Choosing a Solar Contractor to Install a Photovoltaic Solar Panel System

Choosing a Solar Contractor 

What is the best way to install a photovoltaic solar panel system? If it work hiring a contractor and paying them to walk on your roof or should you purchase a solar-kit and perform a self-installation. If you choose to use a contractor, you must check the following:

 

• A current, up-to-date contractor license
  • Make certain that the contractor is qualified to work on your home
• Insurance
  • When working on your roof, you are responsible for the installers. You do not want to get sued if one of the workers is injured. Make certain that the contractor has the proper insurance
• Experience
  • You want someone who has installed multiple solar systems. Do not make your house the guinea pig.
  • The contractor knows how to install to maximize your rebates. He most also knows how to apply for the rebates.
• Price
  • If you find a contractor offering an extremely low price, chances are he is missing one of these pieces. Insurance is most likely the missing component.
• Longevity
  • A low price might mean that the contractor is losing money while installing a photovoltaic solar system. You want a contractor that will be around in case you have issues with your photovoltaic solar panel system.
• Quality
  • Research the contractor to make sure he has done a quality job in the past.

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

California Solar Initiative

In 2007, Calfornia started a solar project to push the state green through 3 gigawatts of photovoltaic solar installations by 2017. Last year (2008), the solar capacity of California more than doubled. 156 mW were added (compared to 81 mW in 2007). Even with the economy, it is projected that over 150 mW of solar systems will be added this year.

California has committed $3.3 billion toward the photovoltaic installation. $2.2 billion of the budget is used by the California Solar Initiative program, which gives individuals and businesses rebates for installing photovoltaic solar systems. As of right now, 13% of the goal of photovoltaic installations has been reached.

The goal of the program in to push solar panel development and make them affordable for every family. With all of the solar panel development, the price of solar panels is decreasing. But with the rebates available through programs such as the California Solar Initiative, the cost of a solar system is reduced by 50%.

It will take a while for the price of a solar system to drop 50%. Well before the price drops 50%, the rebates will be gone, forcing homeowners to pay for a solar system on his/her own. A homeowner who takes advantage of the rebates now has an advantage over a homeowner who waits for the price of solar to drop: the homeowner is years closer to paying off his solar system and producing free electricity for his home. <read more>

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

Virginia Homeowner Discovers the Value of Solar

From placement on our cars to power fans while we are away to our homes to provide relief from rising energy prices, photovoltaic solar panels are becoming trendy.

Ben Cuker, a homeowner in Virginia, discovered the value of a solar system this summer. In June 2008, his electricity bill was $340. This summer, he has spent $131 total (June, July, and August).

The intial investment of $19,000 was not cheap, but with the 30% federal solar rebate, which saved Ben nearly $6,000, the system should pay for itself in 10 years. The photovoltaic solar panel system also increases the home value. According to "Real Estate Appraisal Association", for ever $1 of electricity saved, the home value increases by $20. To recover the $13,000 Ben spent on his photovoltaic solar system, Ben needs to save $675/year in electricity.

But this does not account for all of the additional benefits of the photovoltaic solar system. He is protected from blackouts and rising energy prices (which will increase his return on investment). In addition, he can sleep easy knowing that he is doing his part to curb global warming.

Rich Hessler
Clean Family Energy
Receive a free solar quote.

<Go to original article>

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

RETROFIT DETROIT WITH SOLAR ROOFS

RETROFIT DETROIT WITH SOLAR ROOFS

Michigan governor signs solar bill to retrofit Detroit rooftops with photovoltaic solar panels to meet 20% carbon emissions reductions by 2020.

After a year and a half of depressing news, Detroit was ready for this. The governor signed a bill that willl place solar panels on roofs of detroit buildings costing as little as $6,000. This bill has two purposes.

1. Reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020
2. Create jobs for one of the hardest hit states

The estimated growth of the state economy from the measure: $25 billion. The governor has budgeted $25 million for solar rebates. Much of this money will be used by DTE Energy, the local electricity company. It will pay residents to install photovoltaics on their roofs to stay complient with government standards of increasing the use of renewable energy.

Currently, the rebate pays $2,400 /KW installed. This is in addition to the 30% tax credit. These rebates can reduce the initial investmet of a solar system to $6,000.

Initially, renewable energy costs much more than fossil-fuel based energy. The only difference - the energy to create electricity is free with renewables, reducing the lifetime cost of the system. With a city that has been hit so hard with the rise of fuel costs, it's time to create an electricity grid that does not rely on fuel.

Read More Articles

Rich Hessler
Solar Training Class
Learn how to sell solar using a proven sales process

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

Solar Training - New Career Techniques

Solar Training - New Career Techniques

Studying and understanding the latest renewable technology, including photovoltaics, is integral with Green Building. According to the Department of Labor, the green industry will create 5 million jobs to support the expanse of renewable electricity generation. Many universities have green programs where students can learn about green technology and their applications to our lives. Since the programs are new, many universities are offering the courses off-site so students can see green ideas implemented into new construction.

With money-saving materials and products, it’s no wonder that new construction is investing in green. By incorporating renewable energy and energy efficiency into building, investors and property owners can save thousands.

One of the major player are photovoltaic solar panels. Solar panels can provide anywhere from 50-100% electricity generation for the property, drastically reducing the cost of utilities. Due to this, many schools and organizations are providing courses for solar installation, solar design, and solar sales training. These course use the latest teaching techniques including convenient webinars. Courses are still offered in traditional school buildings, but an increasing number are held online.

Solar education is also starting with younger children. Schools are being encouraged to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades. If a school installs photovoltaic solar panels to provide for some of its electricity, it can use the panels as a physical example of green building to the youth. It also encourages the youth to pursue green careers.

Currently, the issue is educating the general population about renewable energy. Right now is the ideal time for education. With the economy down and a large unemployed population, we have time to dedicate to educating ourselves. One of the brightest fields to gain an education is photovoltaics. The options include solar installation training (to install solar systems), pv solar design (to design systems), and solar sales training (you have to sell the system before you can install it).

Why not take advantage of the recession to put yourself ahead with a solar education?

Read More Articles

Rich Hessler
Solar Training Class

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

Organic Solar Outlook

Organic Solar Outlook

Research and Markets has released a report on the outlook of organic photovoltaic solar panels, technology that generates useable electricity directly from sunlight.

Solar panels have been used for centuries, but currently is huge in providing stable, renewable electricity to remote areas. Organic solar panels, photovoltaic cells made of organic materials that become electrically active when placed in light, is a new and growing area of photovoltaics. This report examines the industry as well as fully explaining organic solar cells.

Outline of the Organic Solar Outlook report:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction to Solar Power
• Overview
• A Look at the Utility of Solar Power
• Daylighting
• Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
• Overview
• Applications of Solar PV
• Stand Alone PV Systems
• Introduction to Organic Photovoltaics
• Introduction
• Are Traditional Solar Cells better than Organic PV Cells?
• OPVC Production Impacts
• Introduction
• Processing Techniques for OPVCs
• Case Studies
• National Solar Technology Roadmap
• Major Players
• Appendix
• Glossary
• About the Publisher
• List of Figures and Tables
• Figures
• Tables
• Companies Mentioned

 

Read More Articles

Rich Hessler
Solar Training Class

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

Promote Your Solar Business to Homeowners with a Free Solar Webinar

Free Solar Webinar

Free Solar Webinar is an Education Special Offer give-away you can plug into your existing marketing campaigns.

Increase your marketing response rates?

1. Educate your ideal target market
2. Provide appealing special offers to act now
3. Use quality branding & graphics designSolar Free Estimates and Solar System Discounts are great special offers for property owners ready to buy. However, you may be aware many more property owners want more education about the benefits of solar.

    

   Educational special offers allow you to engage property owners earlier in the buying cycle so you have the advantage of a trusted relationship to close the deal.

   Are you aware your marketing must include special offers to buy now AND learn more? View Samples:

   • Free Solar Webinar logo <sample>
   • Registration form for your website <sample>
   • Branded tickets with your unique Savings Code <sample>
   • Branded landing page and domain: <sample>
   • Branded Thank You page with a special offer <sample>
   • Branded auto-response emails to your guests

   Are you ready to increase your marketing response rates?

   Sign up to learn more.

Posted via web from richhesslersolar's posterous

Marymount High School Installs Solarbrellas

Marymount High School Installs Solarbrellas

A local high school in Los Angeles goes green by installing photovoltaic (PV) solar umbrellas, Solarbrellas, to power computers.

SKYShades Solarbrellas, each of which produces over 600 watts of electricity from the sun, are being installed at Marymount High School to power students' laptops. After a recent initiative, to give every student in the preparatory school a laptop computer, the school looked into green ways to power the instruments.

SKYShades Solarbrellas came to the rescue. Four Solarbrellas will be installed across the expanive campus and is part of the Marymount High School Green Team. Each Solarbrella uses an Organic-based Photovoltaic Solar Panel to produce electricity from sunlight. Since they are organic-based, the Solarbrellas are recycleable. They are predicted to produce enough electricity to power four laptops for 9 hours a day.

This step of becoming green will help to educate students and faculty about the benefits of renewable technology and hopefully encourage the entire community to take steps to become greener. In addition, some of the science corriculum will be shifted to educating the youth on renewable energy. The Solarbrellas will provide students with a perfect, visible example of renewable energy at work.

Read More Articles

 

Posted via web from Free Solar Webinar - Benefits of Photovoltaic Solar Systems

Marymount High School Installs Solarbrellas

Marymount High School Installs Solarbrellas

A local high school in Los Angeles goes green by installing photovoltaic (PV) solar umbrellas, Solarbrellas, to power computers.

SKYShades Solarbrellas, each of which produces over 600 watts of electricity from the sun, are being installed at Marymount High School to power students' laptops. After a recent initiative, to give every student in the preparatory school a laptop computer, the school looked into green ways to power the instruments.

SKYShades Solarbrellas came to the rescue. Four Solarbrellas will be installed across the expanive campus and is part of the Marymount High School Green Team. Each Solarbrella uses an Organic-based Photovoltaic Solar Panel to produce electricity from sunlight. Since they are organic-based, the Solarbrellas are recycleable. They are predicted to produce enough electricity to power four laptops for 9 hours a day.

This step of becoming green will help to educate students and faculty about the benefits of renewable technology and hopefully encourage the entire community to take steps to become greener. In addition, some of the science corriculum will be shifted to educating the youth on renewable energy. The Solarbrellas will provide students with a perfect, visible example of renewable energy at work.

Read More Articles

 

Posted via web from Free Solar Webinar - Benefits of Photovoltaic Solar Systems

Untitled

Marymount High School Installs Solarbrellas

A local high school in Los Angeles goes green by installing photovoltaic (PV) solar umbrellas, Solarbrellas, to power computers.

SKYShades Solarbrellas, each of which produces over 600 watts of electricity from the sun, are being installed at Marymount High School to power students' laptops. After a recent initiative, to give every student in the preparatory school a laptop computer, the school looked into green ways to power the instruments.

SKYShades Solarbrellas came to the rescue. Four Solarbrellas will be installed across the expanive campus and is part of the Marymount High School Green Team. Each Solarbrella uses an Organic-based Photovoltaic Solar Panel to produce electricity from sunlight. Since they are organic-based, the Solarbrellas are recycleable. They are predicted to produce enough electricity to power four laptops for 9 hours a day.

This step of becoming green will help to educate students and faculty about the benefits of renewable technology and hopefully encourage the entire community to take steps to become greener. In addition, some of the science corriculum will be shifted to educating the youth on renewable energy. The Solarbrellas will provide students with a perfect, visible example of renewable energy at work.

Read More Articles

 

Posted via web from Free Solar Webinar - Benefits of Photovoltaic Solar Systems