N.H. Man Harnesses the Sun

By Chris Garofolo, Brattleboro Reformer, Vt.

Jul. 25–CHESTERFIELD, N.H. — For more than three decades, John Kondos has been active in the solar energy industry.

Since his career began during the “mini boom” of solar contracting in the late 1970s, Kondos also manufactured photovoltaic (PV) panels and watched the industry continually make improvements.

He went on to establish Solar Source and Home-Efficiency Resource in Chesterfield to provide objective energy efficiency assessments for clients, as well as solar water heaters and electric systems for homes and businesses.

Kondos has sold and installed solar hot water systems in several New England states and photovoltaic systems on three continents.

Today, solar power is experiencing a renaissance as fossil fuel prices continue to climb, he said. Many businesses in the region have sought to cut down on future energy costs by making the transition to solar.

While the upfront costs of a photovoltaic system are high, there is no fuel charge, and the commercial systems pay for themselves in roughly six years in Vermont, he said.

“They are paying for themselves in one-fifth of their lifetime,” he said, noting most PV manufacturers guarantee at least 25 years of service from their solar products.

Balancing his work between southern New Hampshire and Windham County, Kondos and his business recently installed a PV generator for Robert DuGrenier Associates Inc. in Townshend.

The system began producing electricity June 12, manufacturing 705 kilowatt hours — roughly 20 percent of the electric load — in the first month of operation.

“This is a grid-tie system which takes advantage of net metering to send excess electricity not consumed by the design studio, glass blowing studio, gift shop and office, back to the utility, Central Vermont Public Service,” said Kondos in a statement announcing the installation of the Townshend unit. “The excess electricity which spins the meter backwards is sent to the utility grid and is credited against subsequent electricity purchased.”

In addition, Solar Source is constructing a similar 78 module system for the Hermitage Inn in Wilmington that will produce a peak of 15 kilowatts. Kondos is also installing a solar hot water heater at the location as well.

Many of his customers are businesses within the region, but more homeowners are coming around.

It is an excellence investment for local businesses willing to look at the future payback, he said. “It’s quite an exceptional deal.”

At this point, federal tax credits make solar power more attractive to businesses, offering a 30 percent tax credit for the cost of the system. Homeowners, on the other hand, are capped at a $2,000 tax credit.

The rebate in Vermont is the same for both businesses and residences, Kondos said.

According to Kondos, the solar domestic hot water systems rely on efficient designs to provide cost effective, reliable energy while the solar electric generator systems use state-of-the-art photovoltaic modules and electronics for a longer life and maximum efficiency.

Kondos purchases his PV modules from Evergreen Solar, a manufacturer in Massachusetts.

Kondos also puts his energy-efficient ideals into action at his residence and office. Twelve solar modules sit on his roof that can generate as much as 40 percent of power to his house. His property incorporates a solar water heater and photovoltaic system to enhance the energy efficiency.

He points out that New England has the oldest and least efficient housing, as well as some of the highest energy costs, of any region of the country.

“Home-Efficiency Resources is committed to providing our neighbors with objective and sound information on the energy performance of their buildings and to putting solar systems to work to reduce our impact on our climate and our nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels,” he added.

Residents interested in more information about solar efficiency may contact Kondos at 603-363-4505 or on the company’s Web site at www.home-efficiency.com.

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