United States

Sep 23rd 2013In the United States (especially California), the weather/climate is perfect for Solar. We believe that Solar will thrive the most in California because of the constant sunlight we receive. Most years, we have constant temperatures of 70's for 9 out 12 months. Also, we have desert like locations (palmdale/lancaster) that have focused primarily on renewable energy.

Dec 4th 2013Most of the United States is well suited to solar power production. The northern states and higher elevations make this more challenging because of large and frequent snowfalls. In North and South Carolina where we operate, solar can be widely used because snowfalls are rare and we have average rain levels.

Dec 17th 2013Very suitable: Santa Fe, NM is one of the best areas of the world for solar radiation.  We have about 310 sunny days a year, and the elevation of 7,000 feet keep the panels cooler than other areas, allowing them to produce optimum energy. 

Dec 4th 2013Going into 2014, the state of North Carolina provides a 35% personal tax credit on solar installations. South Carolina provides a 25% personal tax credit. In addition, the Federal tax credit is 30%, which means that the average consumer can take a tax credit close to 45% of the price paid for a solar photo voltaic system. There many details and some exceptions so please consult with your tax advisor.

Sep 23rd 2013In California, our local and federal government offers an incentive to leap forward in solar renewable energy. California itself is heavily invested in solar as its alternative energy. They have made new programs called Net metering to make solar a viable option for homeowners. Also, up to 40% in rebate money if you install solar panels.

Nov 8th 2013In Winona, and throughout the Midwest, you only buy from your utility the difference between what your solar electric system produces and the amount of electricity you are using.  This process is known as “net metering”. If the amount of electricity you are generating exceeds the amount you are using, your electric meter will actually spin backwards!  This results in additional savings, which is another factor in your decision to invest in a solar electric system. 

There are Federal, State, Utility, and other incentives specific to your area.  Your installer can design a solar electric system that maximizes your total economic return.

Sep 23rd 2013Solar installation is by far the best type of ROI you can get from any project around the house. Considering that the government returns 40% of the costs which ensures you get more value out of each panel. In addition to rebates, homes with panels sell for more than homes without.

Dec 4th 2013In North and South Carolina we are well positioned in the hemisphere for excellent solar production. A typical residential 20 panel system with 260 watt panels, will pay for itself in 15 years after state and federal tax credits. All the equipment comes with a 25 year warranty.  With no moving parts, systems can continue to general electricity for many years after the warranty at 80% or higher efficiency. That being the case, owner will be able to enjoy 10+ years of free electricity, saving thousands of dollars even in an area like Charlotte, NC where the electricity is cheap compared to other parts of the country.

Nov 8th 2013Each system will have a different payback period. Typically smaller systems will have a longer payback period and larger systems will have a shorter payback period, with some being under 5 years. Besides the economic payback, the system will also have an environmental payback. Along with each economic proposal, we will send you an environmental impact summary that shows you how your system is helping to save the environment.

Currently there are solar electric systems with modules that are still functioning well after 25 years and more.  With both controlled testing in a lab setting and observation in the field, 25+ years is a consistent mark.  So much so, in fact, that most reputable solar module manufacturers warranty their modules for 25 years.  

Nov 8th 2013Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency:
http://www.dsireusa.org/

DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is currently operated by the N.C. Solar Center at N.C. State University, with support from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. DSIRE is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.


Solar Energy Industries Association:
http://www.seia.org/

As the national trade association in the U.S., the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the power behind solar energy. Our member companies research, manufacture, distribute, finance, and build solar projects domestically and abroad.


US Government Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
http://energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality.


North Carolina Solar Center
http://ncsc.ncsu.edu/

The North Carolina Solar Center, at N.C. State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. The N.C. Solar Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. It also administers the Database of Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a resource providing financial incentives and policies.


Interstate Renewable Energy Council
http://www.irecusa.org/

Today, IREC is a nationally recognized thought leader, stakeholder coordinator, expert resource and facilitator of regulatory reform. Our work expands consumer access to clean energy; generates information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads national efforts to build a quality-trained clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for training programs and instructors.

IREC’s programs and policies benefit consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry. The results are visible in nearly every state, with rules that enable millions more consumers to participate in the clean energy marketplace — and practices that make it easier, safer and more affordable to connect to the utility grid.

Sep 23rd 2013US Department of Energy:
http://energy.gov/

Solar Energy Industry Associations:
http://www.seia.org/

Nov 8th 2013Oregon Department of Energy:
http://oregon.gov/ENERGY/

The Oregon Department of Energy was created in 1975 and helps to reduce the long-term costs of energy for Oregonians. The agency’s primary program goals include: encouraging investments in conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy resources (by offering tax credits, loans, and grants); providing information and assistance on ways to save energy (to households, businesses, schools, tribes and government agencies); providing technical help and financial incentives to promote the use of renewable energy; demonstrating the workability of new technology (energy-saving equipment, appliances, materials, manufacturing processes, and building practices); siting prudent, safe, and environmentally sound energy facilities; regulating the cleanup and transportation of radioactive wastes through the state; ensuring state preparedness to respond to accidents involving radioactive materials and providing oversight of the Hanford nuclear cleanup to ensure cleanup decisions are protective of Oregon and the Columbia River


Energy Trust of Oregon:
http://energytrust.org/

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable energy. Our services, cash incentives and solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save more than $1.3 billion on their energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible and builds a sustainable energy future.


Eugene Water and Electric Board:
http://www.eweb.org/

The Eugene Water & Electric Board, founded in 1911, is Oregon's largest customer-owned utility and provides electricity and water to more than 86,000 homes, business, schools and other customers in Eugene, Oregon. As a public utility, EWEB does not operate to earn a profit or to serve the investment needs of stockholders. Instead, EWEB is chartered by the city of Eugene to serve the interests of its citizens. The citizens of Eugene, therefore, are owners of the utility.


Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association:
http://www.oregonseia.org/

The Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association is a trade association founded in 1981 to promote clean, renewable, solar technologies. OSEIA works with industry leaders, academic scholars, legislators, government, and non-profit agencies to advocate for solar technologies and raise awareness of its potential to help secure an affordable, reliable, and clean energy future.
OSEIA supports a progressive legislative and regulatory structure that fosters the development of solar technologies, their residential and commercial development, and the potential for utility scale production. OSEIA promotes and advances solar energy utilization and commercialization through education and advocacy, ensuring that solar energy plays a significant role in Oregon’s renewable energy portfolio & making the Oregon solar energy industry nationally competitive.


Solar Oregon:
http://www.solaroregon.org/

Founded in 1979, Solar Oregon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.  Supported by its member organizations and individuals, Solar Oregon provides outreach and education on solar technology and its applications, methods for improving energy efficiency, and ideas for building a carbon-neutral future.  Recognizing that business plays a crucial role in reducing our environmental footprint, Solar Oregon also reaches out to the professional and corporate communities.              


American Solar Energy Society:
http://www.ases.org/

Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Our mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. We advance education, research and policy. ASES is the U.S. section of the International Solar Energy Society .

Nov 8th 2013Adding a solar electric system will definitely increase the value of your property.  How much depends on which sources you go to, but we have seen in print through real estate appraisers that it can be as much as twenty dollars for every one dollar invested in solar.  Although that is probably not the case for everyone, it will increase the value of your property and that makes purchasing a solar electric system an even greater investment for the long term. 

Nov 8th 2013Most experts agree that electric rates will continue to climb faster than inflation. As your own energy provider, you lock in power at a fraction of the current charges and prevent future rate hikes. A solar power system will allow you to free yourself from the utility company and the instability of global energy markets.

Nov 8th 2013Solar energy is a powerful vehicle for domestic job creation and economic growth.  The recently enacted stimulus package contains over $60 billion of energy related expenditures. This will expand tax credits, guarantee loans for businesses investing in solar, fund R&D, finance clean energy projects, and support “green” workforce development in America. Groups adopting solar PV are ahead of the curve, utilizing an efficient and rapidly growing technology.  It can speak volumes to customers, employees and stakeholders that one is committed to embracing and implementing “green” practices while still making economically sound decisions.

Solar photovoltaic systems benefit not only their owners, but also those in the community as well.  For companies, “going green” it is an excellent way to demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility.  Investing in solar power tells your employees, partners, clients and the public that your company intends to be a lasting presence that has a positive effect on our society and environment. It will signal that you care about the health of our environment and its impact not only on our lives, but also on the lives of our children and generations to come. 

Dec 5th 2013We can install a solar photo voltaic (PV) system in as little as a few weeks, but there are approvals to be met and processes to follow. It is important that you have a NABCEP certified installer such as Energy Wise Solutions, Inc.to install your system. We have the licenses, insurance, and knowledge necessary to perform the work. We are familiar with the local utility and county inspection regulations. We even work with your Home Owner's Associations (HOA's) as necessary. The structural integrity of each home is inspected and augmented when necessary. Because of our planning and experience, our installations result in years, even decades, of inexpensive and sustainable power for you and your family.

Nov 8th 2013In Winona, and throughout the Midwest, permits are usually required. However, your installer may handle the permit process and inspections.  All you will have to do is enjoy the feeling of comfort you get from having a qualified team on the job for you.

Nov 8th 2013When the system is operational, there will be an electrical inspection from DPP (Department of Planning & Permitting). An electrician from your installation company will meet the inspector and answer any questions he might have. You do not need to be home for this inspection. After this, HECO (Hawaiian Electric Companies) should be notified.

Dec 5th 2013In North Carolina, there are 3 options associated with grid/off grid system solutions; Net metering, selling your power to NC Green Power, or being off grid and installing a battery backup system.

The most common implementation is net metering. This allows you to draw electricity from your utility when your electricity consumption is greater than your panels are producing at that time. If you produce more than you use at any given time, your electricity goes into the grid and you create a credit. At the end of the month, you owe the difference between what you used and what you produced. If you produce more than you use, your credit passes to the next month. At the end of the year (June 30 for Duke Energy in North Carolina), you agree to donate any annual credit to NC Green Power. The average residential consumer does not have to worry about having too many panels installed, producing too much electricity, and therefore forfeiting credits at the end of the year. 

The other option is to sell your power production outright. There was a time when solar power producers were paid large sums to produce electricity and to sell it to NC Green Power. That is no longer the case. Today, you are paid less for your power than what it costs for you to purchase it. In other words, you may be receiving 6.5 cents per kWh to produce it but you may have to pay 9.8 cents per kWh to use it in your household. The average residential installation greatly benefits from net metering. In the case of net metering for example, you get a 9.8 cents per kWh credit when you produce it which the same as what you pay when you use it. We recommend that only large solar installations (solar farms) consider selling the power they produce.

Lastly, those that are considering solar could go "off the grid". That means that they are free of a electric utility provider. This can be ideal in rural areas where a electricity connection is not readily available, but for most people, this is not the best option. Off the grid systems usually employ the use of a battery backup to run their household appliances and systems i.e. air conditioner, water pump, heater, refrigerator, fan, etc. This can take a lot of power. Users have compensated for this by reducing their demands for power and changing their lifestyles. Nonetheless, a battery backup can double the cost of a solar PV system. Batteries typically require maintenance and only last 5 years. The availability of batteries from old electric vehicles is starting to drive battery pricing down, making this option more economical.

Aug 25th 2014Application for Interconnection.
Engineering and Plans submitted to AHJ
Progress inspections and Utility inspections of work
Interconnection can be expected in 4-12 weeks in most cases from signing contract with company

Jan 21st 2017please contact me Thanks! Joe (925) 577 9085 

Jan 21st 2017I saw you massege today, are you still need to install your solar system? I can give you help on your solar engineering and financial suggestion. Please contact me (925)577-9085 Thanks! Joe

Dec 5th 2013Leaf can assist 561-540-5323