Residential
Solar Solutions for Electricity

Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) solutions allow you to
produce your own electricity using the energy of the sun.

Why people love using solar panels to create electricity:
Escalating energy prices, climate change, a desire for energy independence, economic incentives, reduced system cost and availability of equipment make solar panels and systems an
attractive alternative to the status quo.

What it is and what are the options:
Solar panels / PV systems provide the ability to produce your own electricity in an affordable manner. The main types of Solar PV systems are:

• Grid tied systems, which do not require batteries, are the most affordable and most common. These systems produce energy that is either used directly in the home or put on the grid, spinning your meter backwards. If your utility has a net metering program you receive credits for the excess energy you produce. The credits are used to pay your utility bill.

• Grid tied with battery backup are used where power reliability is a concern. These systems produce energy that is first used to keep the batteries in a state of readiness. The energy is used directly in the home or put on the grid, which spins your meter backwards: utilities with net metering programs give you credits, used to pay your utility bill, for the excess energy you produce.

• Off-Grid systems are for living off the grid. An energy efficient design is critical. These systems produce energy to charge batteries, which power the home. Installing costs of these systems are relatively expensive.

• Direct Power systems are used to power direct loads such as power water pumping systems.

How it works:
Solar PV panels create a solar array to gather sunlight. An inverter converts the collected sunlight into electricity, which then powers our homes. A clear South exposure is the most desirable for energy production.

What it costs:
Solar energy systems are affordable. Generally, the cost associated with a completed system ranges from $8 - $9 a watt for small residential systems, before incentives. Note: local taxes and permits are not included in this amount.

Is it right for you?:
Solar energy is free and the systems offer years of trouble-free use. With no moving parts, they make no noise and emit no pollution whatsoever. Purchasing a solar panel / PV system is like prepaying for your electricity for the next 25 – 30 years, but at a fixed price.

With electricity rates rising every year, solar power helps you control your energy costs no matter what rate increases your local utility puts into effect. Assuming rates increase 5.5% each year (national rates have been increasing 6.7% annually) and you are paying $1,100 a year for electricity, in 20 years you will be paying more then $3,600 a year for the same electricity.

Adding solar to your home increases its value. According to a 1998 – 1999 study by the National Appraisers Association, for every $1 dollar in energy savings, your home’s value will increase by $20. For example $500 in energy systems increases the value of your home by $10,000.

Additional considerations:

• With solar power, there’s no rate increases ever: the energy provided by the sun is free!

• Powering electricity for your home with solar energy reduces your personal impact on climate change.
- A typical three-kilowatt (3 KW) residential solar system keeps almost two tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere each year.
- 40 percent of all CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel burning result from the generation of electricity.
- You’ll have self-sufficiency, minimal environmental impact, and freedom from utility power failures and rate increases.

• Investing in solar is a sound investment.
- The return on your money will only grow over time and your investment is virtually risk-free.
- Installing solar power increases the value of your property.
- An annual 5.5% - 6.5% Return on Investment (ROI) for 25 – 30 years.

• Government and local incentives make solar even more affordable.
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30%, effective January 1, 2009 reduces your cost basis by 30%.
- Local incentives can further reduce your net costs.
- Ask us how a particular system can save you money!

• Solar panel designs are aesthetically pleasing
- Conventional flush mount panels blend well
- Building Integrated Solar PV (BIPV) – solar panels as part of the roof and produce energy
- Solar awnings provide shade and allow light over a deck, walkway or windows
- Solar car ports shade a car and produce energy
- Solar charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EV)
- Panels integrate beautifully into metal roofs, such as those offered by Red Hammer Roofs.

Contact a Solar and Wind Expert for More Information or an Estimate