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Local Businessman Brings Solar Energy To Pa

Pittsburgh-area businessman,Fred Underwood, is bringing solar power to Pennsylvania.

His company, Underwood Solar, will be installing solar panels on a big project near Hershey, Pa.

"These 880 panels are for his system and his buildings. It will power his whole building,” said Underwood. “It will completely eliminate his electric bill. He will actually have enough power left over to power nine homes."

Thursday afternoon, Underwood was busy training new employees he had to hire since landing the deal.

19-year-old Rachel King said she was interested in working for Underwood because of job security.

"It's a good future. It is going up. Everyone is trying to go green, so why not. It's a good career, especially for someone that didn't go to college," said King.

Even though sunny days in Pittsburgh may seem rare, Underwood said the climate in Pennsylvania is actually perfect for the panels.

"A lot of people think here in Pennsylvania that we don't have enough sun, but actually we do. Even without sun, cold winter days are actually better than hot summer days because you get more power out of the system. So it works good here," explained Underwood.

Underwood admits going solar isn't cheap. It could cost $35,000 to $110,000 for a house. But he said it could pay off in the long run.

"It's not exactly feasible by itself. But there is a 30 percent tax break off the total cost of the system. Three years ago all they gave you was $2,000," said Underwood.

That added with a state grant for energy efficiency and you could save up to 65 percent off the top.



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