Solar / Photovoltaics

Is solar power right for me?

Environmental Affect:
It is no secret with today’s knowledge that we all need to play a role in reducing the size of the carbon footprint that we are leaving on the environment.  Installing a renewable energy system is a big step towards reducing your individual use of fossil fuels for energy production.  We all need to do our part to reduce the negative affects the carbon based pollutants have on our environment.

What size of solar system would you need:
While there are a number of opinions on the percentage of your current energy usage that should be offset by your alternative energy system, we would like to discuss in detail with you several options to allow you the choice of system size that would best meet your priorities. Whether you want to completely replace your current power bill, or just offset a portion of the costs, we will assist you with determining the best size system to meet your objectives.

While considering the amount of energy usage to replace, we will also utilize our long history as a custom home builder. We not only look at your energy requirements from an electrical standpoint, but more so from the entire structure. Through the design process, we will analyze your entire structure to assist you in making decisions that are customized to your needs, such as; upgrading windows, adding insulation, adding weather-stripping, replacing certain appliances, lighting suggestions, etc. All these areas will be considered when determining the size of alternative energy system needed.

While it is true there could be site limitations with regards to the size of your system, and there are minimum requirements in order to qualify for the rebates available (currently 1kW), there are no limitations to the size of system that we can install.

Net Metering Laws - How the grid tied system works:
With a grid tied system, you are using the grid as your storage of energy produced. Net Metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from the utility and the electricity you generate with your solar electric system. When you are making more electricity than you are using, your extra electricity automatically gets metered back out to the utility grid.

You receive credit Kilo watt hours (Kwhs) for the power you generate towards Kwhs that you use. The amount of electricity that you used from the utility and the amount of credit that you produced will be reconciled annually. With a grid tied system, if the grid is down, your power is down. If you have critical loads that you would like a backup storage supply available for, we can help you with that option as well.

The Cost of Electricity in California – The Penalty Zones (Residential) :
Most utility companies in California have adopted a complex tiered electric rate structure. This rate schedule establishes a ‘baseline’ rate for all usage each month. Usage up to the baseline amount is charged one rate, and usage above baseline is charged at a series of increasing tiered rates.  Residential customers who exceed their baseline quantities face steep penalty rates.

Rate of Inflation in California - The Really Big Savings:
The biggest savings from installing a solar electric system will be realized in future years. Average electric rates (PG&E Utility Customers) have increased from approximately $0.11/kilowatt-hour in 2001 to $0.18/kilowatt-hour in 2009. That is an average rate of increase of 7.54% per year. Historically utility rate increase spikes follow rapid oil price increase spikes.  By investing in a solar system, you can stabilize your electricity costs and shield yourself from such utility rate hikes.

What makes sense financially for your system:
During the analysis process of your system design, we will work with you to determine the best system that works for your financial situation. Each system will be unique as to the amount of time it takes to offset the installation costs from savings on your utility bill. The variables involved are specific to site conditions, individual usage, amount of financing, rate of financing, and inflation rate of utility costs.

The State of California through the California Solar Initiative (CSI) is presently offering a cash rebate for solar electric systems that are connected to the utility grid. Constant Energy Source will complete the necessary documentation and submit a reservation for you, once a sales agreement and deposit are in place. Upon your system being permitted, installed, and operational, the claim form and your final inspection approval will be submitted to the utility for payment. The incentive level does drop over time as more customers take advantage of it, so if you are considering solar, the best time to do it is now. *Incentive may be adjusted depending on location zip code, orientation, and shading of the installed system.

As of January 1, 2009, Federal Tax Credits of 30% of installed costs are now available to Residential and Commercial customers. (Consult your tax advisor for how this could benefit you).

The decision to design and install a solar energy system is one of the best investments you can make. With the biggest savings being realized in future years.

Financing:
Each situation is unique, we have various resources available to assist you. In many cases the monthly financing payment will be similar to the former utility bill.

System Performance:
We will only provide and install system components from manufacturers that meet the industries highest standards, and warranties.  We have aligned ourselves with suppliers that only provide these products.  We feel at Constant Energy Source that you are only as good as the products and service that you provide, so we strive to be the best at both.  Typically speaking solid state photovoltaic solar panels will come with a 80% production value at 25 year product warranty, although they are expected to last much longer.  The other major component (the inverter) will typically come with a 10 year warranty and should be expected to last for 12-14 years.

We have options available to monitor your system performance for you, allowing you to be aware of your systems efficiency levels over time.

Please contact us for a free site visit to begin the process of personalizing your alternative energy system.