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Q: How is a solar electric system designed, installed, and maintained?
A: You could install a photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric system yourself. But to avoid complications or injury, you will probably want to hire a reputable professional contractor with experience in installing solar systems. PV systems have few moving parts, so they require little maintenance. The components are designed to meet strict dependability and durability standards so they can stand up to the elements. However, they are fairly sophisticated electric systems, so installation usually requires the knowledge and experience of a licensed electrical equipment contractor.
Although the initial cost for a PV system can be relatively high, by taking advantage of available financing, a complete system will pay for itself in a short time. Many PV panels have a life expectancy of 30 years or more! And many utilities are realizing that reduced utility-generated electricity demand is one of the benefits of PV systems, and some offer incentives to building owners to install PV.
Other Resources: For tips on saving energy and using solar and other renewable energy technologies in your home, please visit the U.S. Department of Energy's consumer information Web pages
To learn more about energy saving tips and renewable energy technologies, please visit U.S. Department of Energy's consumer information Web pages
To learn more about energy saving tips and renewable energy technologies, please visit U.S. Department of Energy's consumer information Web pages
To learn more about financial incentives in your area, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) and contact your State's Energy Office. One caveat: any time you work with a contractor, it is wise to check references.
Other recommended sources include:
The North Carolina Solar Center
Home Power Magazine: The Hands-On Journal of Home-Made Power
ASES's Solar Today Magazine
Florida Solar Energy Center.
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Q: Where can I find someone who designs, installs, and maintains photovoltaic (PV) systems?
A: We suggest you look for a PV installer or equipment provider in the telephone directory under "Solar Energy Equipment and Systems Dealers."
It is a good idea select a designer or installer of solar energy systems from the list in your local yellow pages by first asking for information from several of them about their experience with PV systems as well as how much their services and products cost. With a system designer, you can discuss power requirements or hot water needs for your building, sunlight availability, and other important factors, and determine the type of system that's needed to meet your needs. System designers and installers should be able to provide you with cost estimates and other pertinent information.
If your house is not yet designed or built, it is important to make the building as energy efficient as possible to reduce your PV system's energy requirements. Many states have incentives for renewable energy, so it's a good idea to check them out, too.
Other Resources: To learn more about financial incentives in your area, please visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) and also contact your State's Energy Office. One caveat: any time you work with a contractor, it is wise to check references.
To view useful energy calculators and analysis tools, please visit DOE's Building Energy Tools Directory for tools such as PV-DesignPro (photovolatiac design, tracking systems, solar, electrical design) or RETScreen (pre-feasibility analysis, heating, renewable energy). PC-Solar 2.0 provides passive solar calculations (solar shading, external shading, internal shading, solar incidence).
To find a solar energy system designer or installer in your area, please visit our solar yellow pages for a list of sources of solar professionals.
To learn more about energy saving tips and renewable energy technologies, please visit U.S. Department of Energy's consumer information Web pages U. S. Department of Energy's Energy Saver's Web site
Other recommended sources include:
The North Carolina Solar Center
Home Power Magazine: The Hands-On Journal of Home-Made Power
ASES's Solar Today Magazine
Florida Solar Energy Center.
Conduct a search on the Internet.
See NREL's Web site for U.S. Renewable Energy Manufacturers and Service Providers. October 2000.
And you can order products online through these organizations:
Real Goods Trading Corporation
Customer Relations Department: 800-762-7325
email: Real Goods
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Q: Where can I get products such as PV shingles?
A: We usually cannot provide information on specific products and services. However, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse has developed a list of companies that manufacture photovoltaic (PV) shingles. You can obtain the list by calling 1-800-363-3732. PV shingles or roofing materials can replace conventional roofing materials, and they produce electricity in the bargain. You might also want to conduct a search on the Internet to find companies that sell this product.
Other Resources: To find a solar energy system designer or installer in your area, please visit our solar yellow pages for a list of sources of solar professionals.
You can also —
Contact the Solar Energy Industries Association for a list of solar service providers (202-383-2600).
Contact your utility company to see which vendors it might recommend.
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