Solar Electric Photovoltaics (PV)
v What is Solar Electric Photovoltaics (PV)?
Ø Almost everyone has seen a solar electric panel. Solar Electric Photovoltaics (Solar PV) capture the energy of the sun and allow us to convert this energy into electricity for use in our homes and businesses.
v How Does a Photovoltaic (PV) System Work? (See: Diagram)
Ø A solar panel collects the Sun’s shortwave length current, then converts this energy to long wavelength DC (Direct) current. The current is then transmitted through and inverter, which converts the energy from DC current to AC (Alternating) current. Almost everyone has seen a solar electric panel. Solar Electric Photovoltaics (Solar PV) capture the energy
v Is it Expensive?
Ø With Current Utility Rebates and Tax Credits it is very cost effective. The only drawback is a customer typically has to put out the cash, until the rebates and tax credits are refunded. If you have good credit, we can finance the system. We have a whole host of financiers.
v What Types of Services, Markets & Equipment Does PRE Offer?
Ø Services Offered: Design, Build, Install and Finance Most Brands of Renewable Energy Equipment.
Ø Markets: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Residential
Ø Brands Offered:
· Modules: Sanyo, Canadian Solar, REC, Solar World, Day 4, Mitsubishi, Kyocera, Sharp and Alpha.
· Inverters: Fronius, SMA, Enphase & Xantrex
v How Do We Get Started?
Ø Get an itemized energy statement (Annual Usage) from you utility company.
Ø Measure and Review area available for solar.
Ø Determine budget.
Ø Then, formulate a proposal with recommend array size, total cost less rebates, cash outlay and payback period.
v Do I have a Choice of Brands?
Ø Yes and No. At the moment, there is a shortage of modules. If you want the most competitive price, the best is to select the modules available. Most module manufacturers are very reputable and good products. If you want high-end modules and systems, such as Sanyo or Sharp, the price maybe substantially higher.
v Are all Systems Produced Equal?
Ø While, a 5KW (5000-watt) System is equal to a 5KW System, all systems are not created equal. In fact quite the opposite is true. Each brand will generate a different amount of annual electricity based on its’ published module performance, inverter performance, panel azimuth and/or tilt, plus temperature and wind coefficient. Secondly, some have better warrantees than others and the work of the contractor is crucial as well. So, no not all systems are created equal.
v So, How Do I Compare Systems from One Contractor to Another?
Ø First, the reputation of the contractor is crucial. How long have they been in business? How have they been received in the community? Can they supply references? How many systems have they installed? How many customers do they have? Will they be in business, if warranty work is required?
Ø What configuration, brand and size system are they proposing and how much does it cost? Then, compare based on delivered annual energy vs. delivered annual energy, rather than KW vs. KW.
Ø Example: (2) 5KW Systems
· System 1 (Mitsubishi) Delivers 7229kWh/yr, Costs $40,000/7229 = $5.533/Delivered KW
· System 2 (Evergreen) Delivers 7200kWh/yr, Costs $40,000/7200 = $5.555/Delivered KW
What is the warranty of each? How many years in business?
· System 1 (Mitsubishi)
§ Warranty – 15mo Full, 10yr 90% output, 25yr 80% output
§ In-business – Since 1921, Market Value - $12.883-billion
· System 2 (Evergreen)
§ Warranty – 2yrs Full, 10yr 90% output, 25yr 80% output
§ In-business – Since 1994, Went Public 2000, Market Value - $593-million
v How Much Money will I Need to Get Started and Will PMS/PRE Float My Rebate? Does PMS/PRE offer financing?
Ø To get started, we usually require a 3% non-refundable down payment, 12% upon credit approval, then 75% upon installation and 10% upon complete satisfaction.
Ø We have a couple of suppliers that will float the rebate at minimal/no cost.
Ø Yes, we have financing (See: Financing on our Website).
v What will my out-of-pocket be after rebates, federal tax credits and accelerated depreciation? This varies from location to location, energy service provider and whether your system is for a business or personal use.
Ø Business – In Xcel territory = Roughly 30% out-of-pocket
Ø Residential – In Xcel territory = Roughly 40% out-of-pocket
Ø Example: System Retails @ $40,000, a business will pay approximately $9000 out-of-pocket after all is said and done, a residential customer $16,000.
v When will I see a payback? How much does a PV System add to my property value?
Ø With added property values, almost immediately for a business.
Ø For a residence, approximately 6-years.
Ø According to EIA (Energy Information Administration) – renewable energy adds 20X-times the annual savings to your property value. This equates to approximately 40% of purchase price. On a $40,000 system, your property value will increase by $16,000 (See: PV System Cost Breakdown).
v Why Choose Precise Mechanical Services?
Ø We have been successfully in business since 1990.
Ø PMS/PRE has grown primarily through referral/word of mouth.
Ø We have over 700 Commercial & Industrial Accounts, some Residential.
Ø PMS/PRE have fair and competitive prices.
Ø Our company has a 4.5 out of 5 customer service rating through Service Magic.
Ø Many of our project managers and technicians are NATE NABCEF Rheem-Ruud, Trane, Earthlink & Econar Certified Installers and Technicians.
