Rumson Residence Goes Solar
[Atlantic Highlands Herald]

There was a ground-breaking event in the borough of Rumson recently when Lee and Sheppard Poor’s solar electric system was commissioned and is now producing power to supply some of their electrical needs and lower their monthly utility bill. By installing attractive solar panels on their roof, the Poors are able to harness the energy from the sun to power their appliances and heat and cool their home during the day. Jersey Central Power and Light’s “net metering” policy enables the homeowner to avoid the need for expensive and difficult-to-maintain batteries by using the utility grid to make up for any shortfall. In the event of a power outage, the Poors’ existing standby generator will provide limited power to essential electrical circuits.

The Poors have demonstrated their leadership by recognizing renewable energy as the primary way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment. Their commitment is also evidenced by the solar panel used to power their sailboat’s electronics, their hybrid electric automobile and the solar domestic hot water system at their previous residence. Sheppard says, “It seems to me that the only sensible way to reduce our dependence on imported oil and improve the environment is to increase the use of renewable energy. This is our very small contribution towards these goals”.

The reason they decided to install the solar panels at this time was because of the generous rebates of up to 70% provided by the state. The Poor’s after-rebate investment allows them to effectively purchase a portion of their electrical usage at a fixed cost of 7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWhr) for 30-plus years, versus the 12 cents they are currently paying to JCP&L. This equates to an estimated savings of $16,600 over the expected life of the system and will eliminate the generation of approximately 3200 lbs tons of carbon dioxide or planting an acre of trees.

This system was installed by GeoGenix, LLC, a Rumson (NJ) company co-founded by Thomas Matulewicz. Tom has been in the solar business for over 23 years and is a certified installer under the New Jersey Clean Energy program. Besides solar, GeoGenix has been at the forefront of energy conservation and generation through its design and implementation of geothermal and high-performance wall systems for homes and businesses. “Lee and Sheppard are pioneers and I applaud their decision to invest in a clean energy technology like solar. Not only are they saving themselves some money but also helping to improve the environment we all live in. I’m personally proud to be a resident of New Jersey, with its forward thinking energy policy backed by generous rebates and other tax incentives.” says Tom.

For any further information, please contact GeoGenix by calling 732-895-9550 or visiting their website at www.GeoGenix.com