Solar-financing bill heads to governor
ATLANTA — The Senate’s unanimous vote Friday sends the governor legislation supporters say will allow more homeowners, churches and small businesses to afford solar panels.
House Bill 57 sailed through the House earlier in the session without opposition.
That is a change from previous years when the 95 electric utilities in the state opposed changing the law that gives them regional monopolies. A compromise hammered out by Rep. Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek, won agreement from the power companies, the solar-installation industry and environmentalists.
The bill allows property owners to lease their rooftops to independent companies, which will install solar panels and supply electricity as rent while selling the rest to utilities. Current law prohibits anyone from supplying electricity other than a certified utility except for sales to the utility.
Supporters say the expense of installing solar panels prevents many people who want them from getting them. If the governor signs the bill, private companies will put up the money for installation and own the panels.
Hilton Head Properties takes over sales, marketing for Ocean Palms
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Hilton Head Properties has been awarded the sales and marketing contract for Ocean Palms in Port Royal Resort. Ocean Palms is a 96-unit fractional ownership community managed by the Westin Hotel.
The owners in Ocean Palms have an all-inclusive amenity package that includes golf, tennis, beach and the use of Westin Hotel amenities.
“We are proud to represent the homeowners at Ocean Palms, and we are looking forward to an exciting year,” said Robbie Bunting, owner and broker in charge of Hilton Head Properties.
For more information, call 843-785-7111 or e-mail Info@HiltonHeadProperties.biz.
Hilton Head Properties, 12 New Orleans Road on Hilton Head Island, features more than 3,000 MLS listings.
Credit union to award two college scholarships
As part of its 2015 scholarship program, Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union will award a $2,000 college scholarship to one graduating high school senior and a $1,000 scholarship to a student who is currently enrolled in college.
High school applicants will be considered based on grades, SAT/ACT scores, school and civic activities, recommendations, and financial need. For continuing education students, the application will be scored by financial need, grades, essay and recommendations.
Applicants must have an eligible Georgia Heritage account, which can be established with as little as $5 in a savings account.
Applications are available online at www.gaheritagefcu.org, Education Center tab. Deadline for entries is May 1. For more information, call 912-236-4400. Winners will be announced later in May.