Solar Installation Begins on Pigeon Key

For those living in (or visiting) the Keys, you may have noticed construction going on at Pigeon Key as you've driven over the 7 Mile Bridge.  SALT Service, Inc. is currently installing a solar array on Pigeon Key!  The installation is not yet complete, but here are some pictures of the process so far:

Surveying the Footings

 

Most of the materials had to be brought over by barge, including this 4,000lb battery!

The first solar panel goes up!

 A look at the structure that will hold the solar panel array.

We will post pictures of the finished system as soon as it is complete!

SALT goes solar!

We are so excited to share with you pictures of the our new solar system at SALT Service, Inc!  After years of dreaming and planning (and years of installing solar on OTHER homes and businesses!), SALT's headquarters has finally gone solar!

Check out this progression of pictures:

Here is how SALT looked when we first acquired our new building back in 2008. 

 Before moving in to our new location, we renovated our building.

 In October 2012, we installed our 2,750 watt solar system!

SALT's Response to "Scamnation"

In their October 2012 issue, Consumer Reports investigates "Scamnation" - which includes an investigation of the solar industry.  The investigation includes some very good points; however, we disagree with some of the statements that were made.  The following is SALT Service, Inc's response to the article:

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Good points were made in the October article "Scamnation".  Concerning solar, our company, SALT Service Inc. , located in the Florida Keys, has been in the solar business for over 20 years.  As a state licensed contractor,  we are equally concerned about the lack of integrity associated with substandard product, thumbnail engineering and incompetent workmanship.  This only adds to the challenge of designing for corrosion and 180 mph wind code, further pushing the disparity between the cost of a well engineered system and one that is sold simply on dollars per watt.  However, you did your readers a disservice implying that purchasing a solar system is the equivalent of 30 - 40 years worth of electricity in advance.  Solar system prices have decreased by 26% from 2009 to 2010 and then another 11% in the first half of 2011, so your calculations are not reflective of current costs.  When you couple that with a 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit and possible state or local utility rebates, most solar systems can show an ROI of 6 - 8% and a pay back in less than 12 years.  Consumers purchase vehicles at similar costs to solar systems then pay for fuel, maintenance and suffer depreciation of the car's value from the first day of purchase.  Solar systems are warranted for 25 years, require little to no maintenance and reduce your electric bills.

We agree that there are scam agents out there and we have been called to repair several systems installed by out-of-towners who are now out of business.  Consumers should carefully consider the location of any  home improvement vendor.

Finally, to your suggestion to pay no more than 10% or $1000 up front, we cannot even get an engineered plan to submit for a building permit for under $1000, so a down payment must be sufficient to pay for the engineering and site specific equipment.  We appreciate your diligence in watching out for unscrupulous business practices in the solar industry, please feel free to contact us for any further insights.

Best Regards,

Bob Williams

SALT Service, Inc.

www.saltservice.net

 

Marine Electric Propulsion Systems

Stay tuned - SALT has exciting news releasing soon about the launch of the latest marine electric propulsion systems!

Largest Solar System with Battery Back-Up in the Florida Keys

SALT just completed the current largest solar photovoltaic grid-tie system with battery back-up in the Florida Keys.  That's a mouthful.  This system is amazing - it utilizes 36 230W solar modules and is capable of producing over 8,000 watts of power!  During a power outage, the battery back-up allows a seamless transition so the power outage does not affect the home - when others are sitting in the dark, our solar customers with battery back-up can continue on as if everything's normal.

SALT continues to lead in designing and installing quality solar systems for homes, businesses, and boats.

Cruiser's University 2011

"United States Yacht Shows, Inc., producer of the renowned United States Sail and Powerboat Shows, is launching a new event for aspiring, as well as experienced, cruisers: The first annual Cruisers University, to be held May 12-15, 2011 at the Baltimore Marine Center at Inner Harbor."


Check out Cruisers University for more info and to register for this exciting event!


Bob Williams, of SALT Service, Inc., will be teaching a number of sessions at this event being held in Baltimore, MD.  Such topics include:
-Solar & Wind Power Technologies
-Refrigeration Aboard (an overview of refrigeration design and technologies available to the cruiser)
-Electrical Systems: Design and Management (power system design and management offshore)
-Watermakers Reviewed (including energy management with desalination systems)

Vitrifrigo Units at Unbeatable Prices

Have you stopped in to SALT's showroom lately?  We have a great stock of Vitrifrigo refrigeration and/or freezer units!  Most of these units are new scratch & dent units that are backed by a 90-Day SALT warranty.

At nearly 1/2 the cost of a brand-new unit, the reconditioned units are an excellent choice for the budget-minded cruiser.  Whether you're looking for a 2-drawer freezer, a single drawer fridge with freezer, or an ice maker, SALT Service meet your refrigeration needs.