Print this pageHome > Resources

Resources

  • INSTALLATION PHOTOS                      LIVE SITE DATA:

                                                                    Links: Client#1  Client#2

 

  • REBATES                                                INDUSTRY LINKS

 

 

 

PHOTOVOLTAICS (SOLAR POWER) - EXPLAINED:

 

Grid-Tied Solar Explained:

 

Introduction:

Solar cells, also called photovoltaics (PV), convert sunlight directly into electricity.  They are made of semiconducting materials such as Silicon. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy excites electrons allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity. This process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage) is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.  Individual solar cells are typically combined into modules that hold about 40 cells; modules are combined in strings to make up an Array.

 

Photovoltaics as used by the household or business: (refer to diagram below as well)

1) Sunlight is collected on the Photo Array(Fig.1), usually mounted on the roof of a building.  A reaction occurs between the sunlight and the array surface elements.  This excites electrons on the array causing them to flow as electricity.  A series of built-in electrical paths on the array surface channel the electrons into a common circuit.

 

(2) Wiring is fed from the Array through the DC Disconnect(Fig.2)to the Inverter(Fig.3).  The inverter conditions and transforms the DC current being fed from the Array into AC power that is acceptable for use on the utility power grid.

 

(3) This useable power is now ready to be fed into the Main Service Panel of the building.  Before it reaches the Main, it must pass through an AC Disconnect(Fig.4).  This is a safety feature that enables the utility workers to turn off the feed, should they need to work on their facilities in the area that are connected to your system.

 

(4) The power from your Solar Power Install is fed into your Main Service Panel(Fig.5).  If you are producing more power than you are using, your excess power will be sent into the utility grid.  This is when your meter is spinning backwards, and you are receiving credit for your produced power.

 

 

 

REBATE INFORMATION:

 

Right now, the government will help you pay for HALF of Your system.   Many states have implemented Solar Energy Rebate programs, to help offset the up front costs of a System.  In California, the combined Federal and State programs will typically cover 50% of your installation cost.  That is a HUGE DISCOUNT!  If you purchase a system costing $60,000, your State Rebate would be around $12,000.  Your Federal Tax Credit would be 30%, or $18,000.  Your entire system cost would be reduced to $30,000.  You do need to hurry, as more people enroll in the rebate program, the rebate level declines.  Currently, the rebate is $1.10 per installed watt, and will soon reduce to $0.65 per watt.  Amounts will continue to decline until the program funds are depleted.  The Federal Government has just extended the 30% tax credit until the end of 2016 for commercial installations. Follow the links below for more information, regarding your specific situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please browse through our Resources Library.  We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions & valuable source sites.  If you cannot find answers to your questions, you can always call us @ 888-8-SOLAR-1.  Thank You.

 

 

Related Industry Links:

 

U.S. Department of Energy

Environmental Protection Agency

Industry Organizations and Publications

Why Solar Power?

 

Now is the time to go green!  With excellent government rebates and tax credits, you can save 50% on solar and other renewable energy systems today!