Solar Power Cells, Hot Water, Energy, Collectors

Portland, South Portland businesses use tax incentives, grants to install ...

01.01.70

PORTLAND — When Becky Rand renovated her iconic diner on Commercial Street four years ago, she wanted to add solar heating panels but couldn't afford to do it.

She made sure the necessary plumbing was installed, though, so if the funds became available, she would be able to add a solar hot-water system in the future.

So when ReVision Energy called Rand and told her about a grant available through Efficiency Maine and federal stimulus funds, plus a tax incentive, she jumped on the opportunity.

"That made it affordable for me," Rand said.

Rand worked closely with ReVision over the next year and a half, filling out the many necessary forms and documents to make her solar-heated hot-water system a reality.

Finally, last week, the eight panels and a 160-gallon water tank were installed. Rand said that in the height of the summer, when the diner is the busiest and is using the most hot water, the panels should provide all the heat she needs for hot water.

Source: The Forecaster