The Adcock Cos., a Sanford developer, has recently installed solar power panels on a warehouse roof in the industrial section of Sanford.

The 130-panel array, which qualified under the Progress Energy Commercial SunSense Program, began producing electricity from the sun under a long-term contract that was one of the last to be issued in 2011.

The project came online Nov. 30 and will continue to provide electricity to the Sanford grid for the next 35 years to help offset their energy costs, a news release said.

Sandhills Energy, of Pinehurst, was the project consultant and installer, and completed the installation in less than two weeks.

The installation "is one of the most affordable ways to offset tax liabilities by taking advantage of the 30 percent federal and 35 percent state credits, and accelerated depreciation offered to commercial clients," said Ken Bonville, President of Sandhills Energy.

These incentives and the revenue from producing electricity for the grid make the four-year return on investment a feasible investment, the release said. Additional advantages that benefit the region are the offset of 25 tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of planting more than 1,100 trees annually.

Anyone wanting more information about solar power can contact Sandhills Energy at (910) 295-0462 or email gbrad-ley11@nc.rr.com.

Sandhills Energy was founded in 2008 to provide consultation, design, installation and energy management for solar electric, solar thermal (hot water), geothermal (heating and air conditioning) and energy management installations to commercial and residential clients throughout the Carolinas.

More information is available at www.sandhillsenergy.com.