An array of 48 solar panels is now installed on the roof of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building at the University of Arkansas. The solar heating system will provide over half of the energy needed to heat the building’s Olympic-sized swimming pool, which is heated year around.

The 1,920-square-foot solar hot water array on the roof is connected to a heat exchanger that provides supplemental heat to the pool. The system is designed to provide all of the heat for the water in the 730,000-gallon pool during the summer and to pre-heat water on cloudy days and in the winter. The solar panels harvest over 2 million BTUs of heat energy per day. The system is expected to reduce utility bills in the HPER Building significantly while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by about 30 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The HPER solar installation is part of the campuswide RazorsEDGE energy savings program, which enables the university to invest in energy conservation and renewable energy projects. The university has a $23.9 million energy savings performance contract with Energy Systems Group, an energy services provider. The RazorsEDGE program is designed to reduce annual energy consumption in buildings across campus, with a guarantee that energy savings over a 13-year period that will cover the cost of all building improvements.

Energy Systems Group is the general contractor for RazorsEDGE and partnered with Sun City Solar Commercial Energy LLC, which designed and installed the innovative solar panel heating system on the HPER Building.

“Solar heating is ideal for swimming pool applications,” said John Gerrard, GM for Sun City. “It’s a relatively low temperature requirement and can take advantage of solar radiation all year.”

Nick Brown, the University of Arkansas director for campus sustainability, said that this solar thermal system matches a dependable solar resource to a constant energy demand.

“Because energy is needed year around to heat this pool to 80 degrees, we can take advantage of available solar energy in warm months as well as cool ones,” he said. “To our knowledge, this is the largest solar thermal energy system in the state of Arkansas. This project helps move us toward our goal of becoming a carbon neutral campus by the year 2040.”

Paul Gandy, construction manager for Energy Systems Group, said his company and Sun City worked seamlessly with the university to develop an innovative installation that will save energy and money, at the same time raising the profile of solar hot water systems as a viable alternative energy source for some applications.

The HPER Building and its pool are currently heated with a natural gas-fired steam system. Scott Turley, director of utilities for the university, estimates that the solar energy system will reduce the building’s energy bill by about $4,000 per year at today’s energy prices.

“Gas costs have fluctuated wildly over the past couple of years,” said Turley, “but if prices return to the level they were in spring 2008, we’ll save $10,000 per year or more.”

Last year the HPER Building pool had a total of 55,000 users. In addition to university students, faculty and staff, the pool is the site of collegiate and high school swim and dive meets, it serves as a practice facility for several swim clubs and teams, and it is used for swimming instruction, group exercise programs and entertainment, such as the popular “dive-in” movies at the pool.

The university’s College of Education and Health Professions, which includes academic programs for health science, kinesiology, recreation, and dance, manages the HPER Building operations. Intramural and recreational sports and fitness programs for campus users and alumni are also operated from the building.

When Americans take advantage of the tax credits available for investing in solar energy, an increase in the conversion to a renewable energy source makes a difference to our planet.  There is no easy or short answer to energy.   If every household in the US installed a solar hot water heater, a solar electric power system, or a solar pool heater on their home, there would be a significant decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the air.  Add the cumulative effect of using solar over the coming decades to replace the pollution generated by coal fired power plants, and there would be a phenomenal reduction of green house gases.

There are consequences if we ignore what is happening to our planet.  The spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a sad example.  Americans as a whole enjoy one of the best standards of living in the world.  We take for granted the comforts afforded by our high standard of living. Many people do not see a problem with our current energy use and are not concerned about the state of the environment.  Those that are concerned feel they can do little to improve the quality of our air, land and water.  At what point should we, as inhabitants of the planet, make an effort to allow our progeny to enjoy a quality of life that does not include the increase of environmentally induced disease, destruction of our natural habitats, extinction of species, rampant overproduction of invasive species, contaminated food and polluted water? 

If you look at the global picture, it can seem overwhelming, and the prospect for change seems slim.  But you CAN make a real difference.  You can invest in a solar water heater, a solar electric system, a solar pool heater, even a solar electric attic fan.  All of these things make a difference to your community, your state, our country and to the planet as a whole. Thoughtful consumerism and changes to our lifestyles can make a difference.  Investing in clean solar energy will make a difference.

If we all do our part, we will be able to maintain our lifestyle and allow the natural world to thrive.  Visit SunCityEnergy.com  to learn how you can save money and help our future generations by owning a Sun City Solar  Energy System.

The advent of sunshine and warmer days should lead to thoughts of caring for Mother Earth.  The Tulsa, Oklahoma area is called “Green Country,” a tribute to all the trees, bushes and flowers we all enjoy.  Several organizations, like the Arbor Day Foundation, encourage planting trees to replace the ones removed to make way for “progress.”  One of the best ways to show respect for our planet is to add a solar system to your home or business.  A solar hot water system, considered the most viable solar application for most families, would save 7,200 pounds of CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) and other greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere and is the equivalent of planting one acre of trees.  If you’ve already invested in solar, you can visualize all those trees surrounding your home, making the air and our planet a better place for everyone.

Earth Day is April 22. Why not do something special for yourself, the earth and generations to come by investing in a solar energy system?   Solar is clean, non-polluting, and uses free energy from the sun.  To encourage you to hop on by our showroom in Tulsa for a free quote, you will receive a free gift.  Find out how you can be kind to the earth, own your own utility company and get a tax credit in your Easter basket, courtesy of the Federal government.

There is still time to take advantage of our $200 discount on a solar pool heater. Click or call Sun City Solar at (866) 407-0527 and start saving today!

Even if you are not Irish, St. Patrick’s Day offers the opportunity to celebrate our country’s Irish heritage.   Part of the annual tradition is to wear green to avoid getting pinched.  Many establishments offer green beverages to their patrons to celebrate the occasion.  Sun City Solar Energy would like to help you observe the festivities on March 17^th by offering an incentive for you to go “green” all year long.

If you have a pool, you know how frustrating it is to wait for the water to heat up in the spring.  Why not take advantage of our $200 OFF Spring Special on a solar pool heater and let the sun extend the enjoyment and health benefits of your pool investment?  You will benefit from free energy from the sun, and have all the warm water without the cost.

Many of us are experiencing record cold temperatures this winter and are eager for spring and fun in the sun.  To help avoid the frustration of higher utility bills and enjoy the “luck of the Irish” longer, you can keep more “green” in your wallet by investing in a solar pool heater.  You can save money, help protect the environment, and maximize your pool investment with a solar heater from Sun City Solar.

Sun City wants to help keep you from being pinched by the utility companies, and keep you from being pinched for not wearing green.  Let our professionals show you the “pot of gold” in the form of free energy from the sun.  Visit one of our showrooms in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Arkansas or North Texas and we’ll give you a free St. Patrick’s Day sticker. Take advantage of our Solar Pool Heater Spring Special today!   Call 866-407-0527 or visit SunCityEnergy.com.

Sun City Solar would like to remind you that there are only two months left to take advantage of the solar tax credit for 2009. And to help encourage you to earn the tax credit and save the hard earned money you would otherwise spend on utility payouts, Sun City Solar has some red hot specials on solar room heaters, solar attic fans and solar hot water systems.  We are also offering a discount on solar energy (photovoltaic or PV) systems, which continues to be popular with those who want to invest in their own utility company. With all the incentives available to encourage Americans to take advantage of free solar energy, more and more people are making the decision to take advantage of the sun.

And, if you have a cabin or an RV, check out the new solar energy systems available on our website at SunCityEnergy.com.  Whatever your needs, Sun City Solar professionals are capable of tailoring a system that will fit your budget and energy requirements.

If you would like to learn more about these specials, call 866-407-0527 and a solar consultant will help customize a solar system for you.  And remember, Sun City Solar honors those that have served our country in the military with a $200 discount.

1. Americans have the right to put solar on their homes or businesses Restrictive covenants, onerous connection rules, and excessive permitting and inspections fees prevent many American homes and businesses from going solar.

2. Americans have the right to connect their solar energy system to the grid with uniform national standards. This should be as simple as connecting a telephone or appliance. No matter where they live, consumers should expect a single standard for connecting their system to the electric grid.

3. Americans have the right to Net Meter and be compensated at the very least with full retail electricity rates. When customers generate excess solar power utilities should pay them consumer at least the retail value of that power.

4. The solar industry has the right to a fair competitive environment. The highly profitable fossil fuel industries have received tens of billions of dollars for decades. The solar energy expects a fair playing field, especially since the American public overwhelmingly supports the development and use of solar.

5. The solar industry has the right to equal access to public lands. America has the best solar resources in the world, yet solar companies have zero access to public lands compared to the 45 million acres used by oil and natural gas companies.

6. The solar industry has the right to interconnect and build new transmission lines. When America updates its electric grid, it must connect the vast solar resources in the Southwest to population centers across the nation.

7. Americans have the right to buy solar electricity from their utility. Consumers have no choice to buy clean, reliable solar energy from their utilities instead of the dirty fossil fuels of the past.

8. Americans have the right, and should expect, the highest ethical treatment from the solar industry. Consumers should expect the solar energy industry to minimize its environmental impact, provide systems that work better than advertised, and communicate incentives clearly and accurately.

Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA)

Solar has come in and out of “fashion” over the past four decades, but 2009 will mark the year that solar became an accepted component of the United States mainstream energy use.  This is due to several issues:

• Tiered rate pricing including high electric taxes and fees
• High electric rate inflation
• Overall high solar gain in the US
• Federal (and some state and local) tax incentives
• Technological advances for increased efficiency
• The widespread use of fossil fuels resulting in global warming

On-going investments in solar energy and the support by local, state and federal government, as well as incentives of some utility providers, will continue to lower the cost and make solar a viable investment for many Americans.

Now is the time to take advantage of solar energy systems.  To find out more, visit our website at SunCitySolar.com, or call one of our solar consultants at 918-494-0886.

The federal government is offering a 30-percent tax credit on solar panels. Some states are even willing to pay half the cost. And, right here at home, in Denton, Texas,  Encore energy offers $2.46 per watt on your electric system for going green.

Earth Day is about caring for the environment and maximizing its resources in a responsible way.

Federally, President Obama has made that one of his many missions.

“The bulk of our efforts must focus on unleashing a new, clean energy economy that will begin to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut our carbon pollution by about 80 percent by 2050, and create millions of new jobs right here in America,” President Obama, stated to the media on Earth Day.

Locally, Sun City Solar Energy, in Grayson County, has a similar plan.

The whole idea of it is to offset your energy consumption,” says Richard Ayala, of Sun City Solar Energy.

The family-owned business is new to Sherman, but not to the Sooner or Lone Star state. It offers solar power electricity, hot water heaters and pools. The solar panels can power up signs and spin the blades on fans.

The solar panels can also increase the value of your home. Think of it this way, an investment of a few thousand dollars now, could save you thousands more down the line.

For more information on solar panels, click here

Do we now have the will as Americans to make the changes needed to become energy independent? Solar is a clean, inexhaustible source of energy that can easily be incorporated into our national conscious.

What does Solar Energy Say to You?

There are still those who look at solar applications and think they detract from the architecture of their home or neighborhood. But solar panels look like sky lights, and to some are like shiny diamonds on the roof. They take the light energy from the sun and make it into something useful. There are thousands of solar customers like George Jeong of Oklahoma City.

The Jeong family is saving 60% on their utility bills, and could not be happier. The solar panels on their roof are not only putting money back in their pockets everyday, but they have a sense of pride knowing they are part of the move towards energy independence.

Beauty is Not Just “Skin Deep”

Next time you see a solar application, stop and think about the beauty in all of the positive elements that are shining down upon us. Solar is helping us become cleaner, greener and free from dependence on foreign oil.

Don’t be fooled by low energy prices. The utilities continue to ask for rate hikes, and the days of cheap energy are a thing of the past. Visit your local Sun City dealer today, and help yourself and our country to a brighter energy future. SunCityEnergy.com

Sherman, Texas- Sun City Solar Energy announced their expansion into North Texas, a move that will help North Texas take full advantage of opportunities in the highly viable solar marketplace. Ricardo Ayala, a senior engineer with Texas Instruments, and Richard Ayala, with 5 years in loans and auto sales, and Chris Mitchell, with fourteen years in retail management will operate the showroom dealership. Their grand opening included a 30 minute educational solar energy seminar, refreshments and networking

“Over the past 16 months we have developed a business model for Sun City Solar and have made significant progress in implementing our model in Oklahoma and Arkansas, despite the challenging economic environment, stated Pamela Speraw, Director of Business Development for Sun City Solar. Speraw added that she is pleased to welcome Ricardo, Chris and Richard to Sun City Solar as they embark on their next phase of growth.

The Sherman Texas office is the fourth location for Sun City Solar. Ricardo Ayala conducted extensive research regarding options for renewable energy. “I believe Sun City Solar is committed to their customers and will establish us as a leading provider of highly integrated solar solutions, “said Mr. Ayala.”I look forward to delivering energy independence to North Texas, providing optimum value to our customers, and improving our community.”

About Ricardo Ayala – Over the past 32 years, Mr. Ayala held several positions with Texas Instruments. The past nine years he served as a senior product engineer developing new products and patents.

About Chris Mitchell – For 14 years, Chris Mitchell has served as assistant store manager for two large firms, concentrating on customer service. Mr. Mitchell is also involved in many social and civic activities in North Texas.

About Richard M Ayala – Richard M Ayala obtained a BBA degree with a double major in financial and economic from Texas Tech in 2004. After his graduation, he went to work for Wells Fargo financial as a credit manager. After two years with Wells Fargo, he took a new position as an internet sales manager with Classic Pontiac, Buick and GMAC of Carrollton.

About Sun City Solar Energy - Sun City Solar Energy designs, distributes and installs cutting edge solar energy technologies and equipment in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. Sun City intends to capitalize on its 25 years of residential and institutional knowledge of solar energy to improve the standard of living and quality of life for those who live and work in the region. For more information please visit www.SunCityEnergy.com .