Components of a PV System

(1) Roof Mounted Solar Panels
These panels absorb solar energy directly from the sun and convert it to (Direct Current) DC energy.

(2) Inverter
The inverter, or power converter, converts solar DC energy into AC electricity for your home or business.

(3) Electrical Panel
This distributes the electricity throughout your home, or back into the utility grid for use.

(4) Utility Meter
Where the excess energy from the PV system will flow into the utility grid through the meter. The energy sent into the utility grid will be credited to your account. Essentially the utility company is buying back your unused electricity.

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Introduction to Solar Power Grid-Tie Systems

A solar power system, known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, offers you the opportunity to generate electricity through solar power. This electricity is collected through a number of solar, or PV panels.

The word photovoltaic comes from “photo,” meaning light, and “voltaic,” referring to producing electricity.

PV systems have no moving parts, keeping maintenance and repair to a minimal if any.

A PV system allows you to not only leave less of an impact on the environment, but also allows you to live more independently from the utility company. The PV system will convert the sunlight into electricity without creating any air or water pollution. PV systems can be designed to meet most power needs, no matter how large or how small.

How It Works

The solar panels will be mounted at a fixed angle facing the south in order to receive the most energy from the sun. When the sunlight shines onto the panels the light is absorbed and then through the photovoltaic process transferred to DC current. The inverter will then convert the direct current (DC) from the panels into an alternating current (AC) which is required for your household appliances. The inverter will then send the AC electricity to the main electric panel in your home. From there the electricity will be used to run your appliances. If the electricity that is generated from your PV system exceeds the electricity needed for you home the excess will be directed back into the utility grid through your electric meter. When this occurs, your meter will run backwards, generating a credit with the utility company that can be used to offset future usage. This arrangement with the utility company is known as “net metering.”

The inverter “watches” the utility grid in case of power outage. If a power outage occurs, the inverter will immediately shut down the PV system. This way, if a storm breaks an overhead electrical wire your PV system will not send power through the electrical system possibly endangering the lives of utility workers attempting to restore the power to the grid.

When purchasing a PV system, an internet monitoring service is offered. This service tracks system productivity and will send an email alert if the productivity declines for any reason.

Top 5 Reasons To Go Solar!

1. Protect yourself from escalating costs
   Electricity costs go up each year. Over the past 35 years, the average increase has been 6.5% each year.
   
   
2. Support clean energy – Go Green!
   The average PV system will save nearly 175 tons of carbon dioxide over its 30-40 year lifespan. This is equivalent to removing 32 cars from the road.
   
   
3. Add value to your home
   The value of a PV system is added to the appraised value of your property. However, this does not increase your property tax.
   
   
4. Put money back into your pocket
   You can reduce or even eliminate your monthly utility costs for electricity. You also earn credits with the utility company for your excess power.
   
   
5. Rebates and tax credits are now available
   Various federal and state incentives are now available which can save you as little as 30% of the installation and material costs, and as much as 75%.

Incentives Available to Save You Money on Your Installation

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers a “Renewable Energy Resources Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program.”

• This rebate is worth 30% of the total cost of system installation including both labor and materials.
• This rebate is a competitive program and must be applied for before the installation begins.

The federal government offers a federal tax credit to be applied to your taxes for the fiscal year in which the system is installed.

• This rebate is for 30% of the total cost of system installation including both labor and materials.
• Excess credit may be carried over to the following year.

Net Metering is offered by ComEd.

• If your PV system generated more electricity that you need, ComEd will credit you by “buying back” the excess electricity. These credits can be used to offset usage at a later date.
• Although this incentive does not directly save you money on your installation, it will certainly benefit your wallet over time.

Highland Park Electric

By choosing Highland Park Electric you can’t go wrong. With over 25 years of experience in the electrical business we have plenty of expertise to share with you. We will start by coming to your home for a complimentary estimate to design you’re unique PV system and give you a quote for the price of labor and materials. After your decision has been made to go ahead with the project, our staff will assist you in applying for the competitive grant offered by DCEO. We will also file all of the necessary paperwork with ComEd for the Net Metering agreement. After completion of the necessary application processes our trained and experienced technicians will begin the installation process.

Depending on the size and complexity of the system, the installation can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days. After completion of your new PV system we will walk you through the system, showing you exactly how it works. We will also be sure you have all the necessary paperwork for filing your 30% federal tax credit.

It is our standard practice to be by your side through every step of the process to make sure you not only understand the way your system works but also so that you can cut the cost of installation by taking advantage of all the available incentives.