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Many federal and state tax incentives are available to help reduce the cost of installing new photovoltaic systems. Grid tied systems can be installed to either reduce or eliminate the electric utility costs for the home or business. Solar photovoltaic cells and panels are a well-developed and reliable technology. What is most important is that the economics of solar cell installations are improving rapidly so that installations can be both “environmentally friendly” and make sound economic sense.  Photovoltaic may be set up in three basic configurations ways: Standard grid connected, grid connected with Backup and Off-Grid. A standard grid connected system is the most popular type. These systems are used where the available grid power is reliable and where a rare power outage is acceptable. These systems have the advantage of not requiring batteries and their associated cost. Grid connected with backup has a battery system to provide power in locations with frequent power outages or where any interruption of power is unacceptable. These systems are somewhat more expensive than standard systems since they require batteries, battery charge controllers and a specific inverter system. Off –grid systems are used in remote locations where grid power is either unavailable or hookup costs are large and may be used to instead to pay for an off grid renewable system. Photovoltaic systems are very reliable since they usually have no moving parts. Most panel manufactures have warranties of 20 years on panels and 10 years on inverters.  Individual cells are mounted together in modules or Panels. These may be either rooftop mounted, wall mounted or ground rack mounted. Panels should be sited so as to be free of shade between about 9 am and 3 pm. Off –grid panels are angled southward equal to the locations latitude. Gridded systems are best angled to the locations latitude minus about 5 degrees. Photovoltaic panels can range in cost from 4-6 $ per watt, Mounting racks, wiring, charge controllers and inverters may add an additional 4-6 $ per watt. Installations in northern on more cloudy areas will produce about 750 - 950 kilowatt hours per year for each installed kilowatt of capacity. Areas with less cloud cover can produce up to 1400 Kilowatt-hours for each installed kilowatt. Environmental Energy Solutions works with the full range of solar panel manufactures. We will work with you in designing and installing the best system for your budget as well as provide complete economic performance analysis for the planned installation.
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