Wentz Alternative Energy
Where green makes cents
*How much does solar photovoltaic energy systems cost?
The answer to this depends on several factors. The first one is how much electricity do you want your system to produce. With both solar and wind systems, but particularly solar, you can start with a small system and add to it later. To know how much you are using at present, take 12 consecutive months of electricity bills. Then, find the kilowatt hours per month (kwh) for each bill; add them and divide by 12. That gives you the monthly average of electricity you use. The second factor is how much electricity you want to pay for—all or a portion. Or, if you want the system to produce the maximum amount of electricity that you need in a given month, find the largest of the monthly bills and look at that kwh. *300 KWH $11,200 Less the 30% federal tax credit - 3360 Net cost $7,840 *475 KWH $13,600 Less the 30% federal tax credit - 4,080 Net cost $9,520 *700 KWH $21,900 Less the 30% federal tax credit - 6,570 Net cost $15,330 Prices for average KWH per month as of 6/7/2011. For larger systems, just call. For wind generator systems call. *What about hail?
Here are a few estimates for solar systems based on kwhs. per month. These include everything—the system, installation, local inspection fees and sales taxes.
*How cost efficient are the systems?
The answer depends on your present kwh cost from your electric company. Also, how much will the power company raise their rates in the near future? Generally it usually takes about 8-12 years. Please keep in mind, that during this time and after, you are paying yourself instead of the power company.
The solar systems are rated for 1.25 inch hail at 50 miles per hour.
1. The federal government will give you a 30% tax credit for having solar or wind generator
systems installed. That is akin to a 30% reduction in price. This incentive is scheduled to
stop at the end of 2014.
2. Both
your electric company to credit you for any electricity your system makes that you do not
use.
*Will my system increase the value of my house?
Yes. Studies show that it will increase the value approximately as much as the initial cost.
*Will the system increase my taxes:
Maybe. Call your county tax office.
*What about insurance?
Call your insurance agent. The homeowner’s cost may go up slightly.
*How long does it take to install my system?
Solar takes about 1-3 days. Before we install your system, though, we must get permission from both the local government and power company. That may take a few more days. For wind systems it takes considerably longer because we have to build a concrete platform and let it cure. That takes about 25 days total.
*What about my roof? Will it damage it?
With solar systems most are installed on your roof. There is extra weight involved. We always want to make sure your roof is strong enough to hold it. Also, because solar panels have a warranty of 25 years it is important to be certain that your roof will last a major part of that 25 years. We recommend that you have the roof inspected prior to our installation. If you allow, we have a roof inspecting firm that will check your roof for free.
*Is there enough sunlight to really power my system?
In both eastern
And the remaining part of each day gives enough sunlight to allow your solar panels
to still produce a useable amount of electricity until dusk.
*Is there enough wind?
We have about 8 hours of 12 mile per hour wind each day in both eastern
*What about maintenance.
For solar you will have very little maintenance. Generally the only thing you will need to do is to keep debris off of the panels and once a year spray them with water. That can be done from the ground. However, if you get a flock of birds flying over, you may have to spray them more often. For wind, the answer is more difficult. Wind generators have moving parts. That means that you will experience more maintenance. Our pole systems for wind do have a hinge at the base which allows us to work on the generator without needing to actually climb up. That relates to lower maintenance costs.
*Are there warranties?
Yes. For labor we have a 1 year guarantee. For equipment, the solar panels have a 25 limited warranty. The wind generators are only warranted for 5 years because of moving parts.
*Do we need to be concerned about government regulations?
Certainly. But we take care of all of those. The local regulations have no problem with solar panel systems. Wind generators are a different situation. Most cities do not allow them. They are best suited to the country.
*What other hurdles may need to be addressed prior to installation?
The main one that can slow down the process are subdivision regulations that may prohibit
solar panels from being placed on roofs. If that turns out to hamper installation, we are more than willing to provide pictures, information or even presentations that will help getting rid of those problems.
