Photovoltaic (PV) cells are the component of a solar panel that captures the light. Here’s a quick description on how it works:

1. Sunlight hits the cells and creates DC (direct current) power.

2. The DC power is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into AC (alternating current) power. Your home runs on AC power.

3. The AC power goes from the inverter to the house’s energy meter. When the sun is shining, power from the panels are used to power your home and any extra power generated from the panels is sent back to the grid. When this happens the power meter will turn backwards. However, at night, when the panels are not producing energy, the house uses power from the grid. If you wanted to be totally independent from the power grid you would have the same system generating power into batteries and you would use the batteries as your nighttime power source. This system would be much larger and more expensive.

Although there are many components to a solar system the most important is the PV panels. There are three kinds of panels based on which type of cell they use. Those three types of solar cells are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous.

Monocrystalline cells are cut from a silicon ingot grown from a single large crystal of silicon.

Polycrystalline cells are cut from an ingot made up of many smaller crystals.

Amorphous or thin-film solar cells are made by depositing a thin film of silicon onto a sheet of another material such as steel. The panel is formed as one piece and the individual cells are not as visible as in other types. Thin film has the advantage of being cheaper to produce than crystal cell technology. It costs less but, is also less efficient and there is very little known about the durability of the product.

The most common type of solar panel you would use in Orange County is Monocrystalline (Mono) or Polycrystalline (Poly). Both are good and both have their strong points.

The mono panels are a little more expensive and produce a little more energy. They are also more sensitive to heat. Poly panels are less expensive and produce less, but work better in hotter areas. Either panel is a good choice as long as you go with a good manufacturer. You can find more information on our home page under “Choosing The Right Panel.”

Before we get into the technical explanation of how to arrive at cost, we can save you some reading time.  There is a current rule of thumb today on how much a solar system should cost in Orange County after the size has been properly determined.  You take the size of the system in DC watts and multiply it by $5.75 and that will get you really close.

Now, lets look at the exact figures in determining your cost.  Here are most of the factors that will affect sizing of your solar system in the Orange County area.

Power demand is how much energy you use per year and this is typically measured in kilowatt hours.

Then, how much you pay for those kilowatt hours is really important.  Not everyone pays the same amount per kilowatt.

Also, the time of day you use your power matters.  There are different rates for different times of the day.  If you are with SDG&E for example and using power during business hours then you will pay up to four times more for that power than what you would for the rest of the day.  This is a good lead into sizing. 

Sizing will be different for each person’s individual needs.  You may think- my neighbor has the same size house and same size bill just like mine and he just installed a system for $18,000 after rebates.  So, my system will cost the same.  Not exactly, what if your family is gone during the day and you neighbor works from home and his wife is also home with their baby?  Two different scenarios two different size systems.  Your system will be smaller and cost much less because of what you are paying for power compared to your neighbor.

Solar fraction is something that will differ among different property owners.  Solar fraction is simply the percentage of your power bill you want to eliminate with your solar system.  Some people want to offset the most expensive charges on their bill which might be 75%, while others want to wipe out their bill all together which would be 100%.  These different scenarios will require different size systems.

The next factor is your type of roofing material.  If you have a tile roof then there will be an extra cost involved for the labor in moving those tiles when installing a solar system.  Composite shingle roofs don’t require extra care when installing.  Another factor is if your system would be ground mounted.  A ground mounted system will involve more labor and materials than a roof mounted system.

The last thing we want to look at is what geographic concerns are there?  Different areas have different challenges and benefits.  Is your house coastal and affected by the marine layer?  Are you far inland and have temperatures over 100 degrees? Are you in the desert that has a lot of dust collection?  These factors will determine not only size modifications but also type of panel used.

Your solar professional should take all these factors into consideration and come up with the size system that meets your individual needs.  Once you have the right size system you can then compare price.  That is when you divide the total cost before rebates by the watts installed.  You should come up with a figure around $5.75.  That is how much your system should cost.

We do understand that you may feel overwhelmed when reading all this information and that is understandable.  We would like to reassure you that the solar installers we recommend have the skill set and experience to handle all of your needs properly.

We would also like to welcome any questions and concerns you might have along the way.  We would love the feedback!  Just email us on our contact page and we will answer your concerns within 24 hours.

“My power bill is so high I need solar.” One of the first things we ask people is if they have looked at what uses power in their home?  Sometimes changing out old appliances and HVAC  to new energy star rated equipment can make a huge difference.  What about insulation?  Is your attic properly insulated?  That is an easy and economical fix.  A good solar professional should address these issues with you if your bill is higher than normal.

“If I get a solar system that is too big for my needs can I make money off the power company?”  Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.  The goal is to offset your power demand from the grid and the power companies will give you rebates to do that.  They don’t want to pay you for power you produce over your own demand.  Even though both SDG&E and Edison have said they will, they still haven’t said how much they will pay you in that case.  We can only assume it will not be near what you are paying for it.

“I want solar because I don’t want any more power outages.”  In theory this sounds logical because you will own your own power source, but being tied to the local power grid doesn’t work that way.   The way solar works is like a building a credit and debit system with your energy provider.  During the day when the sun is shinning you will be feeding power to the grid thus building a credit.  At night when you aren’t producing power you will need to draw on the credit you produced during the day.   This helps explain why you will lose power when everyone else does.  If the power goes out in your neighborhood workers will be working on the power lines.   If your system were feeding power to the lines at that time the workers would be unable to fix them.  Your system has an automatic shut off to prevent this problem.

“I don’t know if solar is the right fit for us but, owning your own power source sounds like a no lose situation.”  Solar is not the right fit for everyone.   If you are energy efficient and your bill is less that $200 a month then it might not make sense.  It would take too long to pay the system off.

“We plan on putting a lot of palm trees close to the house.”  That might not be a good fit since they will grow and make shade for the system.  On the other hand people who are good candidates for a solar system tell us they will be moving in a few years and don’t want to install a system and move.  It is proven in CA that solar increases the value of your home $20,000 to $40,000.  What about the marketability of your home if you sell?  If you are looking at two similar houses in the same neighborhood, one with solar and one without, which one will you choose?

“Prices on solar keep coming down, I think I’m going to wait a little longer.” That is true to a certain point and that point may have been reached today.  Let me explain.  The solar industry has seen many manufactures come into the market which has driven down the price to produce panels.  How much further can they go?  That is a good question since the main price of a panel is in the silicon crystals they use to make them with.  Those silicon crystals are in demand.  As we know if something is in demand price will go up.  Another thing to consider is the rebates and incentives.  Will they keep going?  Will there be more to come?  Well, we can’t tell you that.  What we can tell you is that the rebates from SDG&E, Edison and PG&E have all been decreasing and will run out.  The 30% Federal tax credit will expire in 2016 and the 100% Bonus Depreciation for business will be reduced to 50% in 2012 and gone in 2013.

None of us know what the future holds but we can tell you the state of the market today and it is as strong as we have seen it since PV Solar came into the market.

Other than the obvious reason of reducing your electric charges for the next 25-30 years, let’s address the other benefits to the home or business owner.

According to a new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, they have shown that for every 1000 watts of solar power you install will increase the value of your property by $6,250.  A typical residential system is 6 kilowatts or 6000 watts, which would equate to $37,500 increase in value to your home.  That same system will cost you $22,200 after rebates to install.  How does that sound for return on investment?   Even if your solar system didn’t add any value to your property it sure would add to the marketability to your home.  If you were looking at 3 similar homes to purchase, two without solar and one with, which one would you buy?

There is a 30% Federal Tax Credit available to homeowners and businesses going solar. Businesses qualify for a grant in lieu of the tax credit, but this grant will expire 12/31/11.

Which means they can receive a rebate check in the mail from the Federal Government.  Businesses can also depreciate the total value of their solar systems on an accelerated schedule.  What would normally take 10 years to depreciate you can do in 1 year.  This is known as the 100% Bonus Depreciation, which will be reduced to 50% in 2012 and then gone in 2013.

Home and business owners can also receive The CSI rebate that pays any where from $0.25/watt up to $1.60/watt.  That can pay for 5-10% of your system cost. Unfortunately the CSI rebates continue to decrease as more people go solar and that can make systems more expensive over time.

Energy Independence

Installing a solar system in your home can reduce the need to send electricity long distances over transmission lines.  No need to generate power from a distance or rely on a power plant. In fact, solar electric systems lighten the load on the already over-burdened grid, increasing efficiency and energy security, You can have full control over your electricity expenses. By going solar now, you lock-in your electricity costs for the next 25+ years.  The use of solar energy for California and its residents and leaves a legacy of clean energy and a strong, unsoiled, environment for generations to come.

Environment

A typical 6 kW system prevents more than 8 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere – the equivalent of planting over an 2 acres of trees each year!  Solar energy is a renewable alternative to power plants that burn fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases, which lead to global warming. The decision to go solar, made by thousands of people and businesses, reinforces California’s commitment to a healthy environment.

Solar helps control your costs, manage your energy risk, and increase your cash flow. You transform an energy expense into a fixed asset. Own your personal power source and feel good doing it.

Everyone these days knows that there are ways to help the environment and keep our world turning in a positive way. One of the most obvious ways is solar energy. Professional solar energy installers in Orange County, California are ready to help you save money and protect the environment by helping you through the myriad of details involved in “going green.”

If you’ve made the leap from sitting on the sidelines to being determined to help keep the planet Earth green any way you can, converting to solar energy should be part of that decision.

It may have been easier to keep the old status quo and pay those skyrocketing electric bills when the economy was great, but now that it’s turned south, everyone is looking for ways to economize. Saving money, along with helping the environment is a win-win situation for everyone.

Global warming has actually become a bigger threat to us than terrorist attacks. Droughts have also taken their toll on our already ravaged land, and it’s time for everyone to consider harnessing the sun’s power rather than burning fossil fuels for our energy needs.

Orange County solar energy installers can guide you from choosing the correct solar energy units for your home or building, to installing and even helping you apply for tax credits.

You’ll need to consider the layout of the site or building which will benefit from solar energy. If you are thinking of installing a solar energy unit in your home, the solar energy installers in Orange County will consider design, insulation and other factors when working with you to decide on a system that will fit your needs.

Installing solar energy panels in a business requires some of the same expertise, plus factors such as sun exposure to each area of your business and legal factors about installing the panels on the roof or elsewhere.

Investing in solar energy can increase savings in energy costs and value of your home besides benefiting the environment. Professional Orange County solar energy installers can calculate your savings and provide information about the value increase and rebates that you might qualify for.

Qualified solar energy installer will provide free estimates and facts about how you can improve your life and the environment with solar panel systems. They’ll also be able to lead you through the installation process including:

• How solar panels can be installed on many different types of roofs.
• Demonstrate how the panels should be installed, including the “flashed-in” method.
• Advice on installing backup units that you may need.

Professional solar energy installers in Orange County who will answer all your questions and provide references for completed work aren’t difficult to find if you do a little preliminary research. Begin your research online and be ready to become involved in the “going green” movement.

Solar energy contractors in Orange County, California are ready and willing to provide you with information and estimates for solar units and installation that fit the specifics of your building.

More people than ever are realizing that solar energy is the way of the future and a major commitment in helping to save our delicate eco-system. Installing solar panels can save money by supplementing your current electricity supply, increase the value of your home or building and use clean energy powered by the sun to protect the environment.

If you live in Orange County, California, you know that heating and cooling costs have reached sky-high prices. Now is the time to consider solar energy for your home or building and to reap the benefits, both financially and peace of mind.

With the demand for solar energy, many companies have popped up all around Orange County. When you’re ready to shop for solar panels, don’t rush into a contract. You’ll want to check out the companies that are advertising their wares before signing on the dotted line. Here are some things you should look for before you decide on an Orange County solar energy contractor:

• Is the company certified to install solar energy systems in the state of California?
• Are they listed on the Better Business Bureau website?
• Check out the local solar energy contractors. They may be more financially stable than a global company and strive harder to give you good customer service for the long term.
• Check references. A reputable solar energy contractor in Orange County should provide a reference list and you should definitely check some of them out before you sign a contract.
• A solar energy contractor should have a current electric license. The rules for installing solar energy systems are always changing and contractors should be kept aware of these changes.

Orange County solar energy contractors should always be willing to answer your questions and to provide you with copies of any certification or licensing you should ask for.

The solar system unit that you choose should be especially designed for your building or space. A solar energy contractor in Orange County should be able to advise you about climate issues such as temperature, roof and ground mount pitch, wind speed and cloud cover issues.

They should also be able to give you a fair estimate about how much power output you’ll get after installation and setup. Some issues of installing a solar energy system can be addressed with proper design, wiring and sizing.

Begin your search for solar energy contractors in Orange County by looking online. Then, follow up with a visit or phone call and questions based on your research.

Whether you’re interested in finding solar power contractors in Orange County that can replace an outdated unit in your home or commercial building or accommodate new construction, it’s crucial that you do a little research ahead of time to find a reputable company.

You’ll want to find out as much as you can about solar power before interviewing contractors. Then, you’ll be equipped with a list of questions and requirements that the contractors should have before you engage them to install solar power.

Reputable solar power contractors in Orange County should be able to answer your questions about how choosing solar power can convert to money saved in tax rebates and electricity bills. They should also have a list of references and proper certification and licenses.

Begin your search for Orange County solar power contractors by checking out their websites. Contractors should list their products and provide information about installation and what you can expect to save in energy costs within your area.

A contractor should also be able to provide design ideas and options to maximize the benefits of installing a solar power system. There are so many types of units, and the one you choose should take full advantage of the space and site you’ve chosen.

If you’re installing a solar hot water system, reputable solar power contractors in Orange County should be certified by the California Solar Incentive-Thermal Program and should be able to counsel you on how to apply for federal and state rebates.

Among the types of solar power that contractors deal with are solar pool and water heating and residential photovoltaic systems including solar lights and home solar heating. Orange County solar power contractors should be knowledgeable about all types of systems and be able to guide you through the labyrinth of solar system design and installation processes.

When you’re interviewing potential solar power contractors in Orange County pay attention to how they answer your questions and in particular what questions they ask you about the job. Their questions may indicate their skill for installing solar power in your home or building.

Some questions that are important for you to ask are:

• Do you need a permit in your area to install solar power?
• How long will the job take to complete?
• How long has the solar company been in business?
• How experienced is the solar company in providing the solar power work you need?
• Will the company provide a written estimate of the cost of the job to be completed?

Armed with these questions and more of your own, you’ll soon be able to narrow down the list of possible solar power contractors in Orange County. Use the information derived from your research to decide the issues that’s most important to you before making your final decision.

If you live in Orange County, California, you may have noticed solar energy companies advertising various types of solar systems that can cool and heat the air and water in your home and save you thousands of dollars per year in energy costs. If you’re considering solar energy for your lifestyle, there are some things you should know about solar energy in Orange County.

There are some things you should know about how to choose a company that will be professional in helping you choose the best solar energy system for your building and to continue the customer service by installing and providing ongoing maintenance.

Every area has certain restrictions and codes for solar heating systems, and Orange County is no exception. You should make sure that the company you choose to install your system knows about the rules and regulations involving Orange County solar energy systems.

Professional installers of solar energy should investigate codes, ordinances and covenants before jumping in to install a unit in your building. You might also need a building permit to install solar energy in Orange County, so be aware of all legal issues involved to save you time and money later on.

If you run into problems getting a permit to install Orange County solar energy systems, keep in mind that the problems are usually caused from ignorance of how the systems work and the positive effects they can have on the environment.

But there are some real worries involved, such as weight of a roof unit, ignoring wiring regulations or neighborhood rules about rooftop units. Also, you should never block off a view or an entrance/exit with the solar energy unit. A professional Orange County solar energy installer will know what to do if these issues arise.

Solar heating is more complicated than conventional types of heating units. Solar units use various switches, motors and sensors to regulate the system – that’s why it’s imperative that you choose carefully when shopping for solar energy in Orange County.

Some solar units use microprocessors to determine the correct amount of heat storage and delivery needed in the allotted spaces. A thermostat is necessary to determine the temperature of the collector and storage units, and are sophisticated enough to communicate to the unit when to circulate water or air.

Sizing of the solar energy unit to fit the space is critical in order to take advantage of solar gain. If you have a period of low sun energy, the pump or blower of the unit may be slow, whereas during high sun energy, it may operate in a fast mode.

When searching for a solar energy company in Orange County, inquire about battery backup. Battery backup ensures that power won’t be lost if the supplementary unit fails because of power outage.

As solar energy in Orange County becomes even more popular, more companies will emerge onto the scene. Do your homework to make sure the company you choose is professional and familiar with Orange County rules and regulations.

There are basically three different types of Photovoltaic solar panels that are used in Orange County.

Monocrystalline Silicon Panels -are single crystal silicon solar panels with pieces of metal nailed to the edges. They are cut from a silicon ingot (wafer) grown from a single large crystal of silicon. These wine-bottle sized crystals look like slices of salami that have had their edges slightly squared. The wafers must be mounted into a rigid frame and look a bit like tiles in the panel.

The metal frames excite the electrons and return an electricity rate of 14 to 18%. They are the most expense type of solar panels because of the cost of the silicon crystal and they tend to be more expensive to maintain. If they are damaged the whole panel must be replaced.

Polycrystalline Silicon Panels – these multi crystal silicon panes are made from many smaller crystals. The cells have metal conducting materials nailed to the sides. The individual cells are connected together in a rigid frame. They are slightly less expense than the monocrystalline silicon panels and return a 12 to 14% electric output.

Because they are less expensive to make and less expense to maintain –individual cells can be replaced instead of a whole panel, they are a good balance of performance and cost.

A type of polycrystalline silicon panel is a Cast Polysilicon. The silicon is cast in a large piece then cut into the wafers. The cells are then placed in a panel and conducting metal strips are placed over them. The metal strips connect to each other to form a continuous electrical charge.

Polycrystalline Silicon Panels are the standard used in Europe.

Amorphous Silicon Panels – are composed of pieces of semi conductive metal like copper or cadmium that has had a thin film of silicon put on the top. They have the lowest return of electricity at 5 to 6%. They need more roof space.

They are flexible and can be bent. They perform better at lower levels of light than the others. They can be combined with a single layer of crystalline silicon to increase their effectiveness. Their production will decrease in the first few months and then they will stabilize.

In Orange County solar systems building integrated photovoltaics are being used. These panels look like roof tiles and are considered solar shingles. They are expensive but they blend into the roof and are esthetically pleasing. They are less efficient than the panels and need a sunny spacious roof to be effective.

New on the horizon are Hybrid Solar Panels. These panels have a monocrystalline core with amorphous silicon deposited on the top and bottom. This combination of materials is suitable for low light areas and will perform 10% better at high temperatures. Because they have highest efficiency rate a smaller size is necessary for the same amount of electrical output.

The use of solar energy for residential and commercial buildings is relatively new and is encouraging new products to be developed. Engineers are looking at Multi-junction solar cells that are tuned to different wavelengths of light. This development would see the panels improve to 87% efficiency. Photolithography is being explored to increase the efficiency of producing solar cells.

Orange County solar system contractors are familiar with the latest developments in solar panels. Their expertise will help you decide on the best solar panels to be used for your project.

You may be hesitating to install a solar system in your home or commercial building because you think it’s cost prohibitive. Actually, there are many affordable solar systems in Orange County offered by solar companies that are springing up all over the area.

With electricity costs soaring all over the country, but especially in California, more residents and business owners are installing solar systems in record numbers. California has been inundated with high electrical costs for years, and solar systems seem to be the answer to some of the problems.

When you consider how much California residents and business owners pay for their electricity every month, it’s easy to see why Orange County Solar Systems are becoming the most popular way to save money – and the environment.

Even if you don’t consider the month-to-month savings in electrical costs, keep in mind that installing a solar system in your home can increase its property value from $20,000 to $50,000 – and, you’ll be able to claim tax rebates for your choice of being environmentally conscious.

The U.S. government has taken notice of how solar energy can help the environment, and in 2011, the U.S. Treasury offered a solar grant for as much as 30% off the cost of commercial projects.

Residential projects can also enjoy up to 30% in Federal tax grants and credits for each solar electric and solar hot water heater installed. This is one of the major reasons why solar systems in Orange County are becoming so popular and sought after.

When searching for affordable Orange County solar systems, try to find a company with an experienced installation staff and one who is familiar with both old and new building construction.

You’ll also want to choose a company that has a customer service and maintenance department, so that ongoing questions and problems can be addressed. If you know others who have installed solar system units in their homes or businesses, it’s always good to get a referral if you can.

“Going Green” has long been a passion of California residents, but until recently, affordable Orange County solar systems have been out of reach of most home and business owners.

Now, solar systems are becoming much more common when constructing commercial or residential buildings and the costs have decreased along with its widespread popularity. And, with all the incentives involved – both from your monthly savings and grants and tax credits, it’s becoming a “no brainer” to check in to the advantages of Orange County solar systems.

An evaluation of how much it would cost to install a solar system in your home or place of business is usually free of charge. You can search online for distributors in your area who deal in solar systems in Orange County and compare costs.