By Tommy Hallissey
Bill Manowitz, of 93-19 68th Ave., recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of supplying his own electricity from solar power. With the expertise of Tristate Solar Inc., Manowitz had 18 solar panels installed on his flat roof in April 2003. The solar electric system cut his electric bills by between 30 to 40 percent.
An advocate of renewable energy, Manowitz was in the process of renovating his house when he felt compelled to install solar panels. “When I finished the house, I thought it was a great time to do what I always wanted to do,” said Manowitz.
The net cost of project including parts, labor and installation was $10,000. “On the basis of the cost of installation and tax advantages, the cost would be recovered over a period of eight years,” he said.
As a result of installing solar panels, Manowitz, who works in the cosmetic packaging business, said his monthly bill has been cut almost in half to $105 for a relatively large house with air conditioning, TVs, a refrigerator and a second freezer in the basement.
The Con Edison meter in Manowitz's house is designed to run in both directions – consuming and feeding energy into the system. During the day, when the sun is shining, Manowitz's system produces more electricity than he uses. This energy is fed back into the system, causing the meter to run backward.
“Happiest time he's had in years is watching the meter go backward,” said Manowitz's wife, Joann.
At night the solar-powered system is not producing electricity, which causes the meter to run forward. At the end of the month Manowitz is only billed for his net electricity usage. Not only does Manowitz benefit from a reduced bill, he also received a tax credit of $3,750 after installing solar power.
While much of the East Coast was immersed in a blackout last August, Manowitz was not in the dark.
“Under any circumstance, I am going to be with power,” he said. “If Con Edison is going to drop dead tomorrow, I am not going with them.”
Reach reporter Tommy Hallissey by e-mail at news@timesledger.com, or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 155.
