Solar Technology Alabama |
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| 256-482-2063 |
| Alabama's Source for Renewable Energy Call or email today |
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| 30.5 kW Ground Mount PV System near Anniston, Alabama |
| 5 kW Roof Mount PV System |
| 25.6 kW Roof Mount System Anniston Museum |
| Grid Tied Solar PV (non-battery) |
| 256-482-2063 |
| Check this page often to see pictures of newly installed Grid-Tied Solar PV systems. |
| 3 kW Pole Mount PV System |
| Four Inverters at Anniston Museum |
CLICK this image to see this PV Plant's production
Grid-tie solar systems (often called grid-interactive) harvest solar energy from the sun and convert it to
electricity to feed your electrical loads. They reduce your consumption from the grid and thus, your
electric bill. Further, they "sell" excess energy back to the grid. They do NOT provide power if the
grid is down.
All grid-tied solar systems qualify for the 30% Federal tax credit.
With Alabama's electric rates among the lowest in the nation, saving money is currently not a good
reason to invest in a grid-tied solar system. They are very popular in California, Arizona, New Jersey,
and other states that offer incentives. The State of Alabama does not offer incentives and I don't
expect they will. Nor do I think the Alabama legislature will pass a law requiring Alabama utilities to
obtain a percentage of their power from renewable sources. (If you buy your electricity from the TVA,
you might be an exception. TVA Solar Power Program..)
Solar Tech has designed and installed a number of grid-tied systems, some of them quite large. Most
have involved government funding. So, in a way, you already own some solar. Your investment will not,
however, reduce your power bill.
If you are really interested in reducing your utility bill, consider a solar water heater. The savings are
real, it reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, the cost is reasonable, and the investment is sound.
There has never been a better time to purchase a solar water heater. For example, if you heat water
with electricity, a $5,600 solar water heater will save you around $27,000. A little less if you heat with
gas. At today's prices, a grid-tied PV system to save the same money will cost you around $15,000.
You don't need a calculator to do the math.
There are other reasons a grid-tied solar system may interest you. Read this - twice if necessary.
electricity to feed your electrical loads. They reduce your consumption from the grid and thus, your
electric bill. Further, they "sell" excess energy back to the grid. They do NOT provide power if the
grid is down.
All grid-tied solar systems qualify for the 30% Federal tax credit.
With Alabama's electric rates among the lowest in the nation, saving money is currently not a good
reason to invest in a grid-tied solar system. They are very popular in California, Arizona, New Jersey,
and other states that offer incentives. The State of Alabama does not offer incentives and I don't
expect they will. Nor do I think the Alabama legislature will pass a law requiring Alabama utilities to
obtain a percentage of their power from renewable sources. (If you buy your electricity from the TVA,
you might be an exception. TVA Solar Power Program..)
Solar Tech has designed and installed a number of grid-tied systems, some of them quite large. Most
have involved government funding. So, in a way, you already own some solar. Your investment will not,
however, reduce your power bill.
If you are really interested in reducing your utility bill, consider a solar water heater. The savings are
real, it reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, the cost is reasonable, and the investment is sound.
There has never been a better time to purchase a solar water heater. For example, if you heat water
with electricity, a $5,600 solar water heater will save you around $27,000. A little less if you heat with
gas. At today's prices, a grid-tied PV system to save the same money will cost you around $15,000.
You don't need a calculator to do the math.
There are other reasons a grid-tied solar system may interest you. Read this - twice if necessary.
- Click this link for information on battery-based grid-tied systems.
- No, I can't put a few solar panels on your roof and get rid of your electric meter.
- Yes, a grid-tied system can save you some money. But the investment has a 15 to 20 year break-
even. I can suggest some better ways to spend your money. - The best way to save money on your electric bill is to reduce your consumption. Period.
- If your house was built assuming 1) abundant and 2) low cost energy, a grid-tied solar system will
probably not work well for you. (A water heater will!) Some contractors are still building houses
with these assumptions. The owners will be very disappointed. If you build a house assuming
that energy will be scarce and expensive, solar energy will serve you very well. Plan on using as
much as you can afford. (It really does not cost any more to build an energy-efficient building.
Schedule a visit to the Alabama Solar Technology Center and see solar done right!) - The cost of solar energy has dropped around 30% in the last 4 or 5 years. It is still going down. If
you can afford to wait, you will get a much better deal. - A small grid-tied system will cost around $15,000 installed. The government will pay 30% or
$4,500, via tax credit. If you want one and can afford it, please call quickly.
| Flow Diagram of Grid-Tie Solar PV System Source: Home Power Magazine |
| Roof Mounted PV Array Montgomery, AL |
| Parking Lot Cover Array Montgomery, AL |
| Structure Mounted Arrays Montgomery, AL |
| Roof Mounted 100 kW Inverter Montgomery, AL |
| Roof Mounted PV Array Montgomery, AL |