It depends. If your house is already connected to the grid, then no. You can install a grid-tied system which is significantly less expensive. If your house is not connected to the grid, then yes. Even though stand-alone systems are more expensive, they can be a cost-effective solution as it sometimes costs tens of thousands of dollars to run power to a home that is not close to existing power lines.
John Tyler Community College and Chesterfield County are once again hosting their annual Fool for Art Festival on April 17th, 10AM to 5PM. Primal Energy Systems will be there with a demonstration of an off-grid system to show you exactly how solar works and how it can work for your home. You can find Primal Energy Systems in the “Celebrate our Earth” tent.
Additionally, you can participate in over 100 free educational eessions, shop among over 75 original Art & Craft vendors, and enjoy music, food, and fun. It’s Free & Open to the Community!
For more information visit, www.jtcc.edu/foolforart
Whenever someone asks me about the cost of solar panels, I ask them how precise of an answer they need. If they need an accurate answer, a site visit is absolutely required. But assuming ball park numbers are sufficent, I’ll start by asking how much they currently spend on electricity and how much they want save on their bill. Those two numbers are all I need to recommend the system size. Let’s say for example, a customer in Virginia spends $175 per month, or $2100 per year, on electricity and they want to save half of that. I would recommend a 3kW system. The next question people ask is “how much will that cost?” A typical residential systems costs about $7 per watt so the total cost would be $21,000. However, this does not account for federal rebates. There is a 30% federal tax credit that brings the out-of-pocket costs down to about $14,000. Some customers say this is too expensive. I ask “Compared to what?” Most home projects are simply an expense. Take granite counter tops, for example. After you’ve spent the money, you get no financial return. Your house will probably be worth more when you sell it but not as much as you spent on the counters. Solar on the other hand actually pays you back. In the example above, the system pays for itself in 14 years. Some people say that’s a long time — but that’s exactly how long it would take to double your money in the stock market or in bonds if your average rate of return is 7% (before taxes). On top of this, you’ll get more for your house when you sell it, because the new owner will also be saving money on their electric bill. So if you are going to invest in your home, why not choose an option that not only pays you back but also one that is wiser use of our resources?
*Note: The example above is based on electricity prices and PV prices at the time of this writing. They should be considered typical costs and may not reflect costs at your individual site. Prices are subject to change without notice.
What technology is your best choice for Green Power? Photovoltaics. Photovoltaics, also known as PV or solar power, is the most environmentally friendly power generating technology. to be clear, there are many “green” technologies, but only a subset actually produce power — PV, wind, hydro, and biomass are the most common. Solar thermal (aka solar hot water) and geothermal HVAC are technically heat exchange technology and do not create electrical power.
Why is PV the greenest technology?
Clean & Green: Solar panels produce zero emissions and no greenhouse gases. They produce enough energy in 3 years to offset the energy used to manufacture them. Zero impact, zero trade-offs.
Cost Control: Solar panels lock in a low cost of electricity and protect you from rising and volatile energy prices.
Reliability: Solar panels have no moving parts so there’s nothing that can break. They come with a 25 year warranty. If the sun is shining, they’re producing electricity.
Home Equity: Renewable solar energy adds value to your home and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.
Neighbor-friendly: Solar power is quiet, attractive, and supports the local economy.
Low maintenance: Solar panels only need an occasional cleaning and inspection to stay in top working condition.
Makes a statement: Solar power is a visible badge of your commitment to your community, the environment, and generations to come.
Primal Energy Systems, a Richmond, Virginia based company servicing the mid-Atlantic region, can provide solar panels for your home, office, business, or commercial property. We are fully committed to providing consultation, design, and installation services for solar power systems. Our mission is to provide solar energy technology to homeowners and businesses who want a less-expensive and more eco-friendly way to meet their energy needs.
Turn-key delivery of solar power systems requires the integration of a wide variety of skills, from financial analysis, to project management, to engineering and skilled workmanship. We have both formal training and decades of experience in all of these areas. Primal Energy Systems is a Virginia licensed Class A Alternative Energy Systems contractor and performs all work according to the National Electric Code and all applicable local building codes. Through a rigorous assessment and design process, we ensure that you are getting a system that best matches your individual needs for the best price possible.
Customer service is at the heart of Primal Energy Systems. We understand that your system will be part of your home or business and that aesthetics are just as important as functionality. We are owner-operated and you will work directly with the management of the company. We will treat you like family and will treat your home like our home.
Choosing a solar power system doesn’t have to be complicated. Just call Primal Energy Systems – we’ll make it easy. Let us show you why we’re your best choice for solar power.
