Rick Peters (l) and Jared Littmann (r) stand in front of new solar energy panels installed on the roof which will completely power K&B True Value HardwareK&B True Value of Annapolis and Solar Energy Services of Millersville has commissioned what they believe is the first retail business in the City of Annapolis to become net-zero on electricity consumption. The 224-panel solar energy system, designed and installed by Solar Energy Services, Inc, will replace a 2012 installation that offset about 15% of the hardware store’s annual electricity consumption. Deciding to purchase this new system was a relatively easy decision for Jared Littmann, the owner of K&B True Value on Forest Drive in Annapolis.
Jared commented, “This solar system will offset our annual electricity consumption, saving over $18,000 per year for our business. The incentives have us recouping 64% of the investment in the first year, 100% of the investment by year seven, and then a positive cash flow of $269,000 over the course of 25 years. In addition, this furthers our long-standing goal of environmental stewardship and responsibility.”
Because the business had invested in solar 10 years ago, Jared was familiar with the process and was already a believer in its value. At the time, in 2012, budget and technological limitations held K&B True Value back from pursuing a 100% offset, when Solar Energy Services installed their first system. However, advances in solar technology since then have made it relatively easy for K&B True Value to offset 100% of its energy without even filling the entire roof of the Annapolis store’s building.
(L-R) Brian Cahalan, Elvia Thompson Jackie Guild, Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien, a representative for Del. Shaneka Henson, Jared Littmann, Rick Peters, Sen. Sarah Elfreth, Del. Dana Jones, County Executive Steuart Pittman, Mayor Gavin Buckley
Rick Peters, president of Solar Energy Services, shared that “Jared had the experience as solar panel installer and the forethought to plan for this investment, but other county businesses and nonprofits can do this too, with very accessible County-sponsored financing through a vehicle called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). This kind of project is within reach for many businesses in the region, thanks to advances in solar technology as well as financing mechanisms to help property owners fund their own solar energy projects..”
Based in Millersville, Solar Energy Services designs and builds residential and small commercial projects throughout the DMV. Located on the Annapolis Neck peninsula, K&B True Value has been the neighborhood hardware store since 1974.
Today, a ribbon-cutting was held to celebrate the commissioning of the new solar generation system. Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien, plus State Senator Sarah Elfreth, and others were in attendance.
