Category: Solar Power

In recent years, there has been a major push to increase our production of solar power.  It is touted as the cleanest and most constant source of power. But there has been some backlash based on a series of myths.   Below we will identify some of the most common misconceptions, dispute them and share some fun facts about solar power. Myth #1.  Solar panels in residential areas are too expensive. Not true, in fact most states offer Solar tax credits and incentives making these systems very affordable to install and maintain.  Leaving you with little dependency of getting your energy from the grid.   In some cases, solar panels may even eliminate your energy bill, saving you even more money. Myth #2.  It does not work on cloudy days. The truth?  On cloudy days the panels just absorb less energy than it normally would,  which is why you need a storage cell. This is where the energy you collect and do not use can be easily stored for when you need it. Myth #3.  It is an inefficient source of energy.  This is just false. Solar energy is very efficient, in fact it is self-sufficient.  As long as the sun continues to shine there is power to be produced.

Not convinced solar energy is for you?  Take a look at some of these mind-blowing facts.

Fun Fact #1- Did you know that by installing solar panels in your Colorado home can lower  water bills by more than 50% each year in a home. Fun Fact #2- According to the Department of Energy, over the last 30 years the price of photovoltaic solar panels has dropped 200% . Fun Fact #3-  Solar power offers a sense of control and reliable source of energy.  In many cases, conditions around the world are optimum for solar power and could protect people from losing power. Fun Fact #4-  According to a study done by the United States Department Of Energy, installing solar panels on the roofs for California’s city and county buildings could result in the generation of  200 megawatts of clean energy. In fact, if California installed solar panels on every commercial and industrial roof, it could produce enough electricity needed to power the entire state . Fun Fact #5- Today, Germany is the only country that is making the best use of solar energy.  Despite the climate, Germany has made great strides in the realm of solar energy. Fun Fact #6- Did you know that you only need about 8 minutes of solar energy to travel from the sun to the earth. For more information on how Golden Solar can help you achieve energy independence, contact us today!
With the price and demand for energy continuing to rise, many experts in the field are searching for a way to address this issue.  For many this means finding a way to implement alternative forms of renewable energy to fill in the gaps left by the traditional methods of coal, oil and natural gas.  One of the more promising alternative energy initiatives has been in solar energy.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy refers to the massive amounts of energy the sun has produced for billions of years. The sun is the most important source of energy for all life force and since the sun is always producing said energy it is the ultimate renewable source.  Since the sun does not produce any pollutants it is one of the cleanest forms of energy. The potential of solar energy is quickly becoming a major talking point as many businesses and consumers begin to recognize the benefits of installing solar panels.

Why solar panels?

Traditional methods of energy require consumers to be completely dependent on the grid.  Which leaves them at the mercy of the energy companies, leaving consumers to suffer under rate hikes and inconsistent pricing structure the utility companies offer.  Solar panels offer consumers a better, more affordable alternative to energy production.  A well designed and expertly installed solar panel system can offer consumers solar incentive payments, and net big energy cost savings. As stated before solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy available, solar panels do not produce any pollutants or waste when converting solar rays into energy. Because solar panels reduce consumers reliance on other energy sources, like fossil fuels, they have the ability to make an even larger impact on our efforts to reduce pollution and harmful CO2 emissions. Created from non-toxic materials, solar electric silicon panels are affordable, easy to install and require very little maintenance.  Their only limitation is they cannot be used at night, and the amount of sunlight received varies based on location, time of day/year and the weather. In addition, consumers who invest in the installation of solar panels can take part in the various solar tax credits and utility incentives making it a much more affordable option.   Some states even offer consumers net metering payments, allowing consumers to earn energy credits or even cash for any excess electricity produced. Solar panels offer consumers the opportunity to benefit from the most sustainable renewable energy source available, and  increase their property value.  For more information on how solar panels can help you release yourself from the dependency of the grid, visit goldensolar.net today.

SOLAR INCENTIVES IN COLORADO

Solar incentives for photovoltaic systems in Colorado come from two sources: Federal government tax credits, and electric utilities. Some states have state income tax credits too but Colorado does not.

Federal Tax Credits for Solar

The most important benefit for people and businesses installing solar is a tax credit for 30% of the cost of the installation. Current Federal law allows the 30% credit for any system installed by the end of 2016. That is a dollar for dollar credit than can be used to cover income tax liabilities. Costs that can be used for the tax credit include electrical modifications needed to connect and structures for the solar panels. For example the cost of solar carport structures can generally be included in the calculation of the 30% tax credit. If a taxpayer cannot use all the credit it can be carried over to the next year.

Utility Incentives for Solar

The trend in utility incentives for solar installations is certainly down and looks as if they will drop further in the future. Just 3-4 years ago utility incentives used to cover more as much as half the cost of a solar. All utilities in Colorado at least offer net metering so that one kilowatt hour sent to the grid is worth one kilowatt hour pulled back from the grid. (Discussions are currently underway at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission regarding whether investor owned utilities will be required to continue to offer net metering for customer installed renewable energy systems.) Below are some Colorado utilities with whom we have experience and the solar incentives they offer for grid-tied solar systems to their customers:

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Incentives

The largest electric utility on Colorado is investor owned Xcel Energy. Under the direction of the Public Utilities Commission Xcel currently offers what are called Production Based Incentives (PBI). Its 2014 incentives are running out in December 2014. But we expect them to offer a new round of incentives in about Feb 2015. Xcel plans to offer a PBI of 2 cents per kilowatt hour produced by newly installed systems for a period of ten years. This can amount to a few thousand dollars over ten years.

Xcel Energy incentives for commercial solar for systems of greater than 25 kilowatts (KW), which is about 100 solar panels, up to 500 KW are about to be restored at rather generous levels. Reports are that the new PBI will be at 5 cents per kilowatt hour produced for at least 10 years and perhaps 20 years. These payments significantly improve the rate of return for solar electric installations. This can also help compensate those Xcel commercial customers who might still have demand charges even after installing commercial solar electric systems.

United Power

The United Power Electrical Cooperative currently has an incentive of 40 cents per Kilowatt for photovoltaic installations up to a maximum of $1800. United Power also offers a wind generator incentive of up to $1050.

Ft Collins Utility

The Fort Collins Utility offers an incentive of $1.00 per watt for the first three kilowatts of DC solar power installed so this amounts to $3000 for three kilowatts or more on residential solar systems and up to $20,000 for commercial solar systems up to twenty kilowatts. The incentive is limited and not always available so it can be important to get applications in as soon as incentives are made available.

Colorado Springs Utility

The Colorado Springs utility offers some of the most generous incentives in Colorado. They offer up-front payments which are calculated using a formula that takes into account the efficiency of the system. Please check with us at Golden Solar for details and for how to calculate the expected incentive for your residence or commercial establishment.

Black Hills

Black Hills is the other investor owned utility in Colorado so it is also under the direction of the Public Utilities Commission. It has offered Performance Based Incentives (PBI) in the past and may again if ordered to do so by the PUC. It does still offer net metering.

Highline Electric Association

HEA has offered solar incentives. Check with them or with us for latest information on HEA solar incentives.

Morgan County Rural Electric Association

MCREA does not offer any financial incentives to its members for installing solar, other than allowing net metering.

Intermountain Rural Electric Association

IREA does not offer any financial incentives to its members for installing solar other than allowing net metering.

As always feel free to contact us at Golden Solar for the latest information on utility solar incentives and utility requirements for grid-tied solar electric systems.

Solar arrays are a popular way to improve energy efficiency that can be added on simply to an existing home. Through either rooftop or sidelong installation, solar electric panels can help you cut down significantly on electricity and utility costs. But with the rise in popularity of these installations – a growth rate of approximately 400 percent since 2010 – often comes builders and developers who cut corners in an attempt to save on manufacturing costs. When it comes to adding solar to your home, you want to be sure it is done correctly so you get the most out of your panels that you possibly can. If you are considering a new installation, you definitely want to hire a reputable solar company like Golden Solar to handle the process responsibly. But if you have had panels already installed in or on your home, there are a few ways to tell if it was done properly. Here are a few ways to inspect your array for faulty installation: Electrical – While electrical fires are rare, they do happen on occasion, and more often than not, they are the result of hasty or improper installation rather than a defective panel. Good solar installers will know that running the wiring properly, as well as using sufficient insulation around the wires, is critical to the system functioning properly. Generally, any certified electrician, home inspector or professional solar installer can evaluate your system to ensure there are no electrical issues. Low quality components – Whether structural or electrical, defective elements in a panel contribute to premature wear and tear. One common defect throughout the solar industry is the disintegration of the panels’ protective coating, which in some cases happens within a few years. This can lead to water leaks and electrical issues, which obviously impact the effectiveness of the unit. Other areas to check for quality are the inverters, controllers and connections. Racking – Larger arrays pose risks when it comes to installation because ensuring that they won’t move or be damaged in high winds or inclement weather is a challenge to installers. That is where racking comes in. The structure that holds panels down should be inspected semi-regularly, especially if the array is installed on your roof and could pose danger if dislodged. Best practice is to check the unit for loose bolts and indicators of stress or wear. Sitting – Solar panels only work if they receive sufficient sunlight to store energy. One of the most difficult faulty installations to overcome is poor sitting. This means that where the units are located does not receive enough lighting to constitute a worthwhile return on investment. It is important to consult a professional solar installer for an at-home consultation so you can evaluate the location together and best understand the pros and cons of installing a panel on your property. Water – No matter where you install your panels, they are going to be exposed to the elements. This means that the coating on the panels needs to be top-notch to protect the integrity of the unit. Additionally, many homeowners choose to have the panels installed on their roofs as a way to maintain the aesthetic of their homes and surrounding yard space. According to Proud Green Home, “Most roofing types require penetrations in the roof in order to secure the panels. If these are not properly flashed, the resulting water leaks can damage the integrity of the roof, its underlying structure, and even the interior of the home and its contents.” For the best in rooftop solar installation, contact Golden Solar today. Our staff will come for a free on-site consultation and help you determine the best way to install your own panels.
energy efficient homeAll over the country, cities and towns are looking for ways to increase their overall energy efficiency. One major way that many municipalities have found is to update their building codes to increase the standards for new constructs and renovations. In Vancouver, BC, some of these codes made it so difficult to renovate existing homes that some builders have been priced out of contracts. However, most American communities have been able to incorporate these updated mandates so that homes are remodeled with both historical accuracy and energy efficiency in mind. In Wisconsin, both homeowners and builders have been working together to develop plans that would maintain the integrity of their property while also taking advantage of the innovations and technologies that would make their homes increasingly efficient. In Kiel, WI, one home has been remodeled to include geothermal technology, which utilizes temperatures from below the earth’s surface to generate heating and cooling. What is nice about the integration of this technology is that it can be used simultaneously without disrupting other structural and cosmetic improvements. Additionally, in a number of major markets, including Chicago, Illinois, rehabilitated homes are now receiving solar energy to help new owners combat high electricity and utility costs. One of the leading developers in this area in Chicago is MarLar Properties, a husband and wife duo who buy, renovate and sell eco-friendly properties with the hope of building a better tomorrow. Larry Spatz, co-owner of the company, tells Proud Green Home, “I am a very small fish trying to make a ripple. It’s about preserving the planet for my grandchildren and their children.” Isn’t that what any of us are trying to do? With the integration of energy-efficient technologies like solar electric panels, we hope that we can create a better environment for generations to come. If you want to become a part of the green revolution, contact Golden Solar today.
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