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Solar Energy
How does solar energy work?
A Photovoltaic (PV) solar system works to convert sunlight into electricity using solar cells in panels. These panels are mounted in a place which provides maximal exposure to sunlight. For this reason, the most common place to mount solar panels is on the roof of the building they are generating electricity for. There are some instances where it is preferable to mount your solar panels on an independent, custom-built structure for better sun exposure. The panels are then wired to an inverter, which converts the electricity from direct current ( D.C.) to usable, alternating current (A.C.), and TURNS YOUR METER BACKWARDS!
Grid-Tie and Off Grid-Tie
There are two different ways a solar system can store and provide you energy: grid-tied and off-grid systems.
A grid-tied system is more common. The on-grid system wires the inverter to your local power company. You can actually watch your power meter reverse while your solar system pumps electricity to your utility company. The energy you generate is tabulated each month and shows up as a credit on your energy bill. Over a 12-month cycle, the energy you generate is compared with the energy you use. This credit-debit cycle is called "net-metering."
An off-grid and battery back-up/UPS system uses similar parts; however, the inverter sends enough energy to keep an onsite storage battery bank charged. Off-grid systems are employed on properties that are not connected to a local power company, and properties which have common power outages and require a back-up battery system. A battery system/UPS is ideal for people with servers or other electronic systems that must run continuously.
The Cost
The cost of your new solar system will vary with size. Anderson Solar Controls takes into consideration the following:
- The number of solar panels and inverters needed, depending on your current and future electrical usage and the size of your solar system.
- The location of your solar system (i.e. Roof, ground, or separate shade structure).
- The hardware, wiring and mounting systems will vary with size and cost according to your custom solar system on your property.
We will help to educate you and assess the best size, fit and location of your solar system.
Tax Incentives
To encourage our society to use renewable and pollution-free energy for our homes and businesses, PG&E and the Federal government offer rebates, tax incentives/credits, loans, deductions and exemptions. These incentives can effectively reduce the cost of your solar system up to 40%. Solar permits are nearly free in Scotts Valley.
We know how important these rebates are in your decision to pay for a solar system. It is a priority for ASC to take care of all paperwork involved with rebates in a timely manner. Please contact us for specific details on your home or business.
Solar Water Heating
Solar Water heating is a smart option for pools, spas and hot tubs. There are great tax incentives that will give you a 30% credit for installing solar water heating systems.
Solar water-heating systems for homes and businesses have two main parts: solar panels and a storage tank. Solar panels use the sun to heat water pumped to them from your water source. This heated water is then transferred into a solar collector. Along with a conventional heating system providing additional heating as necessary, the solar heated water is ready for use. In a solar pool-heating system, the existing pool filtration system pumps pool water through the solar collector, and the collected heated water is transferred directly to the pool water.
A solar pool-heating system costs between $2,000 and $10,000 to buy and install, depending on the size of your pool or hot tub. Maintenance of solar pool-heating systems is minimal. Please contact Anderson Solar Controls for further details.
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| Did you know...
Rebates can pay for over 40% of a solar system. |
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Starting January 1, 2011, you can sell extra energy your solar system produces back to PG&E!
Currently, utilities give consumers a credit on their monthly bill that can be used to offset higher energy consumption at other times of the year, like the darker winter months. But at the end of the year, any leftover credits are zeroed out.
AB 920 requires utilities to allow the credit to be rolled over to the next year or pay consumers for it outright. The state Public Utilities Commission now must set the rate at which utility companies compensate solar and wind producers.
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"Brian was terrific. He spent many hours designing the most appropriate system for our home, and this prior to any contract being signed! He was professional, friendly and very conscientious. We had four bids, his was the best and we are very happy with his overall performance." |
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