PV Gap

Paul Said:

Can you take a Residential Energy Credit for solar accent lights?

We Answered:

No, solar accent lights do not qualify for the credit.

Here's a listing of what qualifies for the credit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ta…

Note what it says about photovoltaic panels: Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

The rinky-dink photo cells on accent lights merely recharge internal batteries on the light unit itself. They do not provide electrical power to the residence and as such do not qualify for the credit.

Clara Said:

Which company provides Residential Solar Energy Systems in California with solar panel installation?

We Answered:

Hi

Hot solar manages everything you need to power your home with solar energy, from your solar system design and financing to installation and ongoing system monitoring.Hot Solar company also provides solar energy systems in California, San Jose, Los Angeles,USA with Residential Solar Energy Systems.

Thanks

Tara Said:

what is the average cost of a solar energy system fully installed in a residential home?

We Answered:

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) of Texas has a useful calculator that can help you determine the costs and benefits of a solar energy system (link below). They've determined that: "Today, a reasonably priced PV system can supply a families' electricity if they use it efficiently, and if the electric grid isn't near, PV generated electricity may be the cheapest power source."

The Texas Solar Energy Society site has some good information. They're determination is that cost of energy generated from solar is still more expensive than buying "on the grid". (However, in 2006 the cost has risen to 14-16 cents/kWh in many cities.)

> "Compared to the current average price of electricity from a power plant (about 8 cents per kilowatt hour), PV electricity will cost you roughly twice as much, based on a 25 year lifetime.
The system will also appear expensive because you have to bear a large capital expense up front.
Generating enough electricity to power a home inherently takes a large collection area.
The most efficient way of utilizing PV, "grid attach", in which the electric utility buys back energy from you, and basically acts like a giant battery, is frequently discouraged by electric utilities (Austin is an exception). The fate of this "net metering" after deregulation is uncertain.
Batteries, used for energy storage, can be idiosyncratic and short lived, compared to the rest of the system.
As a way of displacing fossil fuel use (and pollution), it is less cost effective than basic conservation, passive solar techniques, and solar water heating. These should be considered first."

There are some Tax Credits:
The tax credits are for 30% of the cost of the system. For individuals the maximum credit is $2000 for photovoltaic systems and $2000 for solar water heating systems in any tax year.

Good luck! Sounds like an exciting project!

Jeremy Said:

What is residential and commercial solar energy?

We Answered:

I'm not sure if this is what they mean, but I think of "residential and commercial" as the same thing. The first is installed on a home, and the second is installed on a place of business. The commercial one can be larger if the business is large, but it's the same concept.

When a power conmpany constructs a solar plant to generate electricity to sell to to others, I think of that as Utility solar energy. I'm not aware of any such plants in the USA, except on an experiemntal basis.

Donald Said:

Do you know of any company that installs solar energy systems for residential homes in the Philippines?

We Answered:

try searching for BMG solar, JETT, solanda, philipps solar, clean n green, epoch, and h20 heating system.

Sergio Said:

What is the least expensive and efficient residential solar energy system one can install?

We Answered:

You know I bought 3 small security lights that run on light and they did not work so I am holding off on the big system. Plus PG&E is so expensive compaired to other companies.

Kelly Said:

Is it hard installing a residential solar energy system? A simple one.?

We Answered:

Depending on the rules in your area, you may be able to install at least part of it. You should, or may be required by law to, hire an installer to connect the AC side of it.

Do not get fooled by the build your own scams on the web. Most of them don't work, and those that do are not allowed to be connected to a home. You must get UL listed panels and inverter.

You can see some residential packages here, http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-…

To determine the size of the system you need, go to a grid-tied calculator like http://www.altestore.com/store/calculato…