New Jersey's solar-energy industry gets boost as state renews program to pay users

[jpak]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/business/article_76d155cf-3a2d-5f8e-8408-076b9dbc25c5.html

Beneath a blazing sun, Dan Potkay's crew fastened the final solar panels to the roof of a Brigantine dental office. The patchwork of 272 panels totals 49 kilowatts - enough to power 75 percent of the dental business and a neighboring arcade and save the owner about $7,100 per year, he said.

Potkay, general manager of Brite Idea Energy, a solar installation company in Egg Harbor Township, has seen work increase four-fold over the past two years, particularly on the commercial side. One driving factor: a more affordable price.

"The cost has come down on the solar modules. A 10-kilowatt system for us two years ago was $80,000," Potkay said of an average residential system his firm installs. "Today, it's a little bit over $50,000."

The falling price - aided by Chinese manufacturers reducing costs - comes as state regulators prepare to reinstate rebates for new residential systems as soon as Sept. 1. A round of rebates in May overwhelmed the New Jersey Office of Clean Energy, which saw more than 1,100 applications trying to claim $6 million. To patch a state budget deficit, Gov. Chris Christie reduced more than half of the $58 million that was slated to go to rebates this year.

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