the bill with Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., introduced identical legislation in the Senate.

During his visit to Sun Meadow Farm in Hunterdon County, the Corbins told Ferguson that the solar arrays they installed two years ago generate 25,500 kilowatt hours annually. That is enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35,000 pounds and is the equivalent of not burning eight tons of coal to generate that electricity, the Corbins said.

"We know solar power is great for the environment and this important bipartisan legislation promotes renewable energy by making solar power more affordable and accessible to more Americans," Ferguson said. "New Jersey is the nation's leader in promoting residential solar power, and we have more than 2,000 solar-powered homes and businesses in New Jersey."

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, New Jersey is the second largest state market for solar power, after California, in the United States.

While the benefits of solar power are great for the environment, installation costs for homeowners and businesses can easily (be) run into the tens of thousands of dollars. That was the case for the Corbins, who like thousands of New Jersey residents received financial assistance from New Jersey to defray the initial costs.

"Solar power is great for the environment," John Corbin said. "Unfortunately the initial start-up costs can be very expensive. Congressman Ferguson's legislation would help make solar power more affordable for families like ours, who want to help the environment but just need a little help to get themselves (to get) started."

Ferguson's bill would protect consumers from covenants that block solar systems on homeowners' roofs - similar to how homeowners associations cannot block the installation of satellite television dishes. The legislation also would make it easier for homeowners and businesses to connect to a regional power grid, allowing them to sell excess power generation to utility companies.

Ferguson has long been a supporter of solar energy. Last year and earlier this year, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would extend existing tax credits for solar and fuel-cell equipment. The legislation would also extend consumer tax credits for the installation of insulation, windows, and heating and cooling equipment.

Ferguson's tax credit legislation would provide as much as $9,000 in federal tax credits
for individuals who install an average residential home roof-mounted system. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the average residential system can cost $30,000.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical American family spends more than $1,600 annually on home utility bills, and a large portion of that energy is wasted. Ferguson said individuals can take common-sense steps to save energy and money:
• Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer.
• Install a programmable thermostat compatible with your heating and cooling system.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as televisions and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (televisions and DVDs in standby mode still consume power).
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict federal efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

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