Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Residential Solar

Residential Solar Benefits
Make your home an energy producer.  The benefits of residential solar systems extend well beyond the environment.  A solar electric system for your home will free you from increasing energy costs. A properly sized residential solar energy system can produce 100% of your homes energy usage.
Increase the value of your home.  Reducing your monthly utility bill dramatically increase the value of your home. Federal reports show that for every dollar saved in energy costs, home property value will increase by twenty dollars. (Source: EPA)
Take advantage of incentives.  There are Federal, State and Local incentives to install solar. 
Xcel Energy – Solar Rewards Program
DSIRE website - Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
US Department of Energy website
Solar provides clean energy.  The power your system generates reduces demand for carbon emitting energy sources.  Clean energy enables Americans to operate independently and continue to be a technology leader.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS





How are the rebates and tax credits applied?

The total system cost is calculated including: Solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, electrical connections, and installation.  Xcel Energy is offering a $2.00 per watt rebate.  A sample system sized at 4kW will receive a $8,000 rebate ($2 x 4,000 watts). Additionally, the Federal Government provides a 30% tax credit on the net installed cost after Xcel Energy rebates are applied.  This will be managed by the system owner when filing your annual tax return.  Please consult with your tax preparer to ensure the credit is included.  The final out of pocket expense will continue to be paid back to you as your monthly electric bill is reduced or eliminated.

How does sunlight become electricity?

When certain semiconducting materials, such as silicon, are exposed to sunlight they release small amounts of electricity. This process is known as the photoelectric effect.  Photovoltaic panels (modules) convert sunlight into electricity. An inverter then conditions the electricity so it is compatible with the power supplied by the energy company.

How does this affect my electric bill?

You are producing your own electricity. If you use more electricity than you produce, the energy company makes up the difference. On the other hand, if you produce more than you use, the energy company records your extra production.  At the end of the month a net production is determined by the utility meter.  You have the option to apply the credit to your bill or roll over the extra production to offset future usage.

Are the panels durable?

Yes.  They can withstand severe weather without failure.  Panels are made of tempered glass designed to pass hail impact tests.

How long will the system last?

There are panels that have been producing power for more than 30 years.  The solar panels we offer come with a minimum 20 year power warranty from the manufacturer.  Inverters typically have a 10 year warranty.

Are solar systems reliable?

Yes. Solar panels produce energy without moving parts to fail.  The inverters are highly reliable and require no maintenance.  Solar panels have been used in mission critical applications such as space stations and communication satellites for decades.


Am I Really helping the environment? 

With the 121,400 kWh produced in the 30 year lifetime of the system, the following environmental benefits are possible:
Barrels of Oil Offset: 200 Barrels
Car Miles Not Driven: 215,500 Miles
Acid Rain Emissions Reduction: 900 lbs
Smog Emissions Reduction: 400 lbs
Greenhouse Gas Reduction: 172,400 lbs
Equivalent Trees Planted: 413 
What is NABCEP? 

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
NABCEP is the national certification organization for professional installers in the field of renewable energy.  NABCEP issues voluntary certification credentials to those qualified professionals who satisfy eligibility requirements established by the Board of Directors.

Why go Solar?





Solar energy is one of the best investments we can make.

Many U.S. communities use fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, etc.) to provide electricity. Fossil fuels are limited in supply with an increasing difficulty to access reserves.  However, renewable energy resources are expanding.  Solar is leading the way with great successes.  Solar farms are producing utility scale energy, corporations are integrating solar on their roofs, homeowners are proudly installing solar systems to create clean power at a fixed cost.  Solar is moving in the right direction.  And with increased installations, the solar industry will create more jobs and continue to support local economic growth.
This says nothing of the positive impacts these technologies have on our environment. Renewable energy technologies do not produce harmful emissions or contaminate water sources.  Once installed solar systems produce clean renewable power for many years.  Let’s convert sunlight into electricity and continue to expand our renewable energy generation.  Go solar and feel good about your contribution.
Among Renewable energy technologies, Solar is clean, affordable, and readily available. The new energy economy is priming for Colorado to be the leader in renewable energy.  With over 300 days of sunlight a year, Colorado is among the best places to harvest the sun.

Let us help you make an investment in the future, and see savings along the way.

Our Company - Palisade Solar Contractors

Concept Solar, your Western Colorado and Mountain Region renewable energy integrator.
Solar energy continues to shine and Colorado is leading the way.  Concept Solar originally started as a Boulder based Electrical business back in 1975.  Now with over 30 years of experience and two generations of master electricians; Concept Solar is a company you can trust.  Every project is managed by a NABCEP certified Solar Contractors ensuring a professional installation at every step.  Our goal is to provide quality workmanship and state of the art products that will serve you for years to come.
Concept Solar provides a turn-key installation process including all necessary rebate paperwork.  Let us design a Solar System that fits with both your energy Conservation needs and your budget.  All work performed comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 5 year installation warranty.
Contact us in Grand Junction, Palasade, Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Clifton, Delta, Montrose, and Boulder regarding for all your Solar Heating and Energy saving needs!