A midst the red and dead beetle kill forest of Shadow Mountain Lake sits something new, shiny and “green”: a solar panel array atop James and Traycee Pinkard’s roof. It’s their investment in the sun. A safer bet, some might say, than Wall Street, but something with significant upfront investment costs.

As the panels made their way to the Pinkards’ rooftop, they learned of Mountain Parks Electric’s Green Power Program, a program that allows any MPE customer to donate funds to support the development of local renewable energy projects like theirs. The Pinkards filled out a rebate application, submitted it and crossed their fingers. Two months later, they were awarded MPE’s first local renewable energy rebate - $2,500 for their 8.5-kilowatt panels.

The Pinkards’ system is one of nearly 40 such systems throughout MPE’s service territory. MPE believes that such investment benefits the community. “Mountain Parks Electric is proud of its Green Power Program,” General Manager Joe Pandy said. “We hope the renewable energy rebates that we are now providing will spur development in the local economy. We hope this rebate is the first of many.”

To date, more than 800 of MPE’s customers – approximately 5 percent – voluntarily contribute as little as $0.50 a month on their electric bills to fund the program. Wells Fargo of Winter Park recently joined the list of contributors as a corporate sponsor by donating $500 to the program. “We strive to bring a greater connection between banking and the environment by serving as environmental leaders in all that we do,” bank manager Aneta Williams said.

The Green Power Program provides rebates of up to $2,500 for individuals and $10,000 for businesses and organizations. Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis by a three-person volunteer board of MPE customers. The board consists of Alexander Buhayar, Liz McIntyre and Barbara Vazquez.
For more information or to access rebate applications and contribution forms, visit www.mpei.com/new-greenpower.