SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM BASICS
How It Works
Golden State Power's systems consist of an array of solar
electric panels, and an inverter -- a computerized solid-state
controller. The solar electric panels generate DC electricity
directly from sunlight. The inverter converts the DC electricity
produced by the panels to AC electricity. The computerized
controller regulates the system and directs your extra power
back to the utility grid. In applications where you are not
connected to the grid or you want backup power, batteries
are required.
What Size Solar System Do I Need?
Golden State Power solar systems require approximately 100
sq. ft. of panel area to generate 1 kW of electricity. An
average 1,200 sq. ft. single-family home uses about 5,000
kilowatt hours of electricity per year. A 3 kW (AC) system
can generate nearly all of the electricity required for such
a home on an annual basis. The solar panels used in our power
systems have a 80-year design life, and up to a 25-year warranty.
Net Metering
Standard Net Energy Metering (NEMS), Expanded Net Energy
Metering (NEMEXP and NEMEXPM), and Wind Energy Co-Metering
(NEMW) are programs available to utility customers who generate
electricity using a photovoltaic (solar), wind turbine, or
hybrid (both wind turbine and photovoltaic) electrical generating
system. If you receive energy from an Energy Service Provider
(ESP) instead of buying electricity from your utility company,
you need to contact your ESP directly for information about
net metering programs.
Distributed Generation
Solar electric power systems are clean, silent, and have no
moving parts. In utility interconnected applications, they
reduce the need to move power over aging transmission lines.
Producing solar electric power at, or near, where it is used
and sending the excess power into the grid from thousands
of decentralized points, is helping us to change the way power
is produced and distributed.
Process, Installation, Rebate
Requesting a Free Site-Visit
As a property owner, if you are interested in learning more
about solar electric power systems call Golden State Solar
Power, Inc. (661-835-9166). We will answer any questions you
might have and arrange a site visit and energy audit.
Rebate
Upon signing a sales agreement, Golden State Power will submit
a reservation. After we receive a deposit and an application
for an eligible system, you will receive a claim form showing
the rebate dollar amount reserved in your name. When your
system has been permitted, installed, and is operational,
the confirmation form and your final inspection approval will
be submitted to the utility company for payment. In most cases,
we can accept the reservation form as a partial payment, thereby
reducing your up front costs.
Various State Tax Credits
Many states are currently offering tax credits. Our sales
personnel can advise you of the applicable credits in your
local and state regions. As an example, California offers
a 7.5% state tax credit for solar electric systems. This tax
credit is based on the net cost of the system (after rebate).
Solar electric systems are also exempt from property tax in
California.
Solar Economics 101
System Cost
The exact system cost will depend upon several factors, including
the ease of the installation. A typical system that would
power a residence with good southern exposure can be calculated
by our expert sales personnel. Residential systems generally
have a simple payback of twelve years. If you use, or would
like to use, $100 of solar energy per month, your out-of-pocket
costs are approximately $15,000 up front. Regardless of the
size of the solar system you purchase, it will cost about
one fifth the price of power from a utility company.
Net Metering
Net Metering allows you to use the electric utility grid like
a bank account. Electricity "credits" can be deposited
into the utility grid from your solar system. When you need
to withdraw, you can use electricity at the same net cost
to you. On typical sunny days, when you are making more electricity
than you need, your meter literally "spins backwards"
depositing your unused electricity into the grid. Later, when
you need it, you draw on those stored credits.
Financing A Solar Power System
If you are interested in financing a solar power system, call
Golden State Solar Power, Inc. for details.
661-835-9166
Rate increases
Public utility companies across the states are proposing
rate increases. Just recently, Southern California Edison
Company (SCE) filed its April 2005 Energy Resources Recovery
Account (ERRA) application with the CPUC on April 1, 2005.
SCE requests the recovery of the revenue requirement associated
with: (1) a Nuclear Unit Inventive Procedure reward of $12.7
million for the efficient operation through May 21, 2003 of
the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Sation Units 1,2, and 3;
and (2) Electric Energy Transaction Administration (EETA)
costs of $6.8 million recorded in SC#'s EETA Memorandum Account.
Compared to revenues at present rates as of April 2005, SCE
is requesting a revenue increase of $19.5 million, or 0.2
percent, in 2006 -- a total .21% increase.
The Really Big Savings
The biggest savings from installing a solar electric system
will be realized in future years. Average electric rates have
increased from approximately two cents per kilowatt hour in
1970 to approximately 15 cents per kilowatt hour in 2001.
That is an average rate of increase of 6% per year.
Financing A Solar Power System
If you are interested in financing a solar power system,
call Golden State Solar Power, Inc. for details.
Cost Savings Analysis
While monthly payments on a solar electric power system might
be about equal to the monthly electric bill today, as electric
rates increase, the financial benefit of a solar electric
system emerges. Solar allows property owners to lock in low
rates for the life of the system. If rates increase, as predicted
and expected, the price of electricity from the utility in
30 years will be cents per kilowatt hour!
Pending natural gas shortages are likely to push electric
rates higher in the near future. Ninety-seven percent of all
new power plants to come online in the past few years in the
United States use natural gas. The overall demand for natural
gas has increased over 10% during that time.
The Bottom Line
Solar is one of the best investments you will ever make.
To schedule a free site visit
call:
Golden State Solar Power, Inc. at 661-835-9166
Invest
in your Planet…the Return is High
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