California Passes Mandate Requiring Solar on All New Construction

Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Demetrios Panteleakis is the president of MacMillan Group, LLC, a full-service commercial real estate firm. There, Demetrios Panteleakis has managed a number of projects related to solar power. Both large-scale and residential solar installations continue to grow in popularity, as more and more states set ambitious goals related to energy usage. Last year, the state of California passed a mandate that will require all new homes, major remodels, and low-rise multifamily homes to incorporate solar power in their construction. 

The California Energy Commission passed a resolution in May 2018 that will require all new homes under three stories to incorporate solar capabilities in their design by the year 2020. With each new building or structure producing 2-3 kilowatts of energy, they will essentially attain net zero energy status, producing enough energy individually to avoid having to purchase energy from outside sources.

Long recognized as a leader and trendsetter in goals related to clean energy, California’s unanimously-adopted resolution is the first of its kind in the nation. Officials predict that the measure will ultimately benefit consumers by increasing their energy independence. Though the average initial investment will fall between $8,000 and $18,000 for each residence, experts believe that homeowners will earn that money back in accumulated energy savings.

Order No. 841 Incorporates Storage Facilities as Viable Power Source

Real estate executive Demetrios Panteleakis is president of MacMillan Group, LLC, a full-service real estate firm assisting clients with development, brokerage services, and project management. As part of his work at MacMillan Group, LLC, Demetrios Panteleakis developed an innovative underwriting process to mainstream the financing of utility scale solar installations. He maintains an interest in solar energy and its impact on the nation’s energy resources. 

At the beginning of the year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 841, an ordinance that required energy grid operators to reconfigure their markets to allow energy storage facilities to participate more fully. The move will enhance competition in the wholesale energy market and allow stored renewable energy to be used in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Energy grid operators were given until Dec. 3, 2018, to comply with Order No. 841.

Energy experts have lauded Order No. 841 as an important step in modernizing the nation’s energy wholesale energy markets. By incorporating batteries and other storage technologies capable of rapidly switching between charging and discharging energy, renewable energy will be more accessible and will contribute more effectively to the energy needs of markets across the country. These technologies, when incorporated successfully, will contribute to the large-scale use of renewable energy by expanding transmission and increasing operational flexibility.

Prior to Order No. 841, ISO New England, the independent regional transmission organization responsible for the distribution of power in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, already had been working toward incorporating storage facilities as a viable energy source. This fall, ISO New England filed revisions with FERC outlining its proposed changes, signaling the organization’s commitment to meeting FERC’s December deadline for compliance.

As Boston Area Real Estate Rises, Other Regions Offer Affordability

A Western Massachusetts business executive, Demetrios Panteleakis directs Macmillan Group, LLC, and seeks out value-driven real estate opportunities. Business focused, Demetrios Panteleakis remains apprised of regional trends spanning a full range of property types, including commercial, industrial, and residential.

A recent MassLive article drew attention to supply and demand dynamics that have led to an escalation of rent prices in desirable Boston neighborhoods such as Back Bay and Seaport. The most expensive zip code regionally is a part of Boylston Street adjacent to the Boston Public Library, which has a median gross monthly rent exceeding $3,000. With traditionally less expensive neighborhoods such as Roxbury and Somerville having gentrified as well, renters and purchasers are increasingly seeking out affordability in cities such as Providence, Rhode Island.

Affordable units are also still available in cities such as Worcester, Fall River, and Springfield, with an $839 median rent in the latter community. This stands well below the state median and is in a price range that promises to generate further real estate activity among those who find the Boston area to be cost prohibitive.

The Sustainability of Solar Energy

Demetrios Panteleakis has served as principal of Icarian Real Estate Advisors since 2009 and president of Macmillan Group since 2016. Beyond his work in real estate, Demetrios Panteleakis stays abreast of developments and news related to solar sustainability.

Solar energy is one of the more sustainable forms of energy available today, particularly when compared to fossil fuels. Solar power, of course, draws energy from the sun, the earth’s single most sustainable resource. Leading energy and sustainability experts agree that the sun represents the planet’s most vital source of energy, particularly in light of the United Nations’ definition of sustainability, which calls for energy that meets the needs of the present day without impairing the success of future generations.

Indeed, solar energy checks off every major box in regard to sustainability. It is highly renewable, with one Scientific American study finding that 40 minutes of daylight represents enough energy to meet the entire planet’s electrical needs for a full year. Furthermore, solar energy is most often collected through solar panels, which create no waste products or noise pollution.

As solar panels become more economically sustainable, households and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the long-term savings and environmental benefits provided by solar energy.

Sample Peloponnesian Honey in Mani

An accomplished commercial real estate executive in Western Massachusetts, Demetrios Panteleakis brings more than 15 years of experience to his position as the president of Macmillan Group, LLC, in Springfield. A native of Greece, Demetrios Panteleakis hails from the Mani peninsula in the Peloponnese region.

One of the three peninsulas extending south from Greece’s Peloponnese region, Mani boasts a rich history and beautiful natural landscape that draws visitors from around the world each year. In addition to its natural and historic beauty, visitors to Mani enjoy the regional culinary specialties that make the area unique. Among these is Peloponnesian honey. 

The practices of beekeeping and honey making are nearly as old as Greece itself, with references appearing in ancient Greek myths and in classic Greek literature, such as Homer’s Odyssey. In the Peloponnese, this tradition is carried on by producers whose unique honey comes from bees that collect the nectar of eucalyptus trees, orange blossoms, olive blossoms, and other local wildflowers.

In Mani, beekeepers move their hives throughout the year from olive groves to wildflower pastures to pine forests depending on the season. As a result, local producers offer a wide range of products, from the piney taste of fir honey to the aromatic fragrance of wildflower honey.

Designing a Youth Soccer Practice

Real estate executive Demetrios Panteleakis serves as the president of Macmillan Group, a commercial real estate, brokerage, and property management firm in Springfield, Massachusetts. Aside from his professional responsibilities, Demetrios Panteleakis coaches youth soccer.

When coaching youth soccer, it is essential to have a plan for each practice to keep kids on track and focused. Keeping in mind the age ranges, abilities, time constraints, and space available for practice, coaches should write out their goals for the season. Once the coach has an idea of the big picture, it is easier to design practices that will meet those goals.

Each practice should be fun and challenging, incorporating time for warmup, skills development, and small-sided games. Whenever possible, coaches should provide examples of what they want the kids to do. If the coach does not have the necessary experience to demonstrate core skills, he or she can bring in a talented high school player for assistance.

Core skills such as dribbling, turning, crossing, passing, shooting, and ball control should be covered at practices. Drills that cover these skills are abundant. Coaches can turn to other coaches, their league, or large soccer organizations for ideas. Small-sided games that set players against each other also provide kids with opportunities to learn how to make quick decisions, work together as a team, and apply what they are learning in a competitive pre-game environment.

Step Back in Time with the Greek Olive Harvest

An experienced executive in northern Massachusetts, Demetrios Panteleakis serves as the president of Macmillan Group, LLC., the area's oldest commercial real estate firm. Every year, Demetrios Panteleakis takes time to visit his family farm in Greece and participate in the olive harvest.

Participating in the olive harvest in Greece has become a popular option for those interested in spending time in nature while on vacation. Visitors to Greece interested in participating in this tradition can find numerous places that will allow them to volunteer to help with the harvest. In return, they receive olive oil fresh from the harvest.

In late October and November, the olives, not yet fully ripe, make the best olive oil. In many places throughout Greece, people still harvest the olives according to traditional hand-picking methods. They lay out nets beneath the trees and then use olive combs to comb through the branches, sorting out the olives from the leaves and dropping them into the nets below.

Commercial Real Estate Valuation Services with Macmillan Group

Demetrios Panteleakis has functioned as the principal of Icarian Real Estate Advisors in Springfield, Massachusetts, since 2009. In 2016, Demetrios Panteleakis expanded his professional activities, assuming the position of president with Macmillan Group, Inc., a full service commercial real estate services provider, also located in Springfield.

Macmillan Group provides a number of commercial real estate services, including extensive real estate valuation services. With an institutional goal of addressing all clients’ needs and inquiries, the organization is skilled at developing efficient overview reports as well as more comprehensive property studies, both of which are accompanied by a thorough analysis of all findings. With these facts in hand, the Macmillan Group team collaborates with clients to determine the best course of action.

For a sample of the organization’s consulting services, visit www.macmillang.com and review the firm’s monthly newsletter, which functions as a compilation of professional insights into a wide variety of real estate topics. The Macmillan Group Monthly Newsletter archives are an invaluable resource for property managers, investors, and various professionals in the commercial real estate industry.

The Basics of Commercial Lease Agreements

The holder of a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law, Demetrios Panteleakis serves as president of Macmillan Group, LLC. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Demetrios Panteleakis manages the organization’s commercial leasing operations. 

A commercial lease agreement is the starting point of a commercial tenancy and has several important components. The essential components include basic information about the lessor and lessee (names and addresses), a description of the leased premises including square footage, and the terms of the lease. The terms cover issues such as the deposit payable, monthly rent, common area maintenance charges, utility obligations, and purpose for renting the commercial space, among others. 

What’s important to remember about the terms of the lease is that they should be set out very clearly, leaving no room for doubt, especially because they are binding contracts. For example, ensure clauses dealing with space are clear on what is rentable/usable space and also that any restrictions to renting purpose are clear about their scope. 

Another thing to remember is that the terms are not cast in stone but rather are a starting point. They can be negotiated. For example, a lessee can negotiate terms regarding rent increases, his or her rights, renewal options, and the deposit payable.

Solar Market Continues to Post Growth despite Trade Clouds

A respected presence in the New England commercial real estate sphere, Demetrios Panteleakis has more than a decade of experience in corporate expansion projects. Among Demetrios Panteleakis’ accomplishments has been enabling solar-focused energy efficiency projects to go forward with the help of Capital for Change funding.

As reported in Utility Dive, growth in the solar market has been consistent over the past two years, with two gigawatts or more of solar photovoltaic capacity installed each of the last eight quarters. Unfortunately, this has slowed, with the recently released Solar Market Insight report drawing attention to a 51 percent year-over-year decrease in sales.

One major factor in the slowdown is attributed to uncertainty related to a solar trade case in which the International Trade Commission determined that Suniva and SolarWorld were in need of import relief. One possibility on the horizon is tariffs of as much as 35 percent on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, which would push up installation costs. The head of the Solar Energy Industries Association urges a rejection of such tariffs at the White House level to ensure that growth in solar installation continues at a rapid pace.