Ok , you now know what it does. But how does it work ? Why should I be interested ? Here is a great starting point for beginners.
Thinking about going solar?
Want to know what’s in it for you? This will help...
How does solar work?
Solar energy turns sunlight into electricity. The process begins with solar photo voltaic (PV) cells made mostly of silicon that capture the sun’s rays and convert them into raw electricity called direct current (DC). DC is modified into alternating current (AC) through an inverter to power your home.
What is Grid-Tie or an On-Grid system ?How does Grid-Tie work?
A grid tie (net metering) system works with regular electricity. The collected power spins the meter backwards and the customer is credited for power produced. This power surplus can then be used when the system is not producing optimum power. In a sense, you build credits with the utility company during the day, and in turn, use them at night therefor greatly reducing or even eliminating your utility bill. A grid-tied solar electric system is the most common installation used today.
Why choose Grid-tie?
Receive tax incentives and rebates.
Easy to install in most applications.
Silent, no maintenance or moving parts.
Reliable/Safe (like regular power).
Efficient and Cost-effective.
No battery storage or expense.
Systems size flexibility (choose your investment and production level.)
(Note: In a power outage, grid-tie systems are required to shut down for safety.)
GET $ BACK IN CREDITS AND REBATES
Factoring in utility rebates and the tax credit, you can get +/- 40% back on a residential system and, with depreciation, +/- 60% on a commercial system.
POSITIVE CASH FLOW
Financed payments can be lower than your monthly utility bill.
ROI
Return on Investment can be better than that of a Money Market, Savings Account, and most other investment packages on the market today. Also, take into consideration a volatile economy, and solar becomes one of the top investments today.
INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE AND SALE-ABILITY
Estimates show that $1,500 in annual electric bill savings from solar is equal to $30,000 in additional resale value. (from ICF consulting – funded by HUD and EPA.) Home buyers are making energy savings a priority in home buying. In addition, the value of your solar system does not increase your property tax bill.
LOCK IN COST OF POWER
Own your power and protect against future pricing increases.
PAYBACK
Factoring in federal rebates, credits, property value increase, and inflation of electricity prices, payback time is decreased as your system saves you increasing amounts over time.
ANNUAL CO2 AND COAL SAVINGS
An averaged size system (4.2 kW) saves 13,100 lb of CO2 emissions and 90 tons of coal in ten years, which is equivalent to planting approximately 280 trees.
WHY SOLAR? For your Home or Business
Solar is a healthy alternative to fossil fuels.
It has long proven to be a healthy, clean, efficient, and infinitely renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Solar systems divert tons of carbon dioxide from atmosphere every year.
Solar systems are now attractive.
Thanks to new innovations, systems are attractive, low profile, and versatile enough to work in most locations. Because of refined designs (including building integrated photovoltaics,) even the most luxurious homes can retain their elegance while reflecting that they harness the latest technology.
Solar is reliable and durable.
Today’s solar isn’t the solar of the 1970’s and 80’s. Technological advances have made modules and system components durable and more efficient. (We have a 25 year manufacturer and 10 year installer warranty.)
Solar is good for our economy
PV frees us from the cost and uncertainties surrounding energy supplies from politically volatile regions. A robust domestic PV industry creates new jobs and strengthens the U.S. economy.
WHY SOLAR? For Home Builders
The US Department of Energy-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (DOE EERE) “Home builder’s Guide to Going Solar” lists these reasons for Home builder’s to utilize solar:
Differentiate yourself from other builders
Sell your homes as much as two times faster (compared to homes without green options)
Save money with shorter sales cycles and less inventory
Complement your intriguing designs and high-quality constructions
Enhance your corporate image as an environmentally responsible builder.
For more information on solar visit:
www.eere.energy.gov |
