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Last Tuesday Chris Brannan, who owns the Garberville Theatre with his wife, Brigette, met with a group of solar experts and roofers to discuss the installation of a solar system for the theatre. Due to increasing costs of operating the theatre, the Brannans have been searching for ways to keep the doors open - and this may be one of them.

Thanks to David Katz of Alternative Energy Engineering, a solar system is within reach. Katz said that the federal government will give them a 30% federal tax credit and a five-year accelerated depreciation, with 50% for the first year. California will also kick in a $1 a watt rebate. However, the cost will be $2.95 a watt and will take approximately five years for the theatre to recover the cost of the system.

But before the solar system can be installed the back portion of the building will need a new roof. This will be done by Steve Adams, owner of To The Top Roofing in Myers Flat with the help of Harold Walls.

During the week of July 6-11 Jay Peltz, owner of Peltz Power and a contract instructor for Solar Energy International, will hold a workshop and install the system. Students in past workshops have included people from all walks of life including do-it-yourselfers, carpenters, contractors, and those interested in making solar installation a career choice.

Solar Energy International (SEI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education. SEI teaches individuals from all walks of life how to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems, and how to design and build efficient, sustainable homes. SEI offers trainings online and in 22 locations around the world.

A large part of the federal incentive funding has been designated for green or alternative power. The State of California will be putting out bids for large contracts in the future, which will provide much-needed jobs for the state’s residents. Solar power is one of the fastest growing industries in the country and can be beneficial financially when you begin selling power back to the power companies. And of course there is no way to gauge just how important solar power can become for the environment in the future. Just ask David Katz and he will be glad to show you how it’s done.

REDWOOD TIMES PHOTOS BY SUSAN GARDNER

1. A group gathered last week to discuss the new solar system to be installed on the roof of the Garberville Theatre. From left are Steve Adams, Harold Walls, David Katz, Jay Peltz, Brian Teitelbaum and theatre owner Chris Brannan.

2. The old metal roof of the Garberville Theatre will be replaced with a new shingle roof in preparation for the installation of the solar system.