Townships may be talking alternative energy, but some businesses are taking action.

Months before Birmingham Township passed, and before Concord Township began hearings on alternative energy ordinances, Mailing Inc. of Kennett Square installed a solar array on its roof.

Owner Kevin Collins had the array installed last summer and said the $50,000 investment was worth the cost—especially since almost half was paid by state and federal money.

“It was a $50,000 system and the rebates from federal and state incentives were $23,000,” he said.

But, the switch got even better.

“My electric bill used to average around $350-$400 a month, now it’s about $150.”

In addition to the rebates and having his electric bill cut by more than half, Collins is also getting solar credits. His system generates about one credit per month that he can sell back to the electric company. The price depends on the time of year.

“It’s a market place. In the summer the prices in Pennsylvania are in the $350 range. I think they might be $180 now. My system’s registered in four or five states and you go with the highest price,” Collins said.

He believes that the combination of savings and credits will enable him to have the system paid for in five to six years.

Mailing Inc. is on Willow Street and Apple Alley in the old Hicks building. The roof is 150 feet long, but the solar array covers only half. The system’s 38 photovoltaic panels supply an estimated 80 percent of the building’s annual electricity.

Collins told his story to members of the Chadds Ford Business Association during the group’s March luncheon held March 3 at Kendal-Crosslands. Collins is a member of the CFBA.

Also speaking to the members was Skip Kingery from Sun to Sun, a provider of solar array systems for home and business properties.

Kingery said the technology is both proven and economically viable and environmentally friendly. Collins’ system will reduce greenhouse gases by 445,305 tons over 30 years.

“Energy costs are rising. I don’t know the last time anyone’s energy bill went down. Right now the national average is a 6.5 percent increase in utility costs annually. And energy consumption is also rising,” Kingery said.

He added that consumption is getting to a point where there could be the same types of rolling brownouts that occurred several years ago. Using solar, he said, can reduce the drain on the grid during peak hours.

Going solar can reduce energy costs over the long haul, as demonstrated by Collins’ experience, Kingery said, and that the systems are tougher than they appear.

While only a quarter inch thick, they can withstand the weight of a 200-pound person and 1 inch hale in a 120 mph wind. They are also warranted for 25 years.