Local News Coverage

A Snippet from the Times Leader article dated September 9th, 2010:

DALLAS TWP. – As Frank Cunius Jr. spoke, the sun peeked behind the clouds bringing a shadow over the solar panels a small group had gathered by on Thursday afternoon.

Even with the shade, Cunius knew the panels were harnessing the sun’s power and keeping his company’s electricity bill down.

The 180 solar panels, installed last December on a grassy area of Payne Printery’s property along Memorial Highway, were pricey but well worth it, said Payne Printery officials. At a cost of close to $400,000, the panels meant a major up-front investment for the company that employs about 60 people.

But thanks in large part to a $99,700 rebate through the state’s Sunshine Grant, the company decided to move forward with the project.

“The biggest catalyst for us to do this was the incentives from the state and federal tax incentives,” Cunius said. “Without that, it’s not even possible to think about doing.”

A state Department of Environmental Protection spokesman thanked company officials their efforts in using alternative energy during the short and informal ceremony. Payne was among a handful of companies and even some residences throughout the state being recognized this month by DEP for their investments and efforts.

Previous stops on the thank-you tour have included Pocono Raceway in Long Pond and future stops include the Crayola Factory near Easton.

“That’s the point of this tour,” said DEP spokesman Mark Carmon, “to show the successes. … On behalf of Gov. (Ed) Rendell and DEP Secretary (John) Hanger, we want to say thank you.”

Carmon said businesses that make the investment in green energy show others that it’s possible and economical and it spur interest in the idea.

For the complete article, please visit the Times Leader website by clicking HERE.

And for information on how renewable, solar energy can work for your company, please contact A.J. Bittner and Keystone Energy by clicking HERE.