Solar Energy For Dummies

What is Solar Energy?

“Going Green,” is becoming the most popular lifestyle across the world.  Everyone is excited  about saving the earth and recycling energy, all while cutting costs at the same time.  Most people don’t know that there is an easy way to accomplish all of this and some without breaking your bank.  Solar energy is radiation from the sun which can be converted into other forms of energy.  Solar energy consists of electric energy and thermal energy.  The first part of this week's blog series will explain how to convert solar energy into electric energy.  Electric energy uses the suns radiation to produce electricity through solar cells, or photovoltaics (PV).  There are three ways electric energy can be used; Stand- alone, Grid- connected, and Back-up.  In Connecticut the Grid-connected system is used the most.  A Grid-connected system uses utility supplied electricity only as a back up, if the solar energy system exhausts its electricity.  Most of you may be thinking that it sounds great, but want to know exactly how it works.

Is Solar Energy Rocket Science?

Solar Energy comes off as a complex topic, when in all actuality it is quite simple. 

·         Solar Cells or Photovoltaic cells are silicon-based pieces of material that absorbs light from the sun.  

·         Many Solar Cells are combined into a solar panel.

·         Solar Panels are than interlinked called an array which creates greater power.

·         When Solar Energy hits the panel, it excites electrons in the solar cell and electricity is created.

·         The electricity that is produced is in direct current (DC).

·         Since most homes do not use DC, the electricity passes through an inverter which converts it to a common current called Alternating Current (AC).  And just like that your house is now running on solar energy!

Show Me the Money!

            Now that we’re enlightened about how to save electricity by using solar energy, we want to know how adding a Solar energy system actually saves us money.  In Connecticut there is a simple process called Net Metering.  Net Metering is a special arrangement between a homeowner and their utility company.  It is an easy method which measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your local utility company and the excess you produce using your own photovoltaic system.  So basically you use the electricity you generate first, which cuts down the amount you would usually buy.  If you generate more energy than you use, the extra energy goes through the electric meter and back into the grid and supplied to other customers.  According to the agreement that you sign with your local utility company, they will pay you for the energy you are giving back.  So when you think about it, by using solar energy you can completely erase your energy bill, and make money by selling energy.

            Net Metering alone is a good enough incentive to switch to solar energy, but there is more!  Every state gives different tax incentives and rebates to people who use solar energy.  In the state of Connecticut there is a State Rebate Program funded by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) that pays residents $1.75/watt for the first 5 kilowatts of energy generated and $1.25/w for the next 5 kilowatts of energy that is generated.

Basically the CCEF will pay residents up to $15,000 annually for going green!

Homeowners are also able to take advantage of the federal incentives which include a Personal Tax Credit, where they can receive 30% back.  Commercial property owners can choose between a 30% tax credit or a 30% federal grant.  So along with net metering, you can receive a rebate, a tax incentive, and/or  a federal grant.  Why not just install a photovoltaic system right now?

Power Drill or Hammer?

The average Joe has had many successes when installing his own photovoltaic system.  Unfortunately there has been many failures, which is why it’s recommended to hire a professional solar contractor.  The Solar contractor will analyze your roofing and attic to make sure that the structure is able to withstand the light-weight system.  Once ready to install they will choose the perfect system for you location and make sure that your panels are secured in the perfect position to achieve maximum solar output.  Premier Solar Contractors like PurePoint Energy will even go tremendous lengths to help you obtain necessary rebates and the maximum tax credits and grants to benefit you.  Now that we’re all Solar Energy Gurus, lets GO GREEN!

If not for any other reason…. Our President is Going Green!!!!