I Solar Power: Solar Electric Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

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Are you tired of high PG&E Electric Bills? Would you like to add value to your home? Do you want to go "green" and help the environment?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then a Photovoltaic (PV) solar-electric power system, professionally designed and installed by Diablo Solar Services, can reduce or even eliminate your PG&E electricity bill! All of our solar power systems are custom designed, taking into consideration both your solar power needs and your home's unique orientation to the sun. With power production warranties reaching 25 years, Diablo Solar can design a system that will power your home for decades to come.

View video testimonials and a slideshow of recent solar installations in our Solar Gallery »

Below we've provided answers to some frequently asked questions about solar electric power systems:

1)  How Does a Solar PV System Work? The modules we use are a monocrystalline silicate that, when exposed to the sun's light energy, produce electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC) power. DC electricity is what powers your car's electronics or many other small electronic devices like cell phones or MP3 players. Your home consumes Alternating Current (AC) power, so the power generated by the solar modules has to first run through an Inverter, converting the DC power to AC. The electricity is then connected to your home through a circuit breaker in your existing electrical panel. This is an "add-on" system: you use your solar generated electricity through your homes current wiring and outlets. {Note: the animation below requires the free Adobe Flash Player.}

2)  Am I still connected to PG&E or another utility electric company?
You will continue to rely on PG&E as your local utility electric company. If you are a PG&E gas customer, you will continue to receive your monthly gas bill. A solar-electric system does not impact your gas usage. You will also remain an electric customer with PG&E, albeit now on a year-to-year basis. As a solar-electric customer, you will no longer get a monthly electric usage bill (you still get billed monthly for some basic PG&E fees, about $12 per month). You will get billed for your consumed (used) power once per year, on the anniversary of your solar-electric interconnection. You still have the option of paying for your usage month to month, but PG&E does not require payment until the end of your anniversary year (referred to as your "true-up" period).

For example, at night or on a very dark or rainy day, your solar-electric system may produce very little power, so PG&E will continue to sell you power, just as they do currently. On a bright sunny day, however, you might actually produce more power than you consume. In this case, PG&E will also act as your battery, storing your surplus power when you don't need it, keeping it for you until you do. They will actually buy back your surplus power at the same rate that they would sell it to you in the form of a credit. You will continue to buy and sell credits freely until the end of your true-up period, when you settle up your bill. If you have used more power than you have produced (very common in most cases), you will owe them the difference. If you produce more power then you actually use, then you lose that surplus power at the anniversary date. PG&E is not currently in a required to pay you for surplus power production.

3)  Where are solar electric power systems typically installed?
At Diablo Solar, we typically install solar-electric modules on the south-facing roof of your home. We can install them on a patio cover, pergola or trellis and we have the ability to build a structure on the ground or on the side of a hill as well.

South is always the best direction for solar in our area, because the panels are exposed to the most hours of direct sunlight per day. East and West-facing roofs are also usable, although not as desirable. In most cases, north roofs are not used for solar. It is important to note that solar-electric systems should not be installed in areas where they might be significantly shaded during the day.

4)  What rebates and tax credits are currently available?
There are two ways for a California homeowner to save money on their solar-electric purchase.

First, there is a California Solar Initiative (CSI) rebate program that is run through a local administrator, PG&E. This rebate is calculated on the number of watts purchased and downgraded based on its expected performance. The EPBB (Expected Performance Based Buydown) calculates your rebate based on your homes zip code, roof direction, pitch and shade conditions. At Diablo Solar, we determine your exact rebate, lock it in with PG&E, and give it to you as a credit off the gross system cost. You do not have to pay the portion of your system cost that is covered by the rebate.

The CSI rebate is currently at $1.55 per watt and usually accounts for approximately 15% of your total gross system cost.

The second way to save on your system's cost is a Federal Tax Credit that is applied to your yearly Federal Income Tax Bill. This tax credit covers 30% of your total out-of-pocket cost (not including the portion covered by the CSI rebate). This is a tax credit, not a deduction, so usually income or tax bracket is not applicable. You simply subtract the tax credit from the tax you owe or add the tax credit to your tax refund. Most get the full 30%. Not everybody qualifies for this tax credit (about 99% do), so Diablo Solar requests that you talk to your CPA or qualified and licensed tax consultant before going forward with a solar purchase. Diablo Solar clients do pay this portion of their solar cost at the time of installation, and the tax credit is applied to your Federal Income Tax bill.

For example, a system with a gross cost of $50,000 would actually cost:

5)  Will a photovoltaic (PV) solar-electric system save me money?
Yes! Continually rising electric costs coupled with the 30 to 40 year life expectancies of the solar modules (power output warranty is 25 years), systems are expected to pay for themselves in as little as 7 to 10 years. Many Diablo Solar customers are expecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in total savings over the guaranteed, warranty life of the modules. In fact, many customers find themselves "cash-positive" the first month after a solar purchase. This simply means that their new, lower electric bill added to their finance charge with their lender is less then their old electric bill. More money in your pocket while helping the environment — a winning combination!

A solar electric system also adds value to your home. According to Business Week, a typical residential solar system in markets with the most costly power will bring an ROI (Return on Investment) of 15% per year. You can also maximize your return and add more value when you combine energy efficiency features with your solar system.

Finally, your solar system will hedge against rising energy costs for as long as you own your solar-powered home. Your roof will become a mini power plant, producing energy for a fraction of the cost of your current utilities.

6)  What solar PV modules does Diablo Solar install?
Diablo Solar is a Premier Dealer with SunPower Corp, the recognized world leader in solar module design. SunPower designs, manufactures, and delivers the highest performing solar systems worldwide. Their high-efficiency solar modules generate up to 50% more power than conventional modules, producing more power per square foot then any other solar company. They have an attractive black appearance and blend naturally into the design of your home.

Download Datasheets for SunPower PV Panels     Black/White Panels:   315 Watts    |    230 Watts    |    215 Watts     Solid Black Panels:     225 Watts    |    210 Watts

Diablo Solar uses inverters from SMA (SMA-America.com), the market leader for solar inverters, supplied by SunPower. SMA is consistently on the leading-edge of inverter technology with efficiency ratings of 98% ensuring maximum yields and the highest user convenience.

    SMA Inverter Datasheets:     Larger Inverters (5-7 kW)     |     Smaller Inverters (3-4 kW)

In addition to SunPower and SMA, Diablo Solar has access to many other types of modules and inverters, including BP, Sharp, Evergreen, Mitsubishi, Sanyo, Xantrex and Fronius. If you have a particular product in mind, feel free to ask a Diablo Solar photovoltaic (PV) specialist.

7)  How much will my system cost?
Installed system pricing is highly site specific. Some of the factors that determine price include:

• Size of electric bill (and amount you want to offset)
• Location of your home
• Shape, height and slope (pitch) of roof
• Roof accessibility
• Existing electrical service, sub-panel and electrical equipment
• State and local incentives that may apply, in addition to the 30% federal investment tax credit.

In general, the cost is about $8,000 - $10,000 per kW (1 kW = 1,000 watts). A 2,500 square-foot home with moderate electricity usage (an electric bill of about $150 per month) could require a 4kW system. This would cost about $30,000 to $40,000 before state and federal rebates — and $15,000 to $20,000 after rebates.

      » For a more detailed estimate, get a free consultation with a Diablo Solar photovoltaic specialist.

8)  How do I maintain my solar PV system?
Maintenance required to keep your solar electric power system in working order is very minimal. With very few moving parts and with solid-state electronics, your photovoltaic (PV) system is designed to work day-in and day-out for 30 to 40 years. Washing the modules if/when they get dirty, and clearing out any debris that may collect underneath them, are the only maintenance tasks the homeowner has to worry about. Simply spray them off occasionally with a garden hose and they will continue to produce power for decades to come!

*Loans provided by EnerBank USA (1245 E. Brickyard Rd., Suite 640, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. 17.77% fixed APR subject to change. Interest waived if repaid in 6 months.

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