BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Eastern Long Island companies recognized as leaders in green building practices have joined together in what is believed to be one of the first alliances of building contractors dedicated to providing information to consumers on how to make their homes environmentally-friendly. Hamptons Luxury Homes (OTCBB:HLXH) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Telemark Inc., a luxury homebuilder on Long Island, today announced the charter members of the recently-launched Hamptons Green Alliance.

In addition to Telemark, Inc., the charter members of the Alliance are:

• Connected Hearth, a supplier and installer of intelligent security and automation systems that allow homeowners to monitor and control their homes’ security, heat or air conditioning, indoor or outdoor lighting and any other system remotely through the Internet.
• Delfino Insulation Company, Inc., a supplier and installer of energy efficient insulation systems, as well as a provider of foundation waterproofing, manufactured fireplaces, closet systems, and cultured stone.
• Flanders Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., a company that designs, engineers and installs complete efficient comfort systems for homes.
• SunStream USA, a full service renewable energy product and service provider, that designs and installs state-of-the-art solar electric, solar hot water, solar pool heating, wind powered and geothermal systems for residential and commercial clients.
• Treewise, the leader in 100% organic ecological landscape management programs. They work with landscape designers, planners and architects to establish sustainable systems that support the life, beauty and health in the landscape.

“Each of us is recognized individually for a commitment to the environment as a result of our individual areas of expertise. We have come together to form this Alliance to respond to the need for pragmatic educational tools, leadership and resources to help consumers in their quest to make their homes ‘green’,” said Frank Dalene, president of Telemark Inc., which has acted as the organizer for the Alliance.

The Hamptons Green Alliance has been formed to provide its members and the general public with resources for and exchange of practical information and ideas concerning materials, systems, best practices and the benefits of sustainable green living. The goal of the Alliance is to provide the information to build zero energy and carbon neutral footprint homes. The Alliance will soon launch two websites: energyfreeliving.com and hamptonsgreenliving.com, both of which are expected to provide specific material in meaningful ways to encourage consumers to incorporate sustainable green building components in the building of their homes. “We hope that from the very beginning, homeowners and their contractors can incorporate sustainable green building elements into their construction and remodeling plans, rather than relegating these energy-saving techniques to afterthoughts once construction has begun,” said Dalene.

Hamptons Luxury Homes (www.hlxhomes.com) is a regional construction services company that builds and maintains custom homes, luxury vacation homes and ultra-luxury estate homes throughout the eastern end of Long Island, New York, with its principal offices located in Bridgehampton, New York. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Telemark Inc. is a nationally recognized and award winning ultra-luxury homebuilder. The Company maintains an industry leading reputation for construction of luxury vacation homes from foundation to completion, with values ranging up to $50 million. Hamptons Luxury Homes combines ultra-high quality materials with superb old-world craftsmanship to create the ultimate in luxury homes with outstanding aesthetic appeal. Already a recognized and well-established entity in the exclusive environs of the Hamptons on Long Island, the company intends to expand into similar luxury markets in the United States. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include: Telemark Service and Maintenance, providing ongoing property management, maintenance and services; Bridgehampton Lumber Corp., supplying building materials and an independent dealer of The Barden & Robeson Corporation; DWD Construction Services, which performs construction administration and advisory services in connection with the construction of homes and business development of major commercial projects; Architectural Woodwork of the Hamptons, LLC, which manufacturers and installs custom millwork, custom cabinetry, custom built-ins and furniture.

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3B-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including without limitation, statements regarding the potential future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Contacts
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc.
Beverly Jedynak
312-943-1123
bjedynak@janispr.com

 

Because cost can be an issue when installing solar panels, resourceful homeowners may look for ways to get in the door by buying them discounted or used. If you can find solar panels that work well but cost less, why not? To answer this question, we decided to ask an expert.

According to Paul Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sunstream USA, buying a smaller system poses less risk while being just as cost effective. Smith points out significant dangers to buying solar panels at a “bargain.” For instance, used solar panels may not come with a manufacturer’s warranty and may be older than they look. As an alternative, Smith recommends taking advantage of state and federal tax rebates, as well as purchasing package deals from reliable solar installers who receive the best solar technology equipment and understand how it all works. Here’s more from Smith.

For homeowners who can’t afford to purchase a new solar system outright, would you recommend leasing the panels for a monthly payment? Why or why not?

Here in the New York area, leasing the panels has not become popular yet.

What I would suggest to a customer who does not have a large budget is: Buy a smaller system.

The New York State and the Long Island public power companies both offer sizeable rebates to customers. In most cases a customer can attain a rebate that will cover approximately 40% of the cost of an array. When that sum is added to the state and federal tax credits, nearly 50% of the cost of an array can be covered. In most cases, residential customers can purchase up to at 10 Kilowatt system and receive a rebate. There is no reason why a customer couldn’t buy a smaller array (Perhaps a 4 Kilowatt system) and then enlarge it at a later date. The customer would still be eligible for the remaining 6 Kilowatts of rebate money whenever they might decide to add to their existing array.

What about bargain hunting for solar panels, buying them second hand, wholesale, or in comprehensive retail packages? Is this something you would encourage?

I would encourage getting a few quotes from solar installers in your area. Most installers offer packages that include the panels, the racking, wiring, inverters and the installation by a master electrician. You could buy the panels on your own, yet most of the best manufacturers sell their panels through distributors so it is difficult to buy the best brands on your own. Also Solar panels produce power with Direct Current, which can be at a high voltage, it is advisable to have them installed by an experienced professional.

I would not recommend buying secondhand panels. Most panels are warranted for 25 years – if you buy “used” panels they would probably not come with the manufacturer’s warranty, plus there is know way of knowing how old those panels might be.

To echo Smith’s presentiment, think twice about purchasing discounted panels at the risk of poor installation. In a recent interview with CalFinder, REgrid Power CEO and SolarTech.org Chair Tom McCalmont also warned homeowners against contractors who don’t exclusively install solar systems.

“Generally, the best solar contractors do solar designs and installations exclusively,” he says. “Electrical contractors may specialize in other types of electrical work, but they generally do not have the expertise to do correct solar assessments and designs.”

Article from http://solar.calfinder.com/pros/paul-smith

 

January 30, 2008 08:01 AM Eastern Time

Long Island East End Businesses Committed to Sustainable and Green Building Practices To Join Together to Share Information with Consumers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y. (BUSINESS WIRE) Hamptons Luxury Homes (OTCBB:HLXH) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Telemark Inc., have announced the formation of the Hamptons Green Alliance, that is intended to bring together leading businesses located on the East End of Long Island committed to sustainable and green building practices.

“The purpose of the Hamptons Green Alliance is to provide pragmatic educational tools, leadership and be a resource to the public in the area of sustainable green building practices,” said Frank Dalene, vice president of Hamptons Luxury Homes and president of Telemark Inc. “Our goal will be to work toward providing the information required to build zero energy homes and carbon neutral homes,” he affirmed.

The Hamptons Green Alliance is being formed in order to provide its members and the general public with a platform to provide and exchange practical information and ideas concerning materials, systems, best practices and the benefits of sustainable green building. Dalene reported that the Alliance will have two websites: energyfreeliving.com and hamptonsgreenliving.com, both of which will be developed to provide specific material in a meaningful way to encourage consumers to incorporate sustainable green building components in the building of their homes. “This can be helpful to consumers and their contractors so that, from the very beginning, they can incorporate sustainable green building elements into their construction and remodeling plans, rather than having these energy-saving decisions made as afterthoughts,” said Dalene.

The alliance will be comprised of six to eight charter members from the building industry on the eastern end of Long Island, New York who are recognized as leaders and experts in their field, with each charter member representing a different component or category involved in the sustainable green building industry. Dalene said that it is expected that these charter members will be announced soon.

The websites also will include sponsored links and banners to provide an opportunity for manufacturers of goods associated with sustainable green building products to promote the value of their products. As with the charter members, each sponsor will represent a unique category of green building materials, products and systems.

“We anticipate that our green alliance will be active in a variety of other ways, including shared advertising, cross marketing activities and joint trade show participation,” said Dalene. He believes that this alliance represents the first such network of its kind.

Hamptons Luxury Homes (www.hlxhomes.com) is a regional construction services company that builds and maintains custom homes, luxury vacation homes and ultra-luxury estate homes throughout the eastern end of Long Island, New York, with its principal offices located in Bridgehampton, New York. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Telemark Inc. is a nationally recognized and award winning ultra-luxury homebuilder. The Company maintains an industry leading reputation for construction of luxury vacation homes from foundation to completion, with values ranging up to $50 million. Hamptons Luxury Homes combines ultra-high quality materials with superb old-world craftsmanship to create the ultimate in luxury homes with outstanding aesthetic appeal. Already a recognized and well-established entity in the exclusive environs of the Hamptons on Long Island, the company intends to expand into similar luxury markets in the United States. The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include: Telemark Service and Maintenance, providing ongoing property management, maintenance and service; Bridgehampton Lumber Corp., supplying building materials and an independent dealer of The Barden & Robeson Corporation; DWD Construction Services, which performs construction administration and advisory services in connection with the construction of homes and business development of major commercial projects; Architectural Woodwork of the Hamptons, LLC, which manufactures and installs custom millwork, custom cabinetry, custom built-ins and furniture.

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3B-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including without limitation, statements regarding the potential future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statement will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Contacts
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc. Bev Jedynak 312-943-1123 bjedynak@janispr.com