3 kW PV panels installed for Hoosier Energy in Indiana
 

How Does Solar Work
Off-Grid Systems
Carbon Contribution
Why Invest in Solar
Cost and Benefits
How to Choose a Solar Installer

How Does Solar Work?

Solar systems utilize sunlight (free energy!) to provide electricity for your needs at home. When sunlight strikes the solar photovoltaic (PV) panel, electrons become excited in these solar cells. The electrons exit the panel via wires and enter your house through the circuit breaker and elctric meter. There are several types of PV systems: one that is tide to the utility grid (grid-tied) and one that is independent of the utility grid (off-grid).

A PV system that is grid-tied has an inverter that changes the sytem's direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) which is compatible with the grid.  This power can be used to run your electric appliances and devices. When you produce excess or unused power, your meter will spin backwards. If there is a net-metering agreement available with your utility provider, your excess power will be credited to you. If a net-metering standard is not available with your utility company, don't give up. SunWind Power has helped previous customers help get net-metering agreements in place (Read more of Angela Mitchell's story or read FAQ on net-metering).  

Batteries are optional for a grid-tied system and can be used to back-up power during outages. However, batteries can increase the cost greatly and should only be considered if you have frequent outages and unreliable power through the grid. We can help you with this option if you decide it is what you want.

A PV Array can be mounted on a roof-top, a pole mount, or ground mount to name a few options (Read more from the FAQ).

Off-Grid Systems

Also referred to as stand-alone systems, it is designed to be independent of the power grid ro electrical utility. Batteries are used to store energy that is required when the sun is not an available source during cloudy days or at night. Even on cloudy days, the system can produce usable power, though the Kilowatts generated may be less (Read FAQ). This type of system will require regular attention to battery electrolyte levels and terminal corrosion.  

Determine Your Carbon Contribution to Global Warming 

To determine how much carbon household items can contribute to global warming, click here or use a pollution calculator to determine your household output (click here).

Why Invest in Solar 

There are many reasons including:

• Increasing the value of your home (Read more)
• Good for the environment
• Clean, quiet and reliable
• Becoming more independent from fossil fuels
• For a complete list of great reasons to go solar, click here!
• There are more financial benefits now including Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS), Federal tax credits, and long-term investment awards 

Typical Cost of a Solar System

A solar PV system can cost as low as $10,000 for a basic system but is typically $30,000 to $40,000. However, these costs do not factor in available incentives. For more information regarding incentives, click here. Costs can be considerably reduced by reducing the load requirements to system that can include lighting, refridgerators, and heating and cooling systems to name a few. Utilizing the most energy-efficient equipment available can go a long way. The basic rule of thumb is that for each dollar spent of increasing efficiency of appliances etc, you can expect at least a $3 savings in PV system components. In addition, cost can be further reduced by Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS) and Federal and State tax credits

Use the Solar Estimator to determine cost and benefits of installing a solar PV system. Click below and then click Find Solar again to reach the Solar Estimator.

How to Choose a Solar Installer

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are becoming more common in Kentuckiana due to the 30% federal tax incentives and government grants from States and other funding agencies.  This has also led to a number of new and inexperienced solar companies in the marketplace. Some of these companies may be out to deliberately take advantage of customers. When considering the addition of a solar system to your home, it is very important to choose a reputable, professionally-trained installer. You can decrease your chances of entering into a “bad deal” by doing a little research and asking a few simple questions. After all, you are considering spending and investing in a renewable system that can range from $10,000 on up for a solar photovoltaic array (Read More)