Why Choose Solar
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Solar panels or solar modules, are typically installed on the roof. These panels are made up up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert absorbed sunlight into direct current (DC) power. The DC power from the solar panels is sent to an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) power, the standard electrical current used in homes. AC power travels from the inverter to the electrical panel (breaker box) making the power available to use in your home.
Your utility meter is continually measuring the electrical supply in your home. When your solar panel systems produces more power than your home needs, the meter will spin backward, accumulating credits with the utility company, offsetting your next power bill.
Your home remains connected to the utility grid to supply you with the electricity that may be lacking in your system, such as at night.
Solar Equipment
Solar panel systems are comprised of four main pieces of equipment:
1) Solar Panels
Solar cells are combined into panels, this includes a frame and electrical connections. These solar panels are installed on your roof (or in some cases on the ground) they collect the electricity from the sunlight.
2) The Inverter or Microinverters
The electrical device that converts direct current (DC) electricity collected from sunlight into alternating current (AC) electricity which can be used in your home.
3) Wiring
To prevent insufficient power transfer, we select wires that can handle the output from your system. We run wiring from your solar panel system to your net meter.
4) A Net Meter
An electricity meter that spins forward and backwards, it can track the electricity that your solar panel system puts into the power grid, and how much it has pulled from the grid.
Visit the Rocky Mountain Power website to learn more about Net Metering.
Solar Panel Residential Facts
A typical 5 kilowatt solar panel system will increase the value of your home by approximately $60,000 (without increasing property taxes) and can potentially reduce or eliminate your utility bill. Through both US and Utah Solar Incentives, installing solar electric panels on your home may entitle you to receive a 30% or more Tax Credit and a substantial rebate check from your utility provider.
Going green with alternative energy sources is the future, installing solar panels will contribute to a healthier environment for generations to come.
How Much Will I Save?
Electricity prices rise 4% a year in Utah: Utah’s electricity rates go up every year and are expected to continue to rise. The good news is that installing a solar panel system is a solution to help control these runaway costs.
RMP’s five largest rate-hike requests: Rocky Mountain Power is requesting to increase its rates by $232.4 million or 13.7 percent, its largest rate hike request ever.
December 2006, $194.6 million $115 million 9.15%
August 2008, $161.2 million $36 million 2.72%
May 2009, $160.6 million $45 million 2.32%
February 2001, $142 million $70 million 9.40%
April 2004, $125 million $65 million 6.98%
Source: Utah Public Service Commission
With 280-300 days of sunshine a year, Utahans are in a great position to offset their energy usage with alternative energy sources rather than rely solely on fossil fuel as it becomes prohibitively expensive.
Will Solar Help Lower Electricity Bills?
Yes! Becoming your own power source by installing solar panels is a giant step towards gaining energy independence and freedom from rising electricity rates. You can lower energy costs and reduce your bills immediately when you install solar panels on your home or business. When electricity rates in Utah climb, you’ll be largely protected because you will only be buying a small amount of electricity from the utility company.
Savings by installing a solar panel system can easily add up to thousands of dollars over the life of your system.
Based on today’s rates and by taking advantage of solar incentives, the an average 3 kilowatt solar panel array will provided over $17K of net savings over the life of the system!
Because of enhanced incentives, commercial business solar panel systems have an even better return.