The use of solar energy in Chattanooga has slowly grown in popularity, but it's "about to go off," according to East Brainerd resident Austin Renegar, a self-described "solar nerd" who works with Scenic City Solar, a local company specializing in residential and commercial solar system sales and consulting.
Owner and consultant Ray Kazlaskia, a Stuart Heights resident, opened the business in 2017 after doing consulting work for local competitors and seeing their bids.
"[Purchasing and installing a solar system] only costs one-third of what they were charging," said Kazlaskia, a 15-year veteran of the energy industry whom locals may also know as the former owner of food truck and Signal Mountain restaurant Double Barrel BBQ.
With no government incentives offered at the state level to local consumers interested in converting to solar energy systems, the only return they get is savings on their energy bill, he said. While solar offers a good rate of return - average savings range between 50% and 75%, said Kazlaskia - equipment and installation prices needed to drop in order for solar to make sense for local customers.
By buying supplies in bulk, he said he's able to offer prices that make solar energy a sensible option for local residents and businesses. The average price per watt for solar panels ranges between $2.67 and $3.43, according to energysage.com, a website providing competing solar quotes online. Scenic City Solar charges $2 or less per watt, Kazlaskia said, and the company helps clients navigate the many financing options, including credits and grants offering additional savings.
"Our goal is to keep solar as fair and inexpensive as possible," he said.
Customers can currently deduct up to 30% of the cost of solar energy system installation on their federal income tax, though that will drop to 26% in 2020, said Renegar. Businesses can also claim 100% bonus depreciation in the first five years, which equals about 22% of the entire cost, he added.
Large commercial customers have even more options for savings. Scenic City Solar recently installed a 500kW system at Mature Care at Standifer Place that provides $60,000 a year in power. The system is one of the largest solar installations in the area after BlueCross BlueShield and Volkswagen, Kazlaskia said.
Other benefits of solar energy include fixed energy costs and protection against utility rate increases, as well as the ability to sell extra energy to utility providers. Systems require little maintenance, and panels purchased through Scenic City are protected by a 25-year warranty.
Scenic City Solar is at 1212 Tremont St. and can be reached at 600-9500 or info@sceniccitysolar.com. For more information, visit the business's website at sceniccitysolar.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.