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The Problem – The Effect – The Solution

The Problem – The Effect – The Solution

Some say you don’t need to wash your solar panels, that an occasional rain storm will effectively clean your solar panels for you. Well I say it rains on your car too how clean is that after it rains?
Industry reports say that scheduled cleanings will increase the lifespan of your solar panels. Here are some more interesting facts about cleaning solar panels:

  • Dirty solar panels lose around 15 – 25% of their efficiency
  • Increase your return on your solar system investment pay back time by 3 – 5 years

Researchers found that solar panels mounted on an angle of five degrees or less caused bigger losses in efficiency. That is because dirt comes off panels that are installed at a steeper angle easier.

Solar panels heavily soiled with bird droppings should always be cleaned.  That’s because the droppings essentially block all 100% sunlight and will not be washed away when it rains.

Researchers found that in certain geographic areas, photovoltaic panels get dirty enough to warrant cleaning on a monthly or quarterly basis, to very specific for example, being directly next to and downwind of a highway, factory or agricultural field or live in a metropolitan city will generate enough dirt to warrant cleaning regularly.
Sites in the survey were of the California Solar Initiative, a state-funded rebate program for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison.
The California Public Utilities Commission funded the research.
Next steps in the research would be looking more closely at the homes that warrant cleaning and determining what caused the panels to get so dirty in the first place.

Modern photovoltaic (PV) technologies like solar panels make renewable energy from the sun by converting sunlight into usable electricity.  “So why aren’t we all using free energy to power our homes?” When asked, most people say “the cost of installing a solar system is to expensive”. But solar panel products are getting better and cheaper all the time. And with company’s like us that provide the solar system at no upfront cost, more and more people chose to do their part in saving the planet and save money on their electric bill at the same time. This technology is changing the way we think and use electricity.

The Portfolio tiles below are collective of information about Solar panel installation, Solar Rebates, Government Programs for 30% rebates and the best solar panels to buy. 

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California Energy Upgrades

California Energy Upgrades in Sacramento

Solar Panels on your home in Sacramento, California will save you money on your electric bill.

Most of California citizens do not realize how much money that they invest in energy use each year. The electricity prices in California have increased by 50% since 1990 and have been projected to increase by roughly 3-4% each year. With electricity bills projected to rise, wise home owner’s are slowly switching to alternative energy by installing solar systems in their home. If  your average utility bill is $150/month, having a solar system in your home in California can help you save over $1,250 every year!! From San Diego to Los Angeles, and from the Bay Area to Sacramento, Ca home owners are earning their money back using solar power!

Residential Photovoltaic Solar Panels

A typical residential photovoltaic system costs between $15,000-$25,000 after rebates and incentives. Contemplating that you’ll most likely spend above $72,000 in electrical bills within the next twenty five years, this is easy math to see that the cost to cover photovoltaic panels installation is covered. However, for a lot of people, that signifies too big of an in investment. Generally, the payment per month is still under the cost of solar panels so you will save money on your utility bill. Additionally,  solar energy panels will increase the value of your house too.

California Photovoltaic Rebates and Tax Incentives

California has many great rebate programs along with Federal rebates and Tax Incentives. These financial options will really make it simpler to pay for the solar energy systems for your home. Whether your home is in Sacramento Northern California, Los Angeles or  San Diego maybe even Bakersfield, you will see a rebate and/or incentive that can help make California sun energy a real possibility for you personally. The Mr solar panel installer is going to be current on all of the relevant solar incentives based on where you reside in order to save you as much money as you possibly can.

California Energy Upgrades and Benefits

You will find a number of benefits of home photovoltaic energy: photo voltaic systems can reduce your electric power bills by 70% possibly even more — No longer will home owner’s need to pay 1000’s of dollars every year for their power companies.

Give us a call and find out how you can save thousands of dollars a year using solar power.

 

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CSI – The California Solar Initiative

CSI – The California Solar Initiative

Getting Started

The California Solar Initiative offers cash back for installing solar on your home or business.

California is striving to become the leading example of statewide  new solar-generated electricity adaptation, moving the state towards a clean energy future. And you can help!

Join the thousands of home and business owners who have earned cash back rebates by installing solar energy systems through the California Solar Initiative. Customers earn cash rebates for every watt of solar energy installed on homes, businesses, farms, schools, and government and non-profit organizations.

The following information is from the California Solar Initiative. This is one of the leading programs in California for Solar Rebates.

 

Do I qualify?

If you buy electricity from one of California’s three investor-owned utilities (IOUs – Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric), and you have roof or ground space that gets unobstructed sunlight from 11 a.m. to sunset year round, you qualify for cash back incentives through the California Solar Initiative. Customers of municipal utilities also qualify for incentives through their municipal service provider.

Click here to contact your IOU for information on their program.

If you don’t know your utility company, you can find them via this searchable database.

 

What Do I Do Next?

Earning incentives for solar energy is simple. Just follow these five easy steps:

Step 1: Energy Efficiency Audit
Complete an energy efficiency audit and make sure to take advantage of all the cost-effective ways to save energy and money in your home or business.

Step 2: Find a Solar Installer
Qualified contractors are your key to getting the most productive solar energy system for your home or business.

Step 3: Apply for Rebates
Qualified contractors will handle the CSI application process for your rebates in two or three steps.

Step 4: Install Your System
If you have received your reservation confirmation letter, you’re ready to install your system and interconnect to the utility’s power grid.

Step 5: Claim Your Incentive
When your project is installed and operational you may submit the Incentive Claim Form.

Ready to Get Started? Call us today to apply for a solar consultation. Give us a call and find out how you can save thousands of dollars a year using solar power.

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Federal Tax Credit For Solar Installation

Energy Upgrade California

Federal Tax Credit For Solar Installation

 The Sun for energy just feels good — solar power reduces our use of coal, nuclear and other fossil fuels, thereby helping reduce your individual carbon footprint.

Encouraged Americans use solar panels to power their homes , the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy run the Energy Star program, among other projects. Tax credits for solar-powered systems are given to qualified applicants.

 

Credits for Approved Solar System Installations

When you install Energy Star-approved solar-power systems before the end of 2016, you can claim 30 percent of the cost as a tax credit for the year you installed it.

As a credit deduction, you take the amount off your tax’s, rather than as a deduction from your taxable income. You can claim the credit for your main residence, a vacation home, and for either an existing structure or new construction. That means other than the cost of the system, there’s no limit to the dollar amount of the credit.

Claiming Solar Credits for Rental Property
You can’t claim a credit for installing solar power at rental properties you own.

The only exception is if you live in the home for part of the year, Tip: Use it as a rental when you’re away on vacation. You’ll have to reduce the credit for a vacationing home, rental or otherwise, to reflect the time you’re not there. If you reside there for three months a year, you can only claim 25 percent of the credit: If the system cost $20,000, the 30 percent credit would be $6,000, and you could claim a quarter of that, or $1500.

 

Filing Requirements for Solar Installation Credits

To claim the installation credit, you must file your IRS Form 5695 as part of your tax return, you can calculate the credit on the form, then enter the result on your 1040.

If you end up with a bigger credit than you have income tax due — a $6,000 credit on a $3,500 tax bill, for instance — you can’t use the credit to get money back from the IRS. But, you can carry the credit over to the following tax year. Energy Star states like California are able to carry the credit over as far as 2016 if need be.

 

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Star Solar Systems

Not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products. To find out more about the specific qualified ENERGY STAR Solar Systems Go here to the  ENERGY STAR government site.

 

Solar Energy Industries Association

As the national trade association in the U.S., the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the power behind solar energy. Our member companies research, manufacture, distribute, finance, and build solar projects domestically and abroad. I found this page on Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

 

Dsireusa Information on Solar Incentives

DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is currently operated by the N.C. Solar Center at N.C. State University, with support from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. DSIRE is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. I found this page on Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit.

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How much for a solar panel system?

What is the cost of a solar panel Sacramento

How much for a solar panel system?

In order to determine how much it would cost you to get solar panels installed to cover your power bill or at least reduce your costs, you need to determine the following:

  • How many kilowatt hours will your home use per month? (discover the details of your electric bill)
  • How much roof area do you have to install panels on? (south facing roof is preferred)
  • How many sun hours will your desired location get per day on average? (this is averaged over the course of a year)
  • How much are you able to afford to invest in order to offset your energy expenses?

An average home in the United States requires approximately 20 – 24 kWh of electricity everyday. An array of panels able to produce this much power are about 4 kW or more in size (based on 5 sunlight hours per day) and the price runs from $15,500 – $20,000 installed (not implementing any incentives).

Determined by within pricing as of August 2012, a 24 cell 786 kWh grid tie system could be approximately $8,630 before any suitable financial incentives. The price does include the cost of installation or racks into consideration.

Looking at worldwide prices as of 2009, the average cost per W installed of a 2-5 KW residential solar energy system was $4.70 within Japan, $7.70 in Philippines and from $5-$11 in the United States based on a report completed by (Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews).

Prices vary based on building and techniques used in the configuration, the type and model of equipment used and what company does the installation. The type superiority panel as well as the size of your array affects the final expense of an installation. Manufacturers price each panel based on the effectiveness and longevity. Panels that will retain their efficiency in great length are usually more expensive. Monocrystalline panels include the most costly but generate the most watts per area, so you will need fewer panels and will not need as much space. Building completely integrated panels are also on the expensive side, but they are the best choice when appearance is crucial.

Your neighborhood and city can also have a big impact on the ultimate price of a solar energy project. The federal government and local governments in many countries offer financial incentives to make buying and installing programs more affordable. Prices are also depend on local weather conditions. Due to limited sun hours per day, the fee per kilowatt installed will be higher than in sunnier countries like Mexico.

 

Types and Benefits  with Solar Panels

Crystalline panels are the most popular type of solar panel. This technology has existed for about 50 years and was first developed in order to power satellites. They are capable of being up to 20% efficient. This technology are highly reliable (Twenty-five year warranties are common) and produce related results in terms of output effectiveness. The primary downsides of using crystalline are generally that they can be bulky, pricey, prone to damage, are rigid and require a lot of labor to set up. That said, they are often the best choice for any residential solar energy system. They are available in two varieties: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline plastic panels are made up of single-crystal wafer cells cut from, cylindrical crystal ingots. They can be cut completely round to minimize waste, but they are frequently trimmed into other, a lot more square-like shapes (see below). Considering that each is made from a single gem, the cells have a uniform, fast color. They are the most efficient cells available today (they produce much more power per square foot), nonetheless they cost more than all others.

Polycrystalline plastic panels are made of multi-crystal wafer cells lower from square ingots that are manufactured by pouring molten silicon into a mold. So it can be cut into square wafers to minimize waste. Each is made up of a lot of random crystal formations which make it various colours of blue. These are slightly less energy efficient, and also cheaper than monocrystalline panels.

Thin motion picture modules are very inexpensive, and also quite inefficient (require more area per watt produced). Their efficiency is 10% or less and their long-term durability is often questioned. They are less expensive given that they require less of the active material to function. In fact, they can be made microscopically thin, flexible and lightweight and are lodged on a sheet of goblet or metal instead of needing to grow ingots and slice wafers. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is among the most cost effective thin film technology. Amorphous silicon is material used to create panels that can be molded to the shape of almost any surface. Almost all of the research and development of solar cells is currently being focused on thin film systems.

Building integrated photovoltaic solar panels (BIPV)  look like an integral part of a roof since they are the same size and shape while shingles. They have lower efficiency and are more expensive as compared to other panel types because of their size. These are most effective on large roofing in very sunny areas.

 

Solar Panels Cost Matrix Water Home heating Solar Panels:

Low End water heating Solar Panels

  • Range $100 – $3,500 – Water heating for 2 or Three bedroom apartments

Medium end water heating Solar Panels

  • Range $3,500 – $7,000 – Swimming Pool heat and home drinking water heating

High End water heating system Solar Panels

  • Range $7,000 : $10,000 –  Water Heating for entire individual family home (2500 Sq ft ) along with Solar Swimming Pool Heaters.

Solar power systems Cost Matrix air Heating Solar power systems:

Low end air heat solar panels

  • Range $500 – $2,500 – Heating one particular room in a house along with self installation

Medium end air heating solar panels

  • Range $5,000 – $20,000 – Heating apartments Two bedroom apartments, townhouses( 1600 Sq feet) with professional installations

High end air heating solar panels

  • Range $25,000 and above – Heating an entire single family homes usually with professional installations

Solar power panels Cost Matrix Photovoltaic Solar Panels:

Low end Photovoltaic solar panels

  • Range $10,000 – $15,000 – For a home which needs simply 1KW electric power

Medium end PV solar panels

  • Range $15,000 – $25,000 – For a home which needs 3KW electric power

High end Sun Solar Panels

  • Range $25,000 – 45,000 – For a home which needs 5KW electric power.
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What is a Photovoltaic System Solar System?

What is a Photovoltaic System Solar System

We can alter sunlight directly to electricity employing solar energy panels. Everyday, light rests on your roof’s solar panels in the form of photons (debris of sunlight). The cells convert those photons into electrons involving (DC) direct current electricity. The electrons move out of the solar panel and into an inverter and other electrical energy devices. The inverter converts the DC power (which is commonly used in electric batteries) into (AC) alternating current or electrical power. AC power is the form of electricity that we use in our televisions, computers, and toasters while plugged into the wall outlet.

An internet energy meter tracks all the power your photovoltaic system produces. Any solar panel energy that you do not use at production will go back into the electrical grid through the meter ( This will run your meter backwards). During cloudy days or at night, when your system is not producing more than your residential or commercial needs, you will consume electricity from the electrical grid as normal. Your local utility company can bill you for the net usage for any given billing cycle or can provide you with a dollar credit for almost any excess during a given interval. You can carry your invoice credit forward for up to 12 months .

Solar Cells

Solar cells are modest, square-shaped panel semiconductors made from silicon and other conductive materials, manufactured in thin layers of film. When sunlight hits a solar cell, the chemical reactions release electrons, that generate electric current. Solar cells are also called photovoltaic cells or (PV cells) and can be found on many small appliances these days such as calculators.

Photovoltaic (PV) System Components

A PV system can include PV modules (teams of PV cells), which are commonly named PV panels; one or more batteries; a cost regulator or controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter to convert solar technology from (DC) direct current into the (AC) alternating current to meet the needs of the electricity grid system; wiring; and mounting hardware or to prop the panels framework. PV modules arrange personal PV cells, and the modules are grouped together in the form of an array. Some of the arrays are placed on special tracking devices to follow sunlight all day in order to improve system efficiency.

Solar Panel System Installation, Maintenance, and also Longevity

You could install a Photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric system yourself. But in order to avoid complications or injury, we highly recommend to hire a reputable professional contractor with experience putting in solar energy systems. While they are advanced electronic systems, solar electric systems have quite a few moving pieces, so they require little routine maintenance (an sometimes repair). The basic PV module (an interconnected, enclosed panel involving PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 3 decades while requiring little to no servicing. The components are designed to meet stringent dependability and durability standards to resist the elements. The best way to ensure and extend the life and usefulness of your PV system is by having it installed by a professional and taken care of properly. Most solar energy systems problems arise because of very poor or sloppy system installment. Solar electric systems that acquire rebates through the State of California are required to have a 10-year system warranty.

Incorporating Photovoltaic Systems into Your property and Business

Solar energy devices can be blended effortlessly into both traditional along with nontraditional homes, powering devices and electric systems. Electricity cells can be installed as a stand-alone element that is attached to your roof or perhaps on a separate system (pool or shed), or by using integrated roofing resources with dual functions : that as a regular roof covering shingle and as a solar cell fabrication electricity. Most common application is to mount modules on a south-facing roof or wall. PV systems might be blended into virtually every possible structure for commercial useage. You will find PV used outdoors for security lighting as well as in structures that serve as covers pertaining to tour bus shelters and parking lots.

Sunlight Requirements regarding Photovoltaic Systems

A photovoltaic (PV) system needs clear access to the sun’s rays for most or even all of the day be an effective energy system. Shading on the system significantly reduces energy output. Climate is not a major concern since PV systems are comparatively unaffected by air temps, and snow cover generally melt quickly because solar panels are positioned directly into the sunlight. Year round sunshine makes solar energy techniques useful and effective nearly everywhere in California.

The Size of Your Solar Solar Energy Systems

The size of your solar system depends on several aspects such as how much electricity as well as hot water or space temperature you use, the size of your roof, the amount you’re willing to invest, and the exactly how much energy you want to create. Contact Local Pro Solar to determine what type of system fits your needs or fiscal return.

Other Solar Technologies

Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems to target the sun’s energy using reflective gadgets such as troughs or mirror cells to produce heat that is and then used to generate electricity.

Solar water heating systems include a solar collector that faces sunshine and either heats water directly or heats a “working fluid” which, in turn, is used to increase the warmth of the water.

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What is the cost for solar panels?

Understanding The Cost of Solar Panels

The majority of home and business owners that install solar panels are doing so typically to “do the right thing” a few are taking the deep look at the return on investment down the road. As well as those who may be on the fence about whether to invest in a solar electricity systems, knowing how to calculate your return on investment would be invaluable in helping you make a decision.

But go ahead and Google “ROI solar energy”  you’ll be flooded by various statistics and formulas each claiming to have the answer to your question. The simple answer is, calculating your prospective return on investment can be time consuming, but there’s no shortcuts to this process without having short changing your results.

 

Regarding Solar Panel Installation

Solar Power Return on Investment Calculations and Payback Period

The first step in calculating the solar panel cost and ROI is to establish your payback period also known as the point at which your current savings equal the cost of the photovoltaic (pv) system and also you break thru into pure earnings from your solar panel system. You do this in a 5-step process:

1. Establish your solar energy system net cost. Keep in mind that this is not automatically what you paid for the system. You will need to deduct any rebates or perhaps tax credits to come up with an exact cost. Local Pro Solar files all the required paperwork for you to claim almost all government incentives. Our method is a true turn-key system.

2. Determine how much energy the solar panels will collect based on the installation of your system. Local Pro Solar can help provide you with this exact information that may vary based on the amount of sunlight around your home or business and the placement of your solar panels, etc.

3. Look on your overall electric bill from your utility provider to find out how much you pay per kw hour (kWh). Many people forget to account for distribution charges. The precise way to calculate your genuine usage charges is to split your total bill by the level of hours of usage. Put another way, if you just increase the number of hours on your expenses by the kilowatt per hour fee your should see your total bill is higher than this particular calculation.

4. Calculate the whole benefit of a solar system including the power it generates per year and the SRECs that can be sold for additional income in return for the extra power generated.

5. Calculate the payback period and return on investment. The payback period could be the initial net investment split by the yearly benefit. Alternatively, the return on investment is calculated by dividing the initial investment into the yearly benefit to obtain a percentage of the initial investment that is returned each year. Typically it is our experience that a solar panel system returns 15% to 20% on initial investment!

How Complicated are the Forms ?

Local Pro Solar will use his expertise set up your solar panel system, and we will file for all the necessary records on your behalf to receive federal local and state grants, rebates, and incentives. Local Pro Solar will also perform the necessary administrative tasks to acquire SRECs to generate extra cash from your photovoltaic energy system. Included in the installation process each solar electric system also comes with a computer monitoring dashboard system which allows you to monitor your system’s performance.

Typical Costs of a Solar Power System

Depending on the desired location and design of your system, a conventional home installation ranges from 7 to 3 kilowatts and expenses between $18,000 to $40,500 to purchase.

Equipment Costs are about 45%

Solar panels: About a third with the cost of a residential solar system comes from the cost of solar panel systems, which can cost around $4,500-$12,1000.

Power inverter: The inverter converts DC to AC so you can connect directly to the grid, will surely cost $1,000-$3,000.

Mounting hardware: Based on your roof, you may need standoffs, rails, clips, etc., which cost all around $800 – $2,000.

Wiring: Wires along with wiring boxes, disconnects, conduits, as well as other electrical components often price around $1,000-$2,000.

Installation along with Permitting Costs: ~ 25%

System Installation: Before your systems installation starts generating electricity, you’ll need to pay for that cost of installation, which varies from $2,000-$4,000.

Permits & Fees: Nearby permitting and inspection fees can add over $2,500 for your solar costs. All in, permitting costs can total between $3,000-$6,000.

Sales, Advertising and marketing, and Operational Costs ~ 30%

Monitoring: Monitoring equipment and/or providers can cost up to a few 1000 dollars.

Maintenance/Repairs: These costs will be different, depending on the situation, and include the price of replacing the power inverted. Inverters typically must be replaced one or two times during the duration of your system.

Additional: Operational and also overhead costs can total about $4,000-$9,000 per installation.

Solar Rebate Offers

Incentives can help lower the expense of solar power systems. As a homeowner, you’re eligible to receive 30% off the total price of your photovoltaic (solar panel) system from the federal government in the form of a National Solar Tax Credit. If you do buy a home solar energy system, you could end up having to wait so long as 16 months to receive the main benefit of the tax credit.

Based on Local Pro Solar extensive experience, we have found our customers average a 15-20% return on investment according to a typical payback period of involving 4-7 years.

Do More, Live Green

To ensure your payback period is as short as you possibly can, Local Pro Solar can help you research and apply for grants, incentives, rebates as well as tax credits that lessen your out-of-pocket cost for solar panel system installation while recommending the best system to maximize your daily energy savings.

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Why Install Solar Panels?

Why Install Solar Panels?

Why Should you Install a Solar Electric system?

Hint: its not about saving money on your electric bills
Numerous Americans think solar energy is the greatest way to generate electricity. But when they get to the point of acutally installing their own system, they see the cost, compare it to their electric bill and their interest in installing a solar panel system often stops.

Yes, solar electric systems are expensive. Needless to say they cost more than power produced by huge coal and nuclear power plants along with being transported by high voltage utility lines!

Of the 69 solar electric system benefits, outlined down below, most do not improve solar energy’s payback period. Rather nearly all benefits, support the well being of the local comunities and the world. Thus installing a solar electric system is done all the for your community as for your own personal benefits.

Solar Electric Method Benefits to the Community

1. One of the most sustainable energy sources.

2. A magical way of making electricity – converting sunshine into electric power.

3. People love the idea; in a poll by USA Today, 91% prefer solar power along with other sources

4. A great educational tool for students and adults.

5. Buying a system supports development of brand-new energy technology and market.

6. Reduces exports of California’s funds with regard to out of state fuels.

7. Creates top quality California and United States jobs (36 jobs produced per MW installed).

8. Generates power during peak electricity consumption periods…

9. …Thus increasing metered reliability…

10. …Thus reducing the need to build power plants, as well as transmission and distribution traces infrastructure to meet occasional optimum power needs…

11. …And decreasing the utilities need to purchase the most expensive peak power (which has been traveling increases in Wisconsin’s electricity value increases over the last decade).

12. Creates clean power during summer time ozone periods, thus reducing ozone ranges.

13. Reduces coal firing inside of power plants…

14. …Thus minimizes need for coal mining along with transportation and its negative enviromentally friendly impacts.

15. Reduces our consumption of nuclear power…

16. …Thus reduces creation of nuclear waste, uranium mining, and the threat of leaked radioactive materials.

17. Reduces firing of gas main at power plants…

18. …Thus allowing natural gas to be used for more appropriate uses.

19. Reduces CO2 emission…

20. …Thus reducing the risk of global warming, and the great environmental changes many experience it causes.

21. Reduces NOx by-products.

22. Reduces SO2 emissions.

23. Reduces methane pollutants, a strong green house gas, coming from coal mines and the natural gas submission system…

24. …Thus reduces the risk of global warming (its cost every ton CO2 emissions reduced is close to that of a crossbreed automobile).

25. Reduces particulate by-products for coal fired strength plants…

26. …Thus reducing air quality issues and the related has an effect on of early human death (estimated cost in Wi 4.5 cents per kWh generated in California).

27. Decreases mercury emissions from coal emmisions from power plants (source of about 60% of the mercury pollution in California and the U.S.)…

28. …Thus reducing the poisoning of Wisconsin’s and the nation’s environment (e.g., fish). Produces no hazardous squander while operating.

29. With a 30-50 year life, panels steer clear of waste stream longer than most technologies.

30. PV products are normally safe for disposal, simply because PV materials are usually surrounded in glass or plastic-type material, and many are insoluble. (see the Department of Energy’s “PV Panel Disposal as well as Recycling” page.)

31. Diversifies Wisconsin’s electricity generating mix thus improving electricity security and reliability.

32. Unlike big power plants and transmission lines, solar electric programs are not a terrorist target.

Personal non-monetary benefits of Solar Panel Systems

1. Silent.

2. Fun to have.

3. Get to watch your meter go in reverse.

4. No need to purchase, move or fill with fuel.

5. A sign of a personal ethics, and good public relations  for business owners.

6. An action to be proud of – be the first on the block to do it.

7. Makes your home or business “green.”

8. Systems can be done in a  attractive way.

9. Once cells are up no one can build a structure that blocks your current sunlight. (Statewide act makes it possible for property owners with solar energy techniques to apply for permits guaranteeing unblocked access to solar and wind flow resources.)

10. Produces electricity, essentially the most useful and highest quality sort of energy that can be used to do everything from operating a pc or laptop to heating water.

11. Produce power at a quality that is often superior to what is delivered by electric powered utilities.

12. Highly flexible technology – PV produces energy wherever there is sunlight.

13. Together with batteries it can provide strength when the grid goes down as well as at sites without energy electricity service.

14. Simple modular technology that can be installed quickly.

15. Many ways to integrate in the human environment, panels on a roof or on a structured rack, tracking panels on a rod, PV sunshades (reducing building a / c load), PV shingles,
PV standing seam roofing, Photo voltaic flat roof (reduces cooling and heating loads), PV windows.

16. May be sited on underutilized areas such as roof tops and also brownfield sites.

17. The best way to generate city renewable power.

18. PV panels can be relocated to different sites for different needs.

19. A way to better understand the technology with the potential to be considered a major future power source.

20. A fantastic motivator to reduce your power usage through energy efficiency and energy efficiency.

21. Tunes owners into the way they use electric power.

22. Tunes owners into their natural environment.

23. It feels good to be part of Californias renewable energy community (

Personal Economic Benefits

1. Reduces or completely ends the monthly bills to your local electric utility company. Some people are usually even paid by his or her utility for excess creation.

2. As electricity prices increase solar electric systems owners will continue to save more and more money. Throughout 2010 alone four-out-of-five of California trader owned utilities have requested about 10% rate increases.

3. Solar panels should have a life of 30 to 50 years and warrantees of 25 years.

4. Thus Solar panels are likely to maintain their monetary value.

5. Once purchased the cost of the power it generates stays stable (i.e., no cost) for 30 to 50 years.

6. After it is purchased the costs associated with maintenance are low to none at all. (the only shifting part is the electrons).

7. There are several Energy incentives to help pay for systems.

8. Federal tax incentives help pay for commercial systems.

9. Sell your renewable energy credits for ten years.

10. Not as costly as they used to be – over the last two years installed cost has dropped by almost 25% in California.

11. Increases assessed value of home or office.

12. In California solar panel systems do not impact appraised value, thus property levy does not increase.

13. The number of installers and the quality of the work they have been doing has been improving and the over all installation time has decreased.

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