What are Solar Electric Power Systems

Solar Electric Power Systems (called Solar Photovoltaic Power or PV) use sunlight to generate electricity. A solar electric power system lasts for many years, and adds to the value of your home. There are no moving parts; so once solar modules, or panels, are installed they deliver energy as long as the sun shines. The solution is there, and you can be part of it.

A Solar Electric Power System lowers your utility bill, and helps reduce fossil-fuel consumption and global warming. The potential is huge – with current photovoltaic technology we could supply all the U.S. electrical power needs by covering only one third of one percent of our country’s land area in solar modules.

Discovering Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Kansas ranks high in it’s potential for Solar Energy.

Although Missouri does not rank as high as Kansas in it’s potential for solar energy many residential and business customers have decided to install Solar PV systems and are enjoying the benefits of solar power.

Some areas have net metering, allowing owners of solar electric systems to sell excess electricity back to the power company. The power companies benefit, because they buy electricity from you when they need it the most, during the day, when companies and air conditioning units are running at their peak. It is a true win-win situation. To see which state incentive programs for which you quality please visit: www.dsireusa.org or fill out our information form for a consultation.

To determine your electricity usage and actual costs associated with your use, take a look at your electric bill. To get a good representation of your energy use please collect at least 6 months of your most recent bills. Contact Good Energy Solutions, we will take a look at your electric bill and help you determine if a solar electric power system would be right for you.

Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

Some owners choose to remain off the grid if the cost of extending electrical lines to the house is not cost-effective. Some decide to become independent of all utility companies or if they want to go completely green. Those who choose to remain independent of the grid can still generate power for themselves in the event that the grid power cuts off, as in the event of a storm. These off grid systems use batteries to store the solar electricity to be used when the sun isn’t available. Some owners combine solar with wind using hybrid technology. So, when the sun is no longer shining power can be generated through a wind turbine. When choosing a battery for your off-grid system you will need to consider factors including battery size, cost, and durability.

Leasing a Solar System

Offers such as “no money down” to put solar on a roof as a lease is very enticing and is great for some owners, but not for all. Good Energy Solutions recommends owning your solar pv system as an investment of your property. Fannie Mae now recognizes solar as an asset and a solar pv system actually increases property value. However, leasing a solar pv system does not increase property value. Good Energy Solutions offers financing options for homeowners that want to own their system. Please understand the pros and cons before committing to a solar lease program.

Not all Solar Power Systems are the Same. Make sure to compare apples to apples when comparing bids.

PV (Panel) Module Efficiency. Solar Modules (sometimes referred to as solar panels) were compared at the Photon Laboratory in Germany. The benchmark for the yield measurement is based on the number of kilowatt-hours produced by the front side of a module. Not all panels are equally capable of collecting the same amount of energy. For example, the “cells” that make up the SunPower Solar Module absorb more sunlight than conventional cells. SunPower Maxeon Solar Cell scored “Highest of over 3,200 silicon solar panels,” according to the Photon Module Survey, Feb 2014. Basically, the solar cell technology collects about 75% more energy from the sun for the first 25 years than conventional solar panels. Additionally, the lines of metal pasted on the front of conventional cells can corrode, reflect light and reduce the power output. SunPower only sells their modules through qualified solar installation companies that ensure quality design and installations. Good Energy Solutions has been selected by SunPower to be an Authorized Dealer of SunPower Solar for Residential systems. Learn more about SunPower and see SunPower Solar Installations by Good Energy Solutions.

PV (Panel) Module Durability. While the performance ratio is the decisive criterion for the technical quality of a solar module, technology alone is not the only measurement. Long-term stability is equally significant for a product that needs to function well for at least 20 years. Panels that offer durability come with longer warranties. Modules made with a solid copper backing such as SunPower’s are less impervious to corrosion compared to other metals that can crack/lose power when exposed to temperature swings.

PV (Panel) Module Racking – Aesthetics matter. Proper racking provides a support for modules to ensure proper installation. A good racking system aligns solar modules evenly; creating a flush, clean line. Flashings for roof penetrations and wire management are extremely important for long lasting, worry free performance of PV systems.

Inverters. Micro-inverters attach to each solar panel and therefor make array expansion easy. Inverters that convert power for an entire array limit expansion of the system. Optimizers can be added to these string inverters to allow for more flexibility Also when micro inverters or optimizers convert power individually, shading on one panel won’t affect the output of the other panels. Micro inverters or optimizers allow you to get the most power from your system.

Monitoring. Some solar systems have the capability to be monitored on-line. You can see exactly how much power your solar electric system is producing as well as identify any modules that may be under producing. If you are leasing a solar pv system you might find it interesting to know exactly how much power the system is actually providing and if the lease makes sense. Every Solar PV System installed by Good Energy Solutions is monitored.

Am I a candidate for a Solar Electric Power (Photovoltaic) System?

Good Energy Solutions can help you determine if your home or business is a good candidate for a Solar Electric PV System. Let us inspect your property for proper sun exposure; and advise you on whether or not a solar power electric energy system is right for you or your business. Please contact us for more information on Solar Electric PV Systems. Let’s determine whether a grid-tied or battery back-up, roof or ground mount solar pv system is right for you.