Solar Electric PV (Photovoltaic)

Solar Photovoltaic is a process  which converts sunlight directly into electricity. The more light the cells get, the more electricity that can be produced. These cells when connected together, laminated and framed, are called a 'solar module' or PV (photovoltaic) module.

There are no moving parts, no exhausts, noise or pollutants involved in the process, and as a result these modules require minimal maintenance.

Solar electricity is instantly converted into AC power and 'net metered' into the utility grid so that homeowners  can save money silently, without harming the environment, whilst adding value to their property.

When the system supplies more energy than is needed, the excess is fed into the grid and recorded via a meter, and credits are issued so the homeowner only pays for the difference between what is imported and what is exported.

Facing South Is Best – South-facing roofs get the most sunlight, all day long. East and west-facing roofs can also be used but will produce less electricity. The more light, the more energy solar panels produce. But even cloudy days produce electricity.

Spin Your Meter Backwards – During the day, the solar system usually makes more power than your house needs. The excess power is sent back through your electric meter to your utility company, spinning the meter backwards and earning you credit. At night, you “withdraw” the power you “deposited” during the daytime.

Eliminate the Most Expensive Power – Most utilities charge higher rates for power as you use more. So, even if you only use solar energy to produce HALF the power you need, you may cut your energy bill by 70% by only buying the cheapest power from your utility and eliminating the penalties caused by higher power usage.

What are the benefits?

Gain Energy Independence from your Utility Company

Electricity prices on average have increased about 5-6% per year for the last 30 years. As we mentioned above, when your system starts to generate more electricity than you actually consume, your utility meter begins to spin backwards, sending overage electricity back to the grid. You then accrue credit at an even higher rate than they charge you.

Once you choose solar, you are able to lock in low electricity prices which no longer make you dependent on foreign oil or increasing energy prices.

Increase the Value of your Home

Homeowners can expect their property resale value to increase significantly. An article published by the Appraisal Institute showed that property resale values will increase $20 for every $1 saved annually in electricity. A $500 annual savings in your utility bill can increase your home value by $10,000 and  currently solar electric systems are 100% property tax exempt.

Significant State and Federal Tax Credits for Renewable Energy

The State of North Carolina is currently paying a rebate that covers up to 35% of the total system cost. In addition to the State rebate, the Federal government has placed a 30% federal income tax credit on residential solar systems. By utilizing both State and Federal incentive programs, the total system cost can easily be reduced by up to 50%. This makes solar power a great home investment.

For more information on State rebate and Federal tax credit please refer http://www.dsireusa.org

Return on Investment

Think of solar as an investment that yields an annual return, much as a bank savings account provides interest. A solar PV system may generate savings that would equal an annual Return on Investment (ROI) of 7% to 15% per year at today's electric rates. These savings are not taxed as would be any interest earned from a bank savings account. Therefore you would have to find a bank account or investment yielding 14% to 28% to equal the return on a solar electric system.

No matter what ROI your system will generate, this is ultimately a choice about how you will be buying your power - not whether or not you will be paying for it!  You may prefer to pay the utility bill forever, but hopefully you will choose to become your own utility with solar PV, instead.