How does solar electricity work?
Solar electricity uses a crystal known as silicon, which is cut into thin wafers and traps the kinetic energy emitted from the sun. This process is called the Photovoltaic effect, or PV for short. These wafers are assembled together in groups of 60 or 72 to make a solar "module," but people commonly refer to these as "solar panels" too. Unlike solar thermal systems, solar PV modules create electricity based on the amount of sunlight striking their surface rather than absorbing heat. For this reason, shading from trees or clouds can cause dramatic reductions in the production of the system. A group of solar modules connected together in one location is called an "array," and energized electrons flow through the system forming an electrical current. Once this current passes through a device called an "inverter", it is then suitable for use in your home or business.
Introduction to Solar Power
Solar electricity is clean, renewable energy from the sun that can power everything in your home or business. The technology is economical for the owner, and beneficial for the environment. Florida utilities get their power from a mixture of sources: 42% Natural Gas, 21% Coal, 19% Nuclear, and 17% Oil. Less than 1% of Florida's electricity is from renewable technology such as solar. Moreover, 80% of the coal burned in Florida is imported from foreign countries such as Colombia, Venezuela and Indonesia! In times of volatile energy markets, international conflict over resources, and continued pollution spewed from modern power plants; solar is rapidly gaining popularity as a viable solution to America's energy dilemma. Solar prices have fallen thanks to increased competition and improved manufacturing facilities, and the Federal Government is offering a full 30% Renewable Energy Tax Credit with the purchase of a system. Solar electricity is a reliable, logical solution both today and for the future.
The Net Metering Advantage
Your local utility company will accept any extra power generated by the solar equipment. This arrangement is called being "grid-tied", and the utility company must give you full credit for any surplus solar you provide at no additional charge. In essence you can "bank" solar credits during the day, and then use them during the night. The utility will total up your solar credits at the end of the month, deduct them from your bill, and you pay the remainder if any. This process is called "net metering," and your local utility company is required by law in Florida to cooperate. It is a win-win for both you and your neighborhood power provider. Electricity from your mini-power plant will reduce the need to construct new power stations, and existing facilities will run less thanks to your input.
Energy For Life!
Once installed, photovoltaic systems are designed to be maintenance free and withstand the test of time. Most module manufactures warrant their products for a performance period of twenty to twenty five years, but the system will continue producing power well past this time period. The estimated practical life of a photovoltaic panel is forty years. PV modules are solid state, have no moving parts, and rarely fail. Our systems are engineered to meet Miami-Dade wind code requirements for hurricanes, and can even withstand hailstones up to 1-inch diameter. These products are tough, rugged, long lasting, and tested in the most extreme temperature climates.
Increased Value Over Time!
A solar electric system adds value to your home. This is based on the system's expected energy output over time when compared to current electric rates. Once your electric bill has been displaced by the solar input, the price of electricity has a fixed rate for the life of the system. Unlike solar, the cost of the utility-based electricity will inflate every year, and the national average annual utility inflation rate is 5%. As an example, when utility rates double in your area, the value of the energy produced by your solar PV system doubles, and the anticipated return on investment is cut in half. Photovoltaic systems, over the warranty period and the life of the system, currently have the one of the largest after tax returns when compared to other investments.
Solar Energy is Tax Free!
Remember, you pay your electric bill in after tax dollars, which means you first need to pay income taxes in order to pay your electric bill. Energy from the sun is tax-free. There are no sales taxes on solar products in the state of Florida, and the value added to your home cannot be included in the property tax appraisal when calculating your property taxes.
Tax Incentives and Falling Prices!
The combination of improved global manufacturing along with Federal Tax incentives has reduced the cost of Photovoltaic systems to their lowest prices ever. In 2009, Federal Tax law lifted a $2,000 cap on solar investments, making the tax benefit a true 30% off the cost of an installed system. Manufacturing facilities that have been in development for the past several years are now starting to come online. In our opinion, the financial picture is the best that the industry has ever seen!
Florida is Perfect for Solar!
The motto of "The Sunshine State" says it all. There are only a few areas in the continental United States that get more sunlight per day than south Florida. Every photovoltaic system relies upon its environment, and Florida receives 15% to 20% more energy from the sun than its northern neighbors. Florida legislature also protects solar from community and association restrictions. Florida Statute does not allow these regulations to be used for refusal of renewable energy projects.
Hurricane preparedness!
An optional benefit of a photovoltaic system is going "off-grid." Batteries are used to store solar electricity during the day for later use as an emergency power source. In the event of a power outage such as during a hurricane, you could live peacefully and comfortably without the nuisance of a loud, smelly, undependable, gas-burning generator. Under the worst circumstances, the grid may be down for days, maybe weeks. What happens if the gas stations can't pump gas, or gas is unavailable in your area? Installing enough solar and batteries to run an entire home full time can be expensive and would require constant attention by the homeowner to their power consumption. However, for the short time that power is down during an emergency, you could live in your home with the same comforts as when the utility power is on. The system will easily power essential items such as refrigerator, water heater, lights, outlets, microwave, fans, and any other items you decide to include. We have even included A/C condenser circuits with some systems, but these larger appliances can drain your batteries quick. With a proper battery backup system and good management of your household electrical loads, you would be able to weather any storm.