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Robert C. Miller named Field Operations Manager for Plymouth Solar Energy.

Robert (Bobby) C. Miller, a North Falmouth, MA resident, has been Field Operations Manager

of Plymouth Solar Energy.  In his role, Miller acts as the liaison and point person between the customer, solar installers and solar equipment suppliers. He also assists with determining the configuration of each solar energy system and participates in service/maintenance calls for existing solar systems.

Plymouth Solar (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems.

Miller is a Coast Guard veteran and held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.  His eight-year service included maintenance of buoys and island-based communication and lighting. He also assisted with search and rescue. He is a native of Tehachapi, California.

Plymouth Solar (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. There are now 10 full and part-time staffers at the growing entity.

For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

Robert C. Miller named Field Operations Manager for Plymouth Solar Energy.Read More

Know someone in the Greater Plymouth area who has a Sunny Disposition? 

Better yet, perhaps they have recently performed some random or intended act of kindness?

Could be something as simple as taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor.  Or helping with heavy lifting of a new couch.  Or sharing an extra plate of homemade brownies.

Plymouth Solar Energy is recognizing Sunny Disposition winners monthly.  The winner will receive dinner for two at one of Greater Plymouth’s leading restaurants and a spiffy pair of sunglasses.

Enter brief nomination at https://www.plymouthsolarenergy.com/sunny-disposition-plymouth

Know someone in the Greater Plymouth area who has a Sunny Disposition? Read More

Plymouth Solar Energy takes Drone services to new heights.

Plymouth Solar Energy’s new licensed drone operation makes research, planning and service faster, more efficient and safer.

The FAA pilot’s license for unmanned aircraft earned by Plymouth Solar Energy’s Fred Paris, solar energy pioneer and a respected industry expert, takes the company to new heights.

Plymouth Solar Energy started with simple with drones, occasionally using one to take photos of rooftops. For commercial rooftop assessments, they found that a drone was accurate, safer, and quicker, in gathering rooftop measurements around stacks, vents, air conditioners, and other rooftop mechanical systems.

To do anything more than simple photos, the company had to hire a drone service or gain an FAA pilot’s license for unmanned aircraft. Having the license would allow the company to fly better technology and develop in-house mapping applications. For maintenance services, a drone with infrared lens could be used to spot solar panel hot spots, avoiding costly downtime.

“We envision the day when we can send a drone from our office to a solar site miles away for a full video reconnaissance,” notes Paris. And he added, smiling, “given that our commercial drone license allows us to carry more than 20 pounds, parts delivery is only the ‘bureaucracy’ away.”

Plymouth Solar Energy (PlymouthSolarEnergy.com ) is a regional leader in the installation and maintenance of commercial and residential solar and battery systems. The company boasts over 200 installed and on-line monitored solar systems within 50 miles of Plymouth.

A lifelong environmentalist and recognized solar energy expert, Paris launched the Wind Sun Institute – the predecessor of Plymouth Solar Energy – to serve as a technical trainer to solar manufacturers. This evolved to teaching solar energy commercially across the U. S. including at Babson College. Paris taught Strategic Planning at Northeastern University, and wrote the solar curriculum for national certification ‘NABCEP’ classes at Massasoit Community College. Paris started Plymouth Solar Energy with Massasoit students. For more info, visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com or call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com

Plymouth Solar Energy takes Drone services to new heights.Read More

Shedding light on Solar energy for your home.

Educational seminar offers answers.

Scheduled for Thursday, March 2nd, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Jones River Landing.

Considering solar energy for your home to reduce cost and minimize your environmental imprint?

Fred Paris of the Wind Sun Institute and owner of Plymouth Solar Energy is offering a free educational presentation and discussion about Residential Solar Energy on Thursday, March 2nd, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Jones River Landing, 55 Landing Road, Kingston MA.

Topics to be addressed include –

  • 3 Variables of Solar Design: roof space, budget, and electric bill 
  • Types of Systems: Beyond the rooftop, Ground mounts, Trackers, Poles
  • Batteries: Beyond blackout protection
  • Residential Financial Model (template)*
  • Financial (Leasing vs Owning) 
  • Tax credits and Incentives
  • Calculating Payback

*Participants may bring their utility bill, calculator, and pencil to participate in design template.

As a technical business instructor, Paris has taught Strategic Business Planning at Northeastern University, Business Values and Renewable Energy sessions at Babson College, and private technical lessons for organizations across the United States. Paris holds BA and MBA degrees. Locally, he designed and developed the solar energy curriculum at Massasoit Community College and is the owner of Plymouth Solar Energy.

Seating is limited. Please RSVP to – https://tinyurl.com/2s493d24.

Plymouth Solar Energy is located at 18 Main Street Extension, Plymouth, MA. For more info visit www.PlymouthSolarEnergy.com . For a complimentary Solar Feasibility Study or questions, call (508) 746-5430 or email info@plymouthsolarenergy.com.

<strong>Shedding light on Solar energy for your home.</strong>Read More

Rodman & Rodman CPAs to Showcase Firm’s Renewable Energy Practice at PV America

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST
Steve Rodman, CPA, MST

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., is set to engage PV America expo attendees, March 9-10, 2015 at The Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston.

Rodman & Rodman’s “Green Team” provides solar energy producers and other businesses that pursue energy efficiency initiatives, with expert counsel and services in renewable energy tax accounting and business strategy.  The firm’s president, Steve Rodman CPA MST along with partners Kathy Parker CPA MST and Thomas Astore CPA JD, and Green Team marketing director, Katherine Bautze will be on hand at booth number 205 to speak with attendees.

“The success of the solar industry is driven largely by its ability to take advantage of federal, state and local tax incentives,” said Rodman. “Our experienced Green Team CPAs are domain experts in renewable energy finances, tax credits, accounting services, and business strategies for cleantech companies involved in solar, wind, biomass, waste-to-energy, and energy efficiency projects.“

Rodman & Rodman provides companies with a sustainable financial roadmap through expert partnership/corporate structuring for optimal tax benefit; grant qualification assistance and auditing; ongoing advisory services for federal, state and local tax incentives; and specialized strategic financial planning and management.

Rodman & Rodman is a charter member of the newly formed Mass Solar Coalition, which is an alliance of solar and clean energy organizations, businesses and solar and environmental advocates that share the goal of advancing solar energy in Massachusetts. They are members of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), as well as members of New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC).

Most recently, Kathy Parker, CPA, MST served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit.

To learn more about Rodman & Rodman, visit www.rodmancpa.com. For more information about PV America, visit www.pvamericaexpo.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com, email info@rodmancpa.com, or call (617) 965-5959.

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Rodman & Rodman Partner Serves as Panelist at MA Energy Summit

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit on October 21, 2014 which was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“Although 1603 cash grants have expired, Investment Tax credits, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and other state and local incentives will continue to drive the growth of renewable energy in Massachusetts,” said Parker.

The Mass Energy Summit brought together leaders from the energy sector and leading business executives from throughout the state. Ms. Parker, along with Craig W. Huntley, Founding Principal of Solect Energy and Briony Angus, Project Manager, Tighe and Bond served on the “Solar for the Commercial Customer” panel. Ms. Parker shared her expertise in renewable energy accounting and state and federal incentives with companies looking to implement solar to reduce energy expenditures. Topics of the discussion included financing options, lenders and investors, tax issues, and federal and state qualifications.

Keynote speakers at the event were Maeve Vallely Bartlett, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Marcy L. Reed, President of National Grid, Massachusetts. The event featured six panels: Case Studies; Municipal Focus; Careers in Energy; State of the State; Solar for the Commercial Customer and National Grid, Smart Energy Solutions Program.

“We can assist companies that are looking to introduce solar to reduce their energy expenditures by providing sound strategies for the project, which include financing, federal and state incentives, renewable energy credits, entity/partnership structuring, and more,” noted Parker.

Speaker’s Bureau

Ms. Parker, along with Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and are available for speaking engagements. Mr. Astore and Ms. Parker have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums. Most recently, Mr. Astore spoke about green market incentives on New England Real Estate Journal Radio with host Rick Kaplan and Eric Wilson. In addition to serving as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit, Ms. Parker spoke at “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” as well as at the “Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar” hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England.

For more information about Rodman & Rodman, visit rodmancpa.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman Partner Serves as Panelist at MA Energy SummitRead More

Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST Joins Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton

Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST
Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST

Daniel J. Gniadek, a Certified Public Accountant, has recently joined Rodman & Rodman, P.C. as Supervisor. Based in Newton, MA, Rodman & Rodman is an independent accounting and tax firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving clients throughout the U.S.

In his new role, Mr. Gniadek will oversee the accounting staff who are responsible for tax preparation and tax planning for individuals and entities.  For three years previous to Rodman & Rodman, Mr. Gniadek was a Senior Tax Accountant in the personal financial management and income tax planning division of Summit Financial Corporation in Burlington. His experience also includes serving as a Tax Associate at BNY Convergex Group and BDO USA, LLP of Boston.

Mr. Gniadek holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI and a Master of Science in Taxation from Northeastern University in Boston. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

He is a resident of Braintree, MA. In his free time, he enjoys playing hockey and golf.

For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST Joins Rodman & Rodman P.C. of NewtonRead More

Newton Tax Firm Outlines Sales Tax Holiday Rules for August 16th & 17th

Thomas Astore CPA JD
Thomas Astore CPA JD

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm based in Newton, MA, outlines the rules that will be in effect for Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday Weekend on August 16-17, 2014.

“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not be collecting the 6.25 percent sales tax on non-business purchases of $2,500 or less made by individuals” explains Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, and Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “Business purchases and purchases made by corporations remain taxable. Massachusetts businesses open during this weekend and selling taxable items of tangible personal property are required to participate in this sales tax holiday.”

Rodman & Rodman outlines items that are eligible as well as those that are excluded from the Sales Tax Holiday:

Business purchases are excluded, which also means any purchase made with a business check or business credit card.

All services are excluded. Only tangible purchases are eligible. Airline tickets and sporting events are considered services.

Motor vehicles (which include ATVs and small motorcycles), motorized boats, telecommunications services (including prepaid calling arrangements and cards), gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and meals are excluded from the sales tax holiday. But, telecommunications equipment (cell phones and related items for personal use) is eligible.

Any single item with a price that is in excess of $2,500 is excluded. If the single item’s price exceeds $2,500, it will be taxed in full. For example a $3,000 plasma TV will be taxed on the entire $3,000 sale price.

When more than one item is purchased at the same time, and each item has a price of $2,500 or less, then all of the items may be rung up on one receipt and all the items are tax-free.

There is no sales tax on clothing unless the sale price exceeds $175. For an article of clothing exceeding this amount, the $175 will be deducted from the price and the remaining amount will be taxed.

If a store coupon or discount provided by a retailer or manufacturer reduces the sales price of the item, the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within the sales tax holiday price threshold of $2,500 or less.

Prior sales and lay-a-ways do not qualify for the tax-free status under any circumstances.

Special order items such as furniture are eligible so long as they are ordered and paid in full on the sales tax holiday weekend, and the cost of each item is $2,500 or less, even if delivery is made at a later date.

Internet purchases are exempt from sales tax as long as they do not exceed $2,500 (and meet other criteria) and are made and paid for on August 11 or 12, Eastern Standard Time.

For specific tax questions contact Rodman & Rodman, P.C. at (617) 965-5959.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Newton Tax Firm Outlines Sales Tax Holiday Rules for August 16th & 17thRead More

Rodman & Rodman Supports “Act Relative to Net Metering and Solar Power”

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST
Steve Rodman, CPA, MST

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., weighs in on proposed legislation regarding Net Metering and Solar Power awaiting passage in the MA House and Senate by July 31st.

“Due largely to the state’s policies providing net metering (credits for returning excess generation to the grid) and Solar Renewable Energy Credits, renewable energy projects — solar projects in particular — have enjoyed exceptional growth in Massachusetts,” said Steve Rodman, president of Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “These programs, along with federal incentives in the form of 1603 grants and Investment Tax Credits have allowed solar projects to confidently project a reasonable return on investment, which in turn has attracted investment and financing. However, solar capacity qualifying for net metering facilities benefiting cities, towns and other public entities has quickly approached the 3 percent cap allocated to each of the state’s electric utility service areas, and the lingering debate about when and how much to raise the caps has become a serious threat to financing future projects.”

Under the current net metering regulations, qualified solar energy generation sites can use excess capacity to create credits against both the cost of electricity and service. “While solar advocates want to significantly increase net metering caps to encourage financing and development, utilities and some industry advocates argue that a large increase in qualified net metering solar shifts the cost of grid infrastructure and other utility expenses away from the direct beneficiaries of solar projects to the rest of utility rate payers,” explained Rodman. “There are strong feelings from some Massachusetts industry advocate groups that also take this position.”

A viable compromise may come in the form of a new Massachusetts bill (H4185), currently awaiting passage in the MA House and Senate. Under the new legislation, net metering caps for solar projects in the Commonwealth would be permanently removed in exchange for a minimum monthly bill, the elimination of Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and the ability for utilities to adjust rates for power received from Virtual Net Metering sources (solar power deployments that share net metering credits with other consumers such as a landlord who owns a solar array and shares the benefits with tenants). In addition, the bill would provide for a “Declining Block Program” of incentive rates that would assign new generation coming online to a specific block value of dollars per kWh over a 15-year period that would decline as new capacity comes online. The block value rates bundle both electricity metering credits and incentive rates for renewable energy.

Some industry groups, such as the Associated Industries of Massachusetts still strongly oppose the legislation as an unfair redistribution of ratepayer tariffs. Even some Massachusetts solar groups are in opposition because they feel that the new legislation replaces a more free-market system that was working well with one that is untested and much more in the control of utilities and regulators. At the same time, The Solar Energy Industry Association and the New England Clean Energy Council strongly support the bill as a reasonable compromise to break the current stalemate on net metering caps, create long-term certainty to reduce risks and encourage continued investment in solar, and meet the commonwealth’s goal of 1,600 MW of solar energy by 2020.

“We support the new legislation and believe strong growth of solar energy in the commonwealth will pay big dividends to all rate payers in the long term while allowing utilities a reasonable path to recover some of the cost of our growing grid infrastructure and service requirements. We also feel that while distributed solar generation may add some expense in the short term, it will add clean generation capacity, reduce transmission congestion, reduce demand for added fossil fuel generation, reduce the need for added pipe and wire infrastructure, ultimately increasing the overall performance of the grid. We also think that thousands of jobs, a growing tax base, and cleaner air are not bad benefits either,” said Rodman.

 About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman Supports “Act Relative to Net Metering and Solar Power”Read More