Investing in solar panels offers immediate and long-term benefits for homeowners and businesses. “Residential and commercial users get a 30 percent federal tax credit, and commercial users get an additional five-year accelerated depreciation,” explains Michael Shonka, owner of Solar Heat and Electric. “All residentials break even within the first decade, and commercial jobs usually break even in year six, so it’s a very reasonable return on investment.” Shonka has more than 30 years of experience in the solar industry and is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer—the highest national rating for a solar installer. He has been an adjunct instructor at UNO, Metropolitan Community College, Creighton University, and Iowa Western Community College, and he speaks on solar energy topics to local groups and regional conferences. 

For Shonka, renewable energy is not just a career but a calling. “Nebraska doesn’t have coal or natural gas, so our reliance on these fuels means we’re exporting our energy dollars,” he says. “This is a huge trade imbalance—worse than our trade imbalance with China. Nebraskans need to invest in solar to take charge of our energy future.”   

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Solar Power 7342 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68114 402.590.5900 solaromaha.com

This sponsored content appeared in Faces of Omaha 2018. To view, click here: https://issuu.com/omahapublications/docs/faces_2018/90