Nothing could be more Maine than harvesting lobster, but Jim Merryman of Potts Harbor Lobster doesn’t think that means lobstering has to be stuck in the past. The Harpswell native has already made several energy efficiency investments to reduce his costs of operation, and now has gone the next step: adding solar.

The 10kw solar electric array is expected to produce over 13,000 kwhrs of clean, reliable electricity a year. By reducing its electricity consumption from regional fossil fuel power plants, Potts Harbor Lobster will eliminate more than 20,000 lbs. of CO2 emissions each year, which is the equivalent to saving 1,020 gallons of gasoline or 21 barrels of oil.

The investment in solar began to make more and more sense as the everyday costs of doing business increased as well. Currently, business incentives for solar include a 30% federal tax credit, rebates of up to $4,000 for both solar hot water and solar electric systems, as well as possible grants from the USDA and other federal incentives. But while the financial benefits of the solar investment were a big motivation to Merryman, he is also very aware of how the choices we make today affect our future tomorrow.

To learn more about solar options for your home or business, visit ReVision Energy on the web at www.revisionenergy.com, at (207) 589-4171, or email Jennifer at jalbee@revisionenergy.com.