Solar Electric System Guide

Solar Electric System Guide and Resources:

A DETAILED GUIDE TO INSTALLING A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM

POWER NATURALLY

YOUR HOME IS PROBABLY YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT. BUT DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR HOME THAT WILL PAY YOU BACK WITH ENERGY SAVINGS?

It's photovoltaic power - solar electric energy- and it harnesses the power of sunlight to supply your home with electricity. Simply put, photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity from sunlight through cells that are installed on your roof or elsewhere on your property. PV power doesn't produce any noise or pollution, it's reliable and dependable, and it's renewable so it makes good sense for the environment. For example, a 2.5 kW system will provide about 2,900 kilowatt hours per year and can typically provide about 25 to 35% of an average home's electricity needs. The more energy efficient your house is, the greater the impact of the PV system.

Not only is photovoltaic power GENTLER ON THE ENVIRONMENT, it is now MORE AFFORDABLE than ever before.

This is because most states are offering cash incentives to bring down the cost of PV systems by 40 to 70%. In New York, NYSERDA- New York State Energy Research and Development Authourity- are offering incentives to all customers that pay the Systems Benefit Charge to their electric utility. Working with an eligible installer, New Yorkers could receive between $4,000 and $5,000 per kilowatt for PV systems up to a maximum of 15 kilowatts.

In order to help you get started, we've put together this

comprehensive solar electric system guide, which contains essential information on PV power, including how to choose an installer, select a PV system, and calculate your potential energy savings. It's not a technical installation guide- your PV installer will handle those issues- but it will explain how PV works and help you decide if it's right for you.

OUTLINING THE STEPS: INSTALLING A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM GUIDE:

Step 1) PV Basics: If you're interested in PV power, the first step is to learn the basics. This solar electric system guide will help you understand the basics of a PV system.

Step 2) Conducting Your Own Site Survey: Now take a close look at your own home to find out if PV power might be an option for you. In this part of the solar electric system guide, we will discuss site options.

Step 3) Understanding Your System Options: There are several PV systems to choose from- this section will help you find the right one for your home.

Step 4) Determining Energy Output and savings: Now you can get an idea of how much energy your PV system might generate and what kind of savings that could mean for you.

Step 5) Obtaining permits and approvals: This will give you an overview of permits and other approvals that could be necessary when you're installing a new PV system.