Gainesville homeowner Gary Peters is letting the sun heat his water now that his solar power water heater installation under Jackson EMC's new Right Choice™ sun power solar program is complete.

With two solar panels on his roof above the garage, the 80-gallon unit provides 50 to 80 percent of the home's water heating needs. Water heating makes up the next largest portion of a home's energy use after heating and cooling.

Peters says he's always been concerned with the environment. "I'd like to save some resources for my grandchildren. Anything I can do to move us toward a sustainable future, I'm happy to do," Peters says. "I've always kept up with renewable energy and have been interested in reducing my carbon footprint."

The Sun Power program gives members an opportunity to help the environment and save money at the same time. "Our Sun Power program is a great incentive for Jackson EMC members to use a renewable, environmentally friendly energy," says Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC director of residential marketing. "The need for additional power generation is reduced, while members are saving on their electric bills."

Solar power remains a new technology in Georgia; therefore the number of technicians qualified to install solar power and solar water heating systems are limited. To help with this process, Jackson EMC partnered with equipment manufacturers who meet high performance standards to offer training to increase the number of contractors who can install solar water heating systems.

Qualifications for Solar Water Heating Program

You must meet a few qualifications before you install a solar water heater:

• You must be a Jackson EMC customer.
• You must own the property.
• If building on the roof, ideally panels should face south.
• The property should have minimal shading by trees, buildings or other structures.
• The property should be free of deed restrictions. Be sure to check with your homeowner's association. If restrictions exist, you may be able to request an architectural review for an amendment to the restrictions.
• Your roof must be able to support solar panel installation and be in good condition.
• You should review the payback period to be sure it's acceptable. You can review the cost and estimated payback on www.find-solar.org.
  

Financing Options Available

Jackson EMC's partner, the Associated Credit Union offers special financing rates to members. In addition, members may qualify for a $450 one-time rebate for solar water heaters, along with possible state and federal tax credits.

Interested in turning sunshine into hot water for your home? See www.jacksonemc.com/solar for more information about our Right Choice Sun Power solar program or call your local district office.