U.S. Energy Group introduces new initiative in solar energy - USE Solar

U.S. Energy Group, which has established itself as an industry leader in helping property managers reduce fuel consumption and monitor their buildings, has introduced USE Solar, a new initiative in solar energy. The USE Solar project focuses on the potential for large multifamily residential and commercial buildings to make use of solar power to decrease their electricity usage, and reaffirms U.S. Energy Group's commitment to decreasing energy use, energy costs, and the environmental impact of New York's buildings. U.S. Energy Group has selected "The Renee" building, a six story 120 unit co-op, located at 78-40 164th St. as the "beta-test site" for their new solar initiative - tied to their USE Manager Internet-based monitoring system. The Renee, also houses the company's headquarters and is the beta-site for its Energy Management Systems (EMS). Because the roof of The Renee has very little shading, it is uniquely suited for a solar project. "I am thrilled to bring solar energy to the Renee," said Jerry Pindus, founder and CEO of U.S. Energy Group. "We are developing energy sources and technologies and processes that will help control and monitor electricity usage and achieve immediate savings, while capturing available government energy credits and tax benefits. U.S. Energy Group is on a continuing quest to help buildings operate more efficiently, and this project reaffirms our commitment to alternative energy. We anticipate The Renee will become a showcase for installing affordable and commercially viable solar energy." Solar power refers to the conversion of radiant energy from the sun into electricity. In this case, solar panels to be installed on the roof of the Renee will convert sunlight into DC electricity where it will be routed into the utility room, converted to AC (usable) electricity and tied into the common area electric panel for direct use in the building. Quixotic Systems, Inc. and Tristate Solar, Inc. are working with U.S. Energy Group on the Renee and will install a 24.85 KW photovoltaic system on the roof. Quixotic is designing the system and Tristate is working as a project integrator and figuring out the mounting and wiring. With average weather projections, the solar system will provide 17%-20% of the Renee's common-use space electricity. Additionally, the system is projected to prevent the production of approximately 27,139 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. NYSERDA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, is supportive of alternative energy initiatives and has offered a $100,000 rebate incentive for this project.