Update 2012

So far this year started out with a couple of really good jobs. I have been teaming up with some of my competitors on some of their projects.

The first one was a solar project in Grelickville on E. Grandview Rd. It is a 12 panel system mounted on a pole. Here is a picture of that system and how big it is. It is a 2.58kw system with an average monthly production of 309kwh a month. I did not provided the equipment for this system but was the installer only.













The second big project was located out on the Old Mission Peninsula. There is a big windmill out near the end that you can see on Center Rd. out near the lighthouse. but you have to be looking for it.

The interesting thing about this project is that it was off-grid and then they installed the grid onto the property.



So what I had been hired to do is change it over to grid interactive so that the windmill, Bergey, can put the excess power back on the grid. But here is the kicker, there is 3 sources of power to deal with windmill, grid, and generator. Getting them to all interact together was one of the most complicated jobs to date. I used an Outback Radian Inverter . This inverter is what is called a hybrid inverter. It's Outbacks latest inverter. It's a 8000w battery charger and grid interactive inverter. Nice piece of equipment.

Also for this year I have 2 up coming solar projects as a result of Consumers Energy Feed-in tariff. (EARP)

One is a 20 panel system on the roof up in Northport and the other is 22 panel system on the roof on Crystal Lake in Beulah. So be watching for pictures about that soon.

I have been getting lots of calls about off-grid systems. Just quoted a system on an island near here. I will be doing my first international install in Northern Canada next month. Customer here in Traverse City has hired me to come to his place and install solar panels to his house that he has off-grid. So be watching for pictures of that soon too.

The best place to stay informed is on my is, Facebook . I update stuff several times a week on there. So go to that link and like my page.

That's all the fun and exciting things happening here for now. So stay tune.

What's new at J.D. Stratton Electric, Inc.?

I would like to start by saying I have started the year off with a bang. On New Years day I started my first solar project for the year. Three days later it was finished. As soon as I have link to the Enphase site I will post a link. This is a 4kw system. It will produce about 430 kwh a month. I installed 18- Schott 225watt solar panels. I have a several more solar projects on the books for later this year. The owner of the house also is doing a blog about their experience as they build their LEED Platinum house.


I also now carry a full line of Briggs and Stratton whole house gas powered generators. They have generators that start at 7kw and go up from there. So if you are always losing power at your home or business I now have a solution for that problem. I can do the whole install for you. Just call today for your free in home visit to find out what generator is right for you. Mention this blog and receive a free maintenance kit for your new generator purchase.


I just found out today that I am now able to sell the Evance 5kw wind turbine. This turbine will produce around 670kwh a month or 8095 kwh annually. This 5kw turbine is the size that most people, on average, need to power their homes. If you know of someone looking for a turbine this size have them give me a call.

So as you can see there is a lot of great things happening around here for 2011 so far. If there is anything that you would like to talk about for your own personal home or business, give me a call. All estimates and visits are free. I would love to take to you today.

We are open for business online

I just opened a new online store. I have four items as of right now. One of the items is on order and not available yet. By the end of next week you should be able to order it. I am very excited about this new endeavor. I will have wind turbines on the site soon for you to install yourself or for me to install for you. So keep checking back to see what is new. I used Paypal on this site and I accept all major credit cards. Keep in mind you do not have to have a Paypal account to buy of this site. Also you can now use your credit card for electrical services too.

New dealership

I found out today that I am now dealership for the Bergey Wind Turbine. This adds a third brand and size of turbines that I now can offer to customers. Also later this year they will be releasing a new 50kw turbine.

Currently I have the Skystream, Proven and the Bergey wind turbines.

The turbines sizes are:
Skystream 2.4 kw
Proven 6kw and 15kw
Bergey 10kw

Also I have been in talks with Northern Power Systems, they make 100kw unit.

I will be leaving for Canada next week to go look at another company that I am very interested in using their turbine for a project in the thumb.

More on the tax credit for Wind Turbines

Impact of the American Recovery and Re-investment Act (2009 Stimulus Package)

Background
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009 into law. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 tax credit, by removing "cost caps." This change allows consumers and small businesses to take a 30% tax credit off the installed cost of a wind turbine. To a consumer or business purchasing a single 2.4KW residential wind turbine, it will double their credit. Additionally, consumers and businesses will also have the option of receiving their credit in the form of a cash grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the stimulus package impact my business?
A: The Bill stimulates the industry by making small wind more affordable and accessible to a larger percentage of the population, thus, increasing your market opportunity. Any Skystream installed in 2009 through 2016 (eight years) is eligible for a credit up to 30% of the installed cost of the wind turbine. This credit can be applied against taxes owed or, for at least 2009 and 2010, receive a grant for the same amount from the Government.

Q: How does the stimulus package impact Skystream purchasers?
A: The entire cost of a Skystream system (plus installation) is reduced by 30 percent. For example, if an average installation costs between $12k -- $18k, the stimulus package will save you between $3,600k -- $5,400. And depending on where you live, you could save even more! States have also implemented rebates for small wind which can be added to the Federal credit. Furthermore, in the last two months alone, more than 30 States have introduced legislation that either further incentivizes renewables and/or addresses market barriers.

Q: What about my customers that have already purchased a Skystream?
A: If they purchased a Skystream in 2008, they will qualify for the federal-level tax credit, passed as part of the October 2008 bailout legislation, up to $2,400k. If they purchased a Skystream in 2008 but it was not installed until 2009, you can write a letter indicating that the wind turbine was not "commissioned," i.e., became operational until 2009, they would qualify for the 30 percent tax incentive or a cash grant for the same amount.

Q: What if I install more than one Skystream?
A: The stimulus package allows for a 30 percent tax credit or cash grant on the total cost of multiple units. There is no cap on the 30 percent tax credit or cash grant.

Q: I heard the customer can get cash back rather than a tax credit - how does that work?
A: Yes, they can apply for a grant from the US treasury and rather than a tax credit, receive a cash grant. The details are still being worked out but should be in place by April or May. Keep in touch for more information.

Q: Does the stimulus package benefit the renewable energy industry as a whole?
A: Yes, the Bill makes both solar wind and even energy efficiency more affordable for Americans and American corporations that are looking to utilize sustainable energy within their homes and facilities. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported that the United States is the largest producer of small residential scale wind generators. As much as 66% of the global market is produced domestically. This means the jobs being generated are also for the manufacturing sector.

Information from the Southwest Windpower Dealer News

Next Newsletter

I should be releasing my next newsletter around the first of March. So you still have time to sign up for it. Here is the link to do that. There is a place along the side of this blog register too.