Moore Energy, LLC.

Create energy, save money, go green!
By Karen Appold

The concept of going green and saving money has taken root and is here to stay. While installing a solar photovoltaic power system may have seemed far-out years ago, that’s no longer the case. Solar electric systems are finally making sense as a financial investment. In fact, Churchville-based Moore Energy LLC sold and installed more than 1,000 solar modules locally last year.

There is no better time to install a solar system than now. Thanks to government incentives, homeowners are eligible to receive more than 60 percent in federal tax credits, state rebates and other incentives when installing a solar system. Additionally, PECO Energy is expected to increase its rates by approximately 30 percent starting January 1, 2011.

Barry Moore and Peter Vari, founding members of Moore Energy LLC, bring a wealth of experience to the business. Moore, who has more than 25 years in the finance industry building successful businesses, teamed up with Vari, his Northampton Township neighbor, who has worked in the mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering fields for 30 years. Moore and Vari were prompted to become trained and certified to start the business after Moore, who lived in a 200-year-old farmhouse, was unsuccessful in finding a company to install solar panels on his barn roof. “I couldn’t find anyone I felt comfortable with who understood solar, could explain it in layman’s terms and provide a payback analysis,” Moore says.

The company has experienced steady growth since its start in 2008 and now has five full-time employees and eight part-time employees. What sets Moore Energy apart is its 100 percent focus on designing and installing solar systems. “We are seasoned local business professionals who provide one-stop shopping,” Moore says. “We offer an easy to read energy savings report that summarizes the costs as well as federal, state and other incentives. Peter designs the systems and oversees installations and I show homeowners their financial paybacks and complete their paperwork to obtain government incentives,” Moore says.

In order to qualify to have solar modules installed, a sunny spot—at least 200 square feet—is needed on a roof or yard facing south. Moore Energy conducts a free evaluation. “We want to make the system the right fit to the homeowner’s needs,” Vari says. “We meet with the customer to present the final cost and identify all available incentives.” The whole process takes about 60 days, from start to finish.

The initial payback is usually 60 percent back in the first year and all money back within four to five years—between the incentives and the savings.

“Existing customers become our ambassadors,” Moore says. “People are surprised at how quickly the systems are installed, are pleased with their appearance and are very happy with their performance. New customers are encouraged to call existing customers for a reference and see their installations.”

“We have a wonderful working relationship with PECO,” continues Vari. “We work side by side with them in installing the systems.” Dealing with zoning authorities, building inspectors and the Department of Environmental Protection in Harrisburg is another facet of the process. Moore Energy enjoys a strong working relationship with local building and zoning officials and takes care of all the paperwork.

Each solar panel measures about 3.5 by 5.5 feet; the company has done systems as small as nine and as large as several hundred panels. “We buy in volume so we can pass along cost savings,” Vari says.

“We are serious about what we do and we want to make sure our customers are very happy,” Moore concludes. “We make solar simple and never over promise.”

Moore’s commitment to the environment extends beyond his business—he’s president of the Churchill Nature Center and he and Vari will be teaching solar classes at Bucks County Community College this spring for homeowners and small businesses looking to install solar systems.

Moore Energy is located at 65 West Norton Drive in Churchville. For more information, contact Moore Energy at (215) 550-3659 or visit www.MooreEnergy.com.

Karen Appold is a Royersford-based freelance writer. Visit www.WriteNowServices.com.