Using the sun for energy has been around for centuries. The ancient Romans and Greeks used passive solar energy when they built their homes.  The first solar powered steam engine was built by Auguste Mouchout in 1861.  Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1921 for his research on the photoelectric effect. Various advances made the use of solar widespread in the past few decades in many industrialized nations. But it took the Arab oil embargo in October, 1971 for the US to realize the ramifications of depending entirely on oil for energy consumption.

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.

In 2009 and 2010, solar projects that are eligible for depreciation or amortization, typically corporate tax filers, can receive a 30% upfront cash grant in lieu of the 30% tax credit. The Treasury Department will administer the grant program and is required to pay out each grant within 60 days of the receipt of each application. The grant is not subject to federal taxes.

The grant system was developed to maintain the growth of the renewable energy sector during the economic downturn. A tax credit is of little value to renewable developers struggling to make a profit and therefore paying little or no income tax.

Solar equipment placed in service in 2009 also qualifies for a “depreciation bonus”. The owner can deduct half its depreciable basis in the equipment immediately. For business, solar subsidies are now worth 56%-58%.

Stay tuned for more details of the revised provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For current information regarding your eligibility for grants and solar tax benefits visit SunCitySolarEnergy.com/solar-rebate/.

Chris Trager & Rodney Ristow

Due to customer demand in Fort Smith, AR and Southwest Oklahoma, Sun City Solar Energy, LLC of Tulsa has expanded their dealer base to the Mid South region. The continued support for solar energy from the current administration, including the extension and expansion of the Federal tax credits, offers a unique opportunity to fill the Mid-South communities solar energy needs.

“The acceleration of new technologies, the need to diversify the country with sustainable alternatives to oil and gas, and the continuous improvement of our products and services supports the need for solar dealers in the area,” stated Pam Speraw, Director of Sun City Solar’s Business Development. “The addition of Fort Smith’s residents Chris Trager and Rodney Ristow to our family of solar dealers is an excellent fit for Sun City Solar.” When asked about opening another office considering the current business climate, Ms. Speraw explained that “The economic conditions have added fuel to the solar energy business. Chris Trager and Rodney Ristow along with the customers we serve in Oklahoma, Arkansas and North Texas, realize this is a perfect time to invest in owning your own utility company by using free energy from the sun.”

The public is invited to attend a free educational solar energy seminar on May 7^th at 6:30 p.m. at 110 Folsom Blvd., Pocola, Ok.

About Chris Trager

Mr. Trager is a Manager of the Mid-South dealership, and brings twenty years of experience in the construction business to the Sun City Solar family. Chris was most recently the Director of Business Development for SSI Incorporated of Fort Smith, and also has a background in construction supervision.

About Rodney Ristow

Mr. Ristow began his career in the US Navy as a Nuclear Engineer overseeing reactor maintenance on submarines. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Physics from the University of Idaho in Moscow. Rodney serves as Project Engineer and Manager for Kraft Foods in the Fort Smith manufacturing plant.

About Sun City Solar Energy, LLC

Sun City Solar Energy has been offering a variety of solar energy products to customers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas since 1983. As solar energy specialists and professionals, Sun City is committed to meeting and exceeding customer expectations. SCSE installs the highest quality products, offers continuous dealer and customer support, and is focused on promoting cleaner, greener and energy independent communities for generations to come. For further information, visit SunCityEnergy.com or call Chris Trager at (918) 436-6115.