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5.29.08
Energy Efficient
Glory Energy LLC is the only dealer on the East Coast that sells mobile solar generators built by Mobile Solar Power

By Ike Wilson
Frederick News-Post Staff

For Leah Crace-Jones and her husband Tim, starting an energy efficiency business was about offering a service that people can really use.

The couple was frustrated that they didn't have any control or influence over how much they paid out in energy costs for their home. To ease the frustration that they and other like-minded individuals felt, the Jones invested in market and product research, and Glory Energy LLC was born, Crace-Jones said.

The company is the only dealer on the East Coast that sells mobile solar generators built by Mobile Solar Power of Atascadero, California. The generators can meet a number of needs requiring portable electrical service. "Every time you attend an event that has food and drink vendors, display tents and emergency services you hear and smell generators.

Wouldn't it be great if they all used solar generators?" Crace-Jones said. "No fuel, no fumes, no noise. Yes, now it's even possible for event vendors, commercial attractions and public safety authorities to be green."

Glory Energy Solutions looks at the home as a whole system, Crace-Jones said. "We develop a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of how a home uses energy and provide a detailed written report on findings and recommendations on how the homeowner can improve their home's energy efficiency," she said. The company's diagnosis is not a simple checklist-type energy audit, she said. It applies state of the art technology and building science principles to the process and has the tools and instruments to demonstrate it, Crace-Jones said. "In addition to inspecting the home inside and out, top to bottom, we even perform essential health and safety tests to ensure the combustion appliances (fuel-fired furnace, boiler, hot water service, stove, etc.) are operating safely and effectively," she said.

Part of the company's testing checks the home's shell for leaks and uses infrared thermographic images that pinpoint what the eyes don't see in thermal loss, Crace-Jones said. The infrared camera is also used for preventive maintenance in mechanical and electrical systems and building applications. Glory Energy's renewable division focuses on solar energy. The company's market and product research found that BP Solar in Frederick continued to be at the top of the list in product reliability, warranty period, company backing and corporate integrity, Crace-Jones said.

The Jones participated in BP Solar's dealer training and has qualified the business as an authorized dealer of BP Solar products and energy systems. Being a BP Solar dealer "is going to be one of our crown jewels," Crace-Jones said. "We are very excited about the future of solar electric systems." With an increase in state grant incentives slated for June 1 -- up to $10,000 -- $2,500 per installed kilowatt solar photovoltaic system -- for residential systems effective July 1, and an existing $2,000 federal grant, "that's $12,000 that people can immediately recover," Crace-Jones said.

Glory Energy Solutions is a member of the Frederick County Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders, U. S. Green Building Council, Maryland Home Performance with Energy Star and the Solar Energy Industry Association.

"Our principles are simple," Crace-Jones said. "We honor God, our families and our country in all we do, and serving others as best we possibly can is the most honorable way we can accomplish that. Integrity, honesty and honor are more than words to us; they define our personal and business character."