Sun Shines On Westborough Car Wash | Business takes advantage of $68M Commonwealth Solar fund
Brian Forrestall wanted to cut costs at his business, Car Wash & Detailing at 126 Turnpike Road in Westborough because he knew that he couldn’t pass rising costs onto customers in today’s tough economy.
After putting in $75,000 in more efficient pumps and lighting at the Route 9 business, he knew he’d need to do more. He began to cast an eye on solar power after hearing about a state program called Commonwealth Solar, which funds up to 45 percent of solar energy products in homes and businesses. The federal government also gives a one-time solar tax credit for 30 percent of the project’s cost.
After doing some research, he found the system he wanted — 99 solar panels — and in the end he got the $150,000 system for $30,000, after a state grant and a federal tax credit.
Helping Hand
Forrestall’s project is just one of many made possible through $68 million from the state’s Renewable Energy Trust and the Division of Energy Resources, which is overseen by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in Westborough. The program began in January and through the end of September has awarded $8.4 million to homeowners, business owners and municipal and other public entities, according to the state. There have been 289 projects awarded for residences, two for public buildings and 51 for businesses.
Forrestall was familiar with solar heating systems because years ago he had a solar system at his Northborough home. “The old solar systems were water-based, but the new systems are all electric wiring and there is no maintenance. What amazes me is how simple it is: you have the panels on the roof and a small computerized system in the building that’s connected to National Grid by the Internet. Once it’s installed, you don’t have touch it,” he said.
When the system makes more electricity than the car wash uses, Forrestall gets credit on his bill for the excess electricity that National Grid can utilize.
He figured he couldn’t lose with 75 percent of the cost rebated after paperwork and the other 25 percent eligible for depreciation on his taxes over the next five years.
And the solar energy reduces the car wash’s electricity bill by 20 percent a year or about $5,000 of the annual $25,000 bill, he said, which will pay for the system in five years.
Other companies in Central Massachusetts that have installed solar energy systems through the Commonwealth Solar program include Nanmac Corp. of Framingham. The company makes thermocouples, which are temperature measurement controls for industrial and research applications.
On Sept. 5, Nanmac turned on its solar energy system, which will provide 60 percent of the energy Nanmac will need for its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility, according to David Kagan, the company’s spokesman.
“Payback is such that we’ll have a return on investment in one to two years,” he said.
For Forrestall, the solar panel investment allows his car wash to be a more environmentally friendly company.
“I’ve always been interested in the environment. Eighteen years ago we put in a well, we have a water reclamation system and the soaps we use are biodegradable, but this third move really makes us a green company,” Forrestall said.
For more information on the Commonwealth Solar program click here.
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