Photovoltaic solar systems use sunlight to generate electricity. The potential is huge – with current photovoltaic technology we could supply all U.S. electrical needs by covering only one third of one percent of our country´s land area in modules. There are no moving parts, so once installed they deliver energy as long as the sun shines. The solution is there, and you can be part of it.
Grid tied solar photovoltaic systems consist of three parts: the panels (or modules), the inverter, and a net meter. The modules vary in wattage and string together to create an array. Depending on the module size, this array is measured in the terms of a kilowatts. One kW, or kilowatt, is equivalent to 1000 watts (1kW=1000 watts). For example, five 210 watt modules string together to create an array slightly larger than 1kW. Solar is typically reffered to in kW’s and is usually priced to fully install by the watt. The energy created by these panels is fed into an inverter. Solar modules create energy in DC current and the inverter changes this energy into more useable AC current. Theses small inverters typically mount outside next to the meter. The inverter takes this AC current and feeds it directly into a net meter. Following a solar installation, Urban Grid coordinates the installation of a net meter with your local utility provider. These meters look very similar to a conventional electric meter, but a net meter accounts for the onsite electricity your home or business creates. Thus, the meter spends slower to account for what you’re creating, or in some cases backwards.
When you generate your own electricity, there are two ways you can use this energy. Grid Tied systems represent the largest percentage of our installations. Grid tied systems work in very much the same way as their name implies. Your electricity source remains the same; delivered through lines of the utility company. The electric you generate from your solar array is fed back into the utility companies’ electric grid. This is called Net Metering. After we perform a solar installation, Urban Grid arranges the installation of a net meter thru your local electric provider. This meter looks very much like the conventional meter your probably familiar with. A net meter accounts for the electric you are producing thru your solar array. Thus, resulting in your meter spinning slower, or backwards in some cases, off setting your use and more importantly, your bill.
With a grid tied system, you are never without electricity unless there is a problem with your utility provider. For example, if your electricity goes out as the result of a storm, you will still need to wait for repairs from your local utility company to turn your service back on. From residential to large commercial projects, grid tied solar will continue to be the most viable option for an affordable and effective renewable energy systems.
Off the grid systems takes the electricity you generate and stores it in batteries. In many cases, off the grid systems really require a lifestyle change and a real commitment to energy conservation. The sunlight that is converted into energy is stored in batteries that serve as your primary source of electricity. Although these systems can be very effective for the right project, they are often better suited for rural cabins and areas where access to conventional electric lines are too costly. We find the situations best suited for battery storage are signage and street lighting. Here, the decision is based more on proximity to an electrical source than on anticipated utility savings. Given the right conditions, we are committed to providing our clients with off grid systems.
The sun is not the only source for energy. There’s a great electricity source up in the sky, wind. It’s free, non-polluting, and endless. Wind energy uses small turbines to create electricity. These Compact Power Appliances hook up to your home or business to help you reduce or eliminate your monthly electric costs. Wind turbines work in the same way as solar electric systems. The propellers spin and create DC electricity. This is fed into an inverter, which converts DC current to useable AC current. Your grid and net meter account for the electric you generate, thus offsetting your overall utility cost and consumption. These systems are extremely effective along higher terrains, coastal waterways, and along rivers. |
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Solar thermal is the collection, storage, and use of heat from sunshine to make hot water. It is one of the most efficient means of using solar energy. Think about how hot your car gets when you park it in the sun – with a thermal system, you capture this energy and make it work for you. There is a huge amount of energy in solar radiation, and the sunshine on one square foot in one year is equal to the energy in 2.5 gallons of oil. Even on cloudy winter days, solar thermal collectors can easily supply all the hot water for an average family.
In a solar thermal installation, we mount two thermal flat plate collectors on your roof that lead to an 80 gallon tank. Your water never leaves this tank, in the same way your conventional hot water heater works now. Freeze proof fluid circulates thru the collectors and down to the tank, which have internal coils that heat your hot water. The tank we install still has a standard electric heating element in the event you need water either hotter than what you’re getting for free from the sun, or if you use more than the 80 gallon tank capacity. During summer months, you can count on water heated for free up to 145 degrees. Thus, resulting in your hot water heater not turning on at all. In the winter, when your system produces solar heated water to around 75 degrees, the back up electric heating element turns on to boost the water up to your desired set thermostat temperature. It is arguable that there is no more an efficient way to heat your water. In fact, the state of Hawaii recently passed legislation mandating that all new residential housing had to solar thermal water heating starting in 2010. These systems not only work well for residential applications, but any commercial facility that uses a large amount of hot water. From dining halls to laundry facilities, the savings are tremendous and the ROI is impressive. Solar thermal is not only for heating your domestic hot water. Urban Grid installs these systems to work in conjunction with radiant floor heating and pool heating as well. Regardless of where you live, or what kind of hot water heater needs you have, let Urban Grid Solar show you how you can almost eliminate your water heating expense.
A question we’re often asked during site assessments is “how much solar do I need to be off the grid?”. The answer is, it depends. More often than not, buildings may not have the roof real estate to become completely net zero for energy use. Our goal at Urban Grid Solar is to encourage supplementation. There is no need to be discouraged if you have limited southern facing roof space or a smaller budget. There is a lot homeowners and business’ can do to offset their utility cost with even a smaller PV array. Regardless of the number of solar modules you have, or system size, you will inevitably reduce your energy cost. With a grid tied system and net metering thru your local utility provider, your meter spins slower to account for what you produce. With our solar systems under warranty for 25 years, you can feel good about the electricity you generate daily as utility rates increase annually. Thus, making the value of the power to generate worth more and more every year. Let Urban Grid Solar do a free site assessment for your home or business using your current utility bill to design a system that fits your specific needs and budget.
There are currently financial incentives that make renewable energy not only a social contribution, but good investment too. Federal tax credits are in place thru 2016 that provide for 30% of your total renewable energy cost. This means that whether you install solar electric, thermal hot water, solar radiant, or wind, you receive 30% of that total installed cost in the form of a federal tax credit on the following years taxes. In addition, business’ qualify for accelerated depreciation, which further encourages the use of renewables in the commercial sector. Many states offer additional rebates and credits, as well as personal property tax exemption for renewable energy installations in many counties. For specific details of available financial incentives and programs in your area, consult DSIRE. |
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