Why Solar Power?

All around us, homeowners, businesses and governments are turning to solar energy as a way to power their electricity needs.  Why?  Well, most people believe it is because solar power systems generate clean energy and are a solution to global warming.  Although, this is very true and benefits are enormous, more and more homeowners are recognizing the many other benefits that solar energy systems provide. 

First, because solar energy systems are placed at the final point of energy use, the natural energy losses associated with transporting electricity over the energy grid are virtually eliminated.  Second, solar power systems generate electricity when it is most needed - at peak times of the day when the utility is stressed to provide electricity.  These first two points basically amount to less demand on the public utilities power lines, and the cost of energy that your system produces goes right back into your energy use, and not lost in the transmission.

As competition for dwindling supplies of fossil fuels increases, governments concerned with energy options look for home-grown energy solutions.  Solar power, in its simplicity, makes for a great option, with no moving parts, no drilling, no exploration, and no loss of habitat for our wildlife.  An existing roof already takes the heat of the sun every day and wastes it.  With solar, that space can be transformed into a money-generating solution.

     For example, in New Jersey, between the NJ State, and Federal rebates, the cost of a solar energy (or PV) system can be cut in half. These incentives are designed to make a PV system affordable to the private sector.

Will it work with my home? 

      1.Does the sun shine on your house?

2.Do you have an area of your roof that faces south? (East and West work also.)

3.If trees are currently shading your roof, would you consider removing them? (We can supply referrals) For every kW of PV installed, it is equal to saving an acre of trees.
4.If no roof space is available, do you have land where a pole mount or ground mount is available?

If you answered yes to the questions above, then a solar power system will work on your home. 

How much does it cost?

     Initial costs to some may be considered high.  So, the key is to figure out how to overcome the initial installation cost.  Because, over its lifetime - 25 to 30 years, the cost of solar energy is actually cheaper than the cost from your power company.  Rebates and incentives dramatically lower this cost. The SREC program is designed to offset the initial costs associated with purchase and installation.  Most of our PV systems will recuperate thier initial costs in 3-5 years and then continue to provide a great return on investment for years to come.

     To overcome the initial high cost, federal, state and local governments are increasingly providing incentives to help.  These incentives come in the form of tax rebates,credits or grants, Solar renewable energy certificates, and various financing options.  The incentives for each state and each town are different.  If you live in the following states, the incentives are so great that a solar power system is more economical than continuing to pay your electric bill.

 New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York       

How much energy will I save and are there other benefits?

     Each kW installed will produce approximately 1,200 kWh per year.  This number is, of course, dependent on the angle the solar system is pointed toward the sun (azimuth) and how much direct sunlight it receives over a given year (an West or East facing roof receives less direct sunlight than a South facing roof).  If you are paying $0.16/kWh, a 1 kW could save you $190 per year.  Most of our customers install an 8 to 10 kW system so their savings is around $2,300 per year.  For every 1000kW your system produces, you will generate 1 Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC). A typical 8-10 kW system could generate another $4000 annually in credit sales.   In addition to the electric savings, by installing a solar power system on your home, you will increase your property value.  According to the Appraisal Journal of the National Appraiser's Association, home values increase $20 for every $1 in annual energy savings. So, a $2,000 energy savings translates into a $40,000 increase in your home value.  Also although your homes value will increase,  its tax assessment will not.

 Spin your meter backwards and gain financial freedom from your utility.  As electricity costs rise, your system fights back dollar for dollar.

     Solar Energy systems are a great value: A solar energy system adds asset value to your home. Not only do you save energy, but you sell any energy you don't use back to the utility.

A Solar Energy System for your home is:

·         Easy to Maintain: Solar panels, tilted slightly to the south, are washed clean by occasional rain. Our Module manufacturers guarantee performance for 25 years. Solar energy systems are maintenance free and produce energy efficiently and silently.

·         Affordable, with credits, SRECS and rebates, your investment can be repaid in years, not decades

·         Makes you a part of the solution to our energy crisis and global warming problems.