Pedricktown NJ - Apr 1, 2009 - The Green Paradigm Institute and EPV Solar held a seminar on financing commercial and agricultural solar projects. Vince O'Grady, with EPV Solar’s Business Integration Division, provided a refresher on solar installations for the seasoned crowd in attendance as well as the specifics of funding commercial projects. "Now is the best time to be installing solar technology, given the generous incentives in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in Feb 2009," O'Grady said, "as well as New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, arguably the best in the nation."

EPV Solar is a leader in thin film amorphous silicon photovoltaics which can be installed as conventional panels, or actually integrated into a building envelope. EPV Solar is the only photovoltaic firm actually manufacturing their product in New Jersey. They have a plant and offices in Robbinsville and Lawrenceville.

The Green Paradigm Institute was founded in October 2008 at the Energy Freedom Pioneers Eco-Industrial Park as a precursor to New Jersey's first real estate brokerage firm specializing in green commercial real estate. This week's seminar was the best yet, with over 60 real estate practitioners, solar installers, and property owners in attendance. Founder of the institute, Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, EcoBroker, stated: "We have been overwhelmed by the response, enthusiasm, and gratitude of our colleagues, customers, and clients for sponsoring these events."

Brian Blair, President of Energy Freedom Pioneers, and owner of the Eco-Industrial Park, discussed the latest details on their own upcoming installation of their photovoltaic array at the Eco-Industrial Park and its specific implications for green collar job training. "Much like Silicon Valley and the computer industry, Salem County will be a special place where college students can earn a degree in sustainable energy technology and walk next door into a sustainable energy career opportunity", said Blair.

Jim Berardi, Partner/Co-Owner, Energy Freedom Pioneers, is an electrician by trade and certified in solar installation.Berardi stated that he looks forward to sharing his knowledge with the younger apprentices entering the trade.Berardi is on the advisory board of the Salem County Vocational Technical School.

Bob LaRoy, of RCL Solar, in Alloway, with two dozen installations under his belt, is excited about offering a solar installer certification program at the Eco-Industrial Park. "The closest full-time on-site training facility is in Florida. We can easily become ground zero for quality photovoltaic training in the Mid-Atlantic Region."

Joseph Scarpa, Broker/Owner of Green Paradigm Realty LLC is an accredited professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP) under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council and its Green Building Certification Institute. Scarpa has also earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation, and "Green Leader" certification, having successfully completed training programs on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. Scarpa stated there was room in Salem County for more than one utility-scale photovoltaic system and that Atlantic City Electric has been supportive of industrial customers he has brought to the county.

The Green Paradigm Institute was formed to increase the knowledge base and sharing of information amongst real estate practitioners, academia, and property owners regarding green building and sustainable development.  Seminars are generally held on the first Wednesday of each month in Salem County on a variety of topics at nominal cost to attendees. The May 6 Seminar will be "Green Building for Mortgage and Underwriting Professionals" and will be offered in partnership with Salem Community College.

To propose future events at the Green Paradigm Institute, or to discuss green building and renewable energies, contact Joseph Scarpa, LEED AP, EcoBroker®, 856 981 2973 or register online at www.GreenParadigmInstitute.com .

Joseph Scarpa is a licensed real estate broker. He graduated from the University of Delaware (where he took his first course in Solar Energy) in 1976 with a B.S. in Economics.  During his 20-year career in the United States Navy, he obtained an M.S. in Finance from the Navy Postgraduate School, and an A.A.S. in Electronic/Computer Technology from the Heald Institute of Technology.  He retired from the Navy Supply Corps as a Commander (O-5) in 2000.  He invested three years in the technology sector as an Internet consultant, and was previously with Legend Properties since 2003.  He has been a resident of Pennsville NJ since 2000.

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