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Shedding light on solar energy systems.
SolSource Energy offers expert design, installation, project management and support of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. The solar panels that comprise a PV system convert sunlight into electricity. An inverter converts the DC electricity from the solar panels into utility-grade AC power. This AC power provides the electricity available in plugs and lights, and allows all electrical appliances — including air conditioning units, refrigerators and computers — to operate.
Grid-connected systems — your connection to savings.
SolSource Energy’s PV systems are typically connected to the utility grid using a method called Net Metering. There are a number of key advantages to our grid-connected solar systems.
Continuous Power
While our PV systems can generate most, if not all of the electricity you’ll need, the utility company acts as a back-up. Should your electricity requirements exceed the PV system’s output, the utility provides the additional power you will need. So you’ll continue to have power, day or night, rain or shine.
Lower Utility Bills
Net Metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility and the electricity the PV system generates. When you generate more electricity than you use, your electric meter actually spins backwards!
Net Metering also allows you to use the electricity you generate from the PV system first, reducing what you would normally buy from your utility. While drastically reducing your monthly utility bills, you’ll also become less dependent on the utility company.
Optional Time-of-Use Electricity Rates
Some utilities give you the option of participating in a Time of Use rate plan. Typically, you would be charged higher rates for the electricity you use during peak periods (usually 10:00AM-6:00PM), and lower rates during nights and weekends. With PV systems, you can “bank” the excess electricity you generate during the daytime — when rates are higher — and use this excess at night. This lets you take advantage of the lower night-time rates, resulting in even higher savings and return on investment (ROI).
Battery Back-Up Option
SolSource Energy also offers PV solar systems with a battery option. This option is ideal for customers without easy access to the utility grid, or for customers who want to remain unaffected by utility black-outs or power outages.
Why solar energy? And why now?
There’s never been a better time to install a SolSource Energy PV system at your home or business. Just take a look at some of the compelling reasons why a PV system may be the right choice for you.
Environmental Benefits
The sun is a renewable, pollution-free, inexhaustible energy resource. According to the EPA, for every kW of photovoltaic capacity you install, you’ll avoid producing these harmful emissions caused by fossil-fuel power generation:
• Nitrogen Oxide NOx (1 lb. annually)
• Sulfur Dioxide SO2 (0.02 lbs annually)
• Carbon Dioxide CO2 (1860 lbs annually)
Solar panels are also built from non-toxic materials, and produce no noise. PV systems on a house or business demonstrate that you are a responsible community citizen.
Economic Benefits
For homeowners: By using our PV systems, homeowners can reduce their electricity bills by 50% or more, while combating higher electric rates due to tiered rate structures. What’s more, PV systems can significantly increase the property value of your home. A National Appraisal Institute* study estimated that for every $1 reduction in your annual energy bills, your home’s value increases by $20.
For businesses: By integrating our PV systems into your overall energy management strategy, you can dramatically reduce peak load usage, realize substantial energy cost savings, and promote a positive image. We also offer flexible structured financing to help with upfront costs. The ROI is significantly better than most investments. Depending on the individual installation, you may realize a system payback in as little as 5-10 years, with annual rates of return as high as 10%-20%. With a system life expectancy of up to 40 years, you’ll enjoy free electricity for many years after the system has been paid off. Now that’s a great deal!
Rebates & Tax Credits
You can reduce your upfront installation costs by as much — and even more than — 50%, thanks to the many available rebates and tax credits. State, Utility and Federal rebates and tax credits are available in most states. For example, in California a number of rebates and tax credits can be taken advantage of:
• California Energy Commission provides rebates for PV systems under 30kW (residential installations are typically around 5kW). Potential cost offset: 30-40%.
• California Public Utilities Commission provides rebates administered by local utilities for PV systems over 30kW. Potential cost offset: up to 50%.
• 7.5% state income tax credit for California customers.
• An additional 10% federal investment tax credit for commercial customers.
• Exemption from property taxes for PV systems.
• Commercial customers can depreciate the value of the total system installation over 5 years using the MACRS method.
For an updated list of rebates available in your area, visit http://www.dsireusa.org/.
Energy Independence
Our PV systems allow you to generate your own electricity and reduce your dependence on the electric utility. This not only reduces your utility bills, but also protects you against future electric rates increases. We offer an optional battery back-up system, so that you can also remain unaffected by black-outs.
Low Operating Costs, Low Maintenance
Our systems operate continuously with little upkeep and minimal operating costs. There are no moving parts in the solar panels to create wear-and-tear, and no need to turn the system on or off. Be sure to ask us about available maintenance packages as well.
Reliability
SolSource Energy systems provide a highly reliable source of energy. After all, what else is as dependable as the sun —which rises and sets everyday, without fail. Our systems also offer a long life backed by solid performance warranties. We provide a 5 year warranty on the installation of the PV system. The solar panel manufacturer provides a 20 to 25 year manufacturer’s warranty on the solar panel performance.
Advanced Technology and Design
Advances in solar panel technology, combined with an increasingly wide selection of styles and sizes, make it possible to create a reliable and aesthetically pleasing installation at your site. We work with a variety of leading manufacturers of solar panels, inverters and roof-mounting hardware. This allows us to design the optimal system for your needs. The modular design of our systems makes it easy to modify, move or expand systems to accommodate future energy needs.
*Appraisal Journal, October 1999