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1. How does a solar electric system work?
A solar electric system is a collection of
photovoltaic panels connected together to create
an array of the desired size (wattage). For
example an array may be composed of ten, 200
watt panels forming a 2,000 watt (2 kW) system.
In general terms, a solar electric system with a
centralized inverter follows this general
design. The framed PV modules sit side-by-side
on a rack and the wires from the individual
modules are connected together and run to a
“combiner box” which combines the outputs from
the individual strings of modules into a larger
output. The power runs to the balance of system
components typically located within the home.
The PV array produces DC power which, in a
normal grid-tied application, is converted into
AC power by an inverter and then connected to a
utility meter or your load center (electrical
service panel) to power the loads in the home.
If more power is being produced by the solar
electric system than consumed by the home’s
loads, the excess power flows out onto the power
grid. The utility credits the homeowner’s
account in a relationship called net metering.
2. Why should I get a site assessment?
If you are wondering if you have a good site for
a solar electric system (not all homes are ideal
for solar) and if you’re curious how a solar
electric system would offset your current
electricity consumption, a solar site assessment
would be beneficial to you. In a site assessment
we will give you a site-specific analysis of how
a solar electric system can help your energy
needs and give you an estimate of the costs,
incentives, and payback terms for a solar
electric system.
3. What is the cost of a site assessment?
The full cost of a site assessment is $250 for a
residential site assessment within the Fox
Valley and $350 for a non-residential site
assessment within the Fox Valley. This includes
travel to the site, a comprehensive interview
with an electricity consumption audit, solar
readings, and a written report detailing the
property’s solar potential and available
financial incentives.
4. Can I get a quote for a solar electric system at my site without a solar electric site assessment?
Please contact us via e-mail
for these requests. We will be happy to speak
with you over the phone to assess your
situation.
5. What is the best way to contact us?
The best way to contact us is via e-mail at customerservice@appleton-solar.com.
We will reply to e-mails within 48 hours.
6. What is Focus on Energy?
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program. It is a statewide partnership that works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy programs help residents and businesses save energy and money, promote instate economic development, protect our environment and help control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas.
7. Who is eligible for Focus on Energy services and incentives?
Customers who purchase their electricity and/or
natural gas from participating utilities are
eligible for Focus on Energy services and
incentives. You can find out which incentives
you’re eligible for by using the
Find It with Focus website or by calling
Focus on Energy at 800-762-7077.
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What are the Federal, utility, and
Focus on Energy incentives for solar
electric systems? |
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The Federal government passed the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008. The following are a few of the highlights of the bill. |
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An eight-year extension of the 30% credit (no cap) for residential and commercial solar installations through December 31, 2016 |
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Allow filers of the alternative minimum tax to claim solar electric installations |
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Wisconsin utilities allow
net-metering for all photovoltaic
systems. Utility specific solar
electric system size requirements
must be met to qualify for net
metering rates and restrictions do
exist. Net-metering means that the
utility will credit the customer for
the kWh produced at the current rate
being charged. |
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Focus
on Energy Incentives for
photovoltaic (solar electric)
systems are subject to change
biannually. Please contact us or
visit
www.focusonenergy.com/renewable
for the current incentives. |
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