Photovoltaic cells produce electricity--even on cloudy days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q ~ What's the best way to finance a solar power or solar water system?
A ~ Usually with one of the many types of mortgage loans which allows for longer loan terms and lower interest rates than other loans, with the added benefit that interest is usually tax-deductible.
Q ~ How soon can my new system be installed?
A ~ New systems can be installed very quickly. After assessing your budget, needs, and site characteristics we will design your system and order any components not already on-hand. If access allows we can perform installations, upgrades, and maintenance in all seasons, including winter (see our photo gallery). Actual installation time varies with the size and complexity of the system. Many systems are installed in less than a day, with very little down-time for grid-tied systems.
Q ~ What financial incentives do I qualify for?
A ~ In Colorado and other states residents and businesses qualify for tax credits and cash rebates. The Federal Energy Bill allows a federal tax credit of 30% on out-of-pocket costs* for new solar electric systems installed on homes (up to a credit of $2,000 for each solar technology**) and businesses (no credit limit) between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007. *After deduction of any state/local incentives. **Solar technologies include photovoltaic (PV), Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), solar hybrid lighting, solar domestic water (excluding pool heating). Colorado Rebates and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) give a $2.00 per DC watt cash rebate (calculated using the PV system's total power rating) and $2.50 per DC watt one-time payment for the system's lifetime Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). The full suite of incentives including tax credits and rebates can reduce the cost of a new system by up to 70%.
Q ~ My home/office is uses grid energy. Do I need to rewire or make modifications to install a grid-tied solar power or solar water system?
A ~ No. Grid-tied power systems feed into a "grid-tied inverter" which changes the solar electricity collected as DC into AC electricity which powers common appliances and can be fed back into the grid in times of surplus production. The grid-tied power systems feed into a breaker in the building's main service panel.
Q ~ I want to install a grid-tied system. Will I need batteries or a generator for back-up?
A ~ No. When the solar power system is collecting more energy than is being used by your home or office the surplus power is fed back into the grid, making the meter on the building run backwards. When the solar power system is collecting less energy than is being used (due to the loads at the moment, cloud cover, or darkness) power is drawn from the grid, making the meter run forwards. The system automatically controls the flow of power to and from the grid so it is seamless. Your utility bill will only reflect the "net" change of the meter over at the end of the billing cycle.
Q ~ What is "net-metering"?
A ~ "Grid-tied" solar power systems feed power into the grid during periods of surplus production and draw power from the grid during periods where production does not meet immediate load demand (due to high loads, cloud cover, or darkness). The meter on the building runs backward when solar power (produced power) is being fed to the grid, and runs forward when power is being drawn from the grid. During the daylight hours meters may run backward and during the evening hours meters will run forward. Your utility bill will only reflect the "net" change at the end of the month. Essentially this means that surplus power produced from the solar system will cancel out grid power used at the retail rate. If your system produces MORE power than is used each month power credits will carry over for later use for up to 12 months. If there is still a power credit at the end of that period the utility company may pay you the wholesale rate for excess power your system produced and fed into the grid. This is somewhat justified by the cost of maintaining the immense grid infrastructure.
Q ~ How big of a solar power system will I need?
A ~ Every system is custom-designed to meet your project's budget, power goals, and site characteristics (how much and where sunlight is available on site). Systems can be designed to provide 100% power with propane/diesel/gas generator back-up for off-grid applications, can provide stand-alone power to a well pump, or anything from a small percentage to 100% of power used by grid-tied home, office, or shop. We start by examining your recent utility bills to determine how much electricity is used each month, with considerations for how you currently heat or cool your building. By incorporating passive solar heat, non-electric heat, solar water heating, highly efficient appliances (such as stoves, refrigerators, washers & dryers), and/or efficient windows, the amount of electricity can be very significantly reduced from your current situation. For more information on system sizing and energy efficiency considerations you can download the pamphlets and brochures available on our Systems page or visit any of the links on our Links page. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Program U.S. Department of Energy have some excellent general and specific information. To see how your site rates for solar, check out our Solar Calculator.
Q ~ How do solar panels work?
Q ~ How do vacuum tube solar collectors work?
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