Month: February 2018

Meet Nathan Young, Solar & Geo Operations Manager

Posted on by melinkadmin

 

 

Business Unitand Job Title

Solar & Geo Operations Manager

What does your job entail?

I am involved from the beginning to the end of all of the Melink solar projects in many different ways. On the front end I do site visits to gather information for design and estimating.  I do the preliminary design work and budgeting for the quotes and RFP’s we respond to. Depending on the location of the project, the budgeting process can involve a lot more of leg work up front. Getting accurate installation numbers from contractors and getting familiar with the local state, AHJ and utility requirements can be challenging. Once we are awarded the project, I prepare all of the construction drawings for permitting and secure the interconnection agreements. I also help out the PM’s with getting the right equipment and pricing for our projects. During project construction I help the PM’s when technical issues arise and with QC. On the back end, I am always on the commissioning team to ensure the project is functioning properly.

What is your personal philosophy?

I don’t know that I have a specific personal philosophy. I try to work hard and always move forward.

What did you do before coming to Melink?

I worked for a few smaller solar contractors in the SW Ohio area.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Melink?

I get to work with great people in an industry I enjoy.

What do you like to do in your time off?

Exercise and Sleep

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I was as a licensed massage therapist for 7 years before I joined the solar industry.

What are you most proud of?

When my kids act, create or perform better than I have taught them or expected.

What are your hopes for our industry?

I hope the solar industry can continue to flourish and exceed expectations even with the obstacles the current administration is putting in place.

Motto or personal mantra?

Stay Humble. Work Hard. Be Kind.

Do you collect anything?

My wife would say I collect running shoes.

Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credits Reinstated Through 2021

Posted on by melinkadmin

On February 9th, 2018 the U.S. geothermal heat pump industry had its federal tax credits restored for both residential and qualifying commercial installations. The federal tax credits, which correspond to a 30% credit for residential installations and a 10% credit for qualifying commercial installations, were passed as part of the Continuing Resolution spending bill that was recently approved by congress.

The reinstated tax credits for the geothermal heat pump industry are retroactive to January 1st, 2017 and have been successfully extended to January 1st, 2022. For commercial geothermal heat pump projects, the language of the tax credits has also been adjusted to reflect a favorable change regarding project eligibility. Commercial geothermal heat pump projects are now eligible for the federal tax credit if they are commenced by January 1st, 2022. Under previous language, commercial geothermal heat pump projects would have needed to be placed in service by January 1st, 2022 in order to qualify for the federal tax credit.

As a proud member of the geothermal heat pump industry, Melink is thrilled to see a renewed commitment from our congressional leaders towards the future of this energy-efficient and sustainable technology. Through it’s more efficient operation in both heating and cooling modes, geothermal heat pump technology has incredible potential to reduce both the peak electrical demand and overall utility usage of the built environment here in the United States.

These federal tax credits will ultimately make geothermal heat pump technology more accessible to the public and will help drive adoption of one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable heating and cooling systems available. Furthermore, these tax credits will only stand to improve the financial return of geothermal heat pump systems for Melink’s clients around the country, further enhancing what has already been proven as a sound financial investment.

Here’s to a bright future for geothermal heat pump technology, in 2018 and beyond!