Sunrise Solar Solutions completes roof installation

While planning for a new roof on their 50+ year-old affordable rental apartment complex, Wilder Balter Partners (a LEED designated home builder) began considering whether or not a solar installation would be a smart investment. They turned to Sunrise Solar Solutions, LLC whose executives were able to design a solar electric system that would lower operating costs at the property, pay for itself in under four years and save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Doug Hertz, a partner at Sunrise Solar met with the Wilder Balter team to describe the current incentive programs and explain how the system could be designed to cover most of the electric costs for the common space meter. "2011 and 2012 are the best years yet for the planning and implementation of commercial solar systems with three amazing incentives," said Hertz. Among the incentives, the Federal government is offering a 30% investment tax credit or grant in lieu of the tax credit. The system returns are completely front-loaded for 2011 and 2012 and the return on investment is in double digits. In the first year alone, the new 50KW (kilowatt) system will save Wilder Balter nearly $12,000. As the cost of power escalates at a much greater rate than core inflation, the returns will increase exponentially. The system will save more than $500,000 in utility costs during its lifetime. "The level of sophistication of the financial data that Sunrise Solar presented and their ability to navigate the various federal, state and utility programs to help us analyze the project and maximize our return made it even more appealing," Wilder Balter's COO, Gary Friedland said. Furthering the process, Sunrise Solar procured all the permits, interconnection agreements, electrical design and the electrical and building permits. Additionally, Sunrise Solar worked with the roofer, roofing manufacturer, architect and engineer to assure that all warranties will remain effective. Bill Balter, managing partner of Wilder Balter, said, "Continuing our green and sustainable mission, saving money and being able to actually add energy back to the grid in an already energy-challenged area furthers our responsibility as good neighbors and landlords." Sunrise Solar Solutions LLC is the sister company of 25 year old Sunrise Building and Remodeling of Briarcliff Manor. Sunrise Solar Solutions designs and installs solar systems for the commercial and residential market in the tri-state area. Sunrise Solar is certified by NYSERDA, NYSEIA, ISES and ASES. WBP's specialized skills in affordable, market-rate and luxury housing are derived not only from over 25 years experience, but also from its ability, within a single organization, to provide for the entire housing process, including: site selection; community consensus building; planning and zoning; government loan/grant processing; design and construction; and, finally, marketing, sales, management and syndication. WBP, Elmsford, NY, has also developed housing opportunities, including affordable housing, through joint ventures with nonprofit and for-profit sponsors, and with several lenders who have turned to WBP to resurrect foreclosed condominium projects into successful rental housing communities. In addition, WBP and Griffon have been selected as the developer/contractor by five city or county governments, and state housing agencies, to develop or rehabilitate housing in their communities. For more information: http://www.wbhomes.com/site/ (914) 347-3333