Col. Ricketts responds on solar rooftops and house refitting

The VLCIA board directed Col. Rickets to respond to a couple of my questions. Here’s his response. -jsq
From: “Allan Ricketts” <aricketts@industrialauthority.com>
To: John S. Quarterman
Cc: Brad Lofton
Subject: Response to Your Questions to the VLCIA Board of Directors on 18 January 2011
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:01:35 -0500

Hello John,

This e-mail is in response to the questions you directed to the VLCIA Board of Directors during the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the VLCIA Board Meeting on Tuesday, 18 January 2011.

  • As you know, the Wiregrass Solar, LLC Project (solar photovoltaic facility) is currently moving forward according to an aggressive construction timeline with a projected completion/in service date of 18 March 2011. The facility has been sited and designed to allow for rapid and substantial expansion to meet emerging demand from Georgia utilities for renewable/sustainable energy. Wiregrass Solar, LLC and Georgia Power Company have executed a Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity generated by the facility. Wiregrass Solar, LLC and Wiregrass Power, LLC are identified as “targeted” renewable/sustainable energy production industries/technologies by the VLCIA and Georgia.
  • Currently, there are federal tax incentives available to encourage the installation of solar panels on private residence and existing business rooftops to generate electricity for “on-site” use or sale to Georgia utilities. These programs are sanctioned/promoted by the U.S. Department of Energy, Georgia utilities and are codified in U.S. Federal tax laws/regulations. The VLCIA is not chartered to facilitate and fund the installation of solar panels on private residence and existing business rooftops or administer the application/qualification for available federal tax incentives for private citizens.
  • The City of Valdosta and Coastal Plains EOA currently partner to identify, qualify and deliver HUD Community Development Block Grant funds to citizens who reside in designated Revitalization Areas for the weatherization of new construction or existing building rehabilitation. You should contact Ms. Phyllis Kasson (229-671-3617) or Mr. Richard Joyner (229-259-3534) with the City of Valdosta for more complete information on this program. You may also contact Coastal Plains EOA Weatherization at 229-241-9161. The VLCIA is not chartered to administer HUD Community Development Block Grants in support of weatherization programs.
Best Regards. Allan
Allan Ricketts
Project Manager
Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority
2110 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, GA
229-259-9972 local
877-259-9972 toll free
229-300-9570 cell
Visit us online @ www.IndustrialAuthority.com