Alternative Energy System Packages
Our Alternative Energy Systems
are designed to provide the convenience of adequate electric power for
off grid homes.
The larger systems are equipped with a DC generator which will automatically start as required to keep the batteries charged in the event of no sun or wind for a few days. Additionally, more solar panels and/or wind generators may be added to the systems to increase capacity in the future.
The larger systems are equipped with a DC generator which will automatically start as required to keep the batteries charged in the event of no sun or wind for a few days. Additionally, more solar panels and/or wind generators may be added to the systems to increase capacity in the future.
| Solar Power Systems |
Wind Power Systems |
Solar/Wind Combination Power Systems |
We can put together any kind of setup you want,
as we have many different kinds of equipment available.
Let us know your ideas and what we can do for you.
Now is the time to become your own power producer.
Residential, commercial or industrial –
we can help with all your power system needs. By harnessing the power of the
sun, wind or water, people all over the world produce their own
pollution-free reliable electricity.
Technological advances, government assistance, the need for reliable power, and the growing urgency to reduce the use of fossil fuels make renewable energy systems increasingly attractive to people around the world.
Solar technology makes it possible for home and business owners to have dependable power from renewable sources. Mass production has significantly reduced the price of renewable energy systems and their components. Solar systems with battery-based backup power can ensure reliable power even when the utility grid is down.
The use of renewable sources such as wind, water and sun increases our energy self-sufficiency and fosters economic and national security. As more families, individuals and businesses generate their own renewable electricity we will reduce pollution, provide more electricity for all to use, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and make the electricity on the grid “greener”.
Deregulation has created an atmosphere of change in the United States. We are experiencing higher electricity rates and electricity shortages. Laws usually referred to as net metering allow solar-energy-system owners to feed their excess generated electricity back to the utility. The system owner receives a credit or payment for solar-generated electricity fed into the grid. In other words, you
pay only for the net electricity you consume – the amount of electricity you take from the utility minus the amount you generate and feed back from your solar system. With a solar electric system, you can provide yourself with protection from the rising prices of fuel, because your system’s fuel is the sun. Additionally, state, local and federal tax incentives and rebates make obtaining a system more economical.
We
can help you generate your own electricity Technological advances, government assistance, the need for reliable power, and the growing urgency to reduce the use of fossil fuels make renewable energy systems increasingly attractive to people around the world.
Solar technology makes it possible for home and business owners to have dependable power from renewable sources. Mass production has significantly reduced the price of renewable energy systems and their components. Solar systems with battery-based backup power can ensure reliable power even when the utility grid is down.
The use of renewable sources such as wind, water and sun increases our energy self-sufficiency and fosters economic and national security. As more families, individuals and businesses generate their own renewable electricity we will reduce pollution, provide more electricity for all to use, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and make the electricity on the grid “greener”.
Deregulation has created an atmosphere of change in the United States. We are experiencing higher electricity rates and electricity shortages. Laws usually referred to as net metering allow solar-energy-system owners to feed their excess generated electricity back to the utility. The system owner receives a credit or payment for solar-generated electricity fed into the grid. In other words, you
pay only for the net electricity you consume – the amount of electricity you take from the utility minus the amount you generate and feed back from your solar system. With a solar electric system, you can provide yourself with protection from the rising prices of fuel, because your system’s fuel is the sun. Additionally, state, local and federal tax incentives and rebates make obtaining a system more economical.
by
putting a solar and/or wind electric power system on your home,
business or public building.
For decades, off-grid standalone power systems – not connected to utility electric transmission lines – have generated power using solar or wind energy for remote homes, communications facilities, telemetry, traffic control, public transportation, remote mining and drilling and scores of other applications. Now, people who live on the utility grid can economically install and obtain the benefits of solar and renewable energy systems.
For decades, off-grid standalone power systems – not connected to utility electric transmission lines – have generated power using solar or wind energy for remote homes, communications facilities, telemetry, traffic control, public transportation, remote mining and drilling and scores of other applications. Now, people who live on the utility grid can economically install and obtain the benefits of solar and renewable energy systems.
Lock in your cost of electricity
The higher the percent of your total electricity needs generated by your solar system, the less affected you will be by constantly rising costs of conventionally generated electric power.
Obtain tax credits and rebates
Tax credits and rebates are available in many states to people and businesses who install solar powered products. See www.dsireusa.org for the latest rebate and tax credit information for your area.
Feed power back to the utility
In many states, you can send your home-generated power back to the utility and get credit for the power you feed into the utility grid.
Generate green power
Generate electricity with energy from the sun, wind or water, producing virtually no pollution or emissions.
Gain power independence
With the use of batteries and possibly a generator as needed, you can rely on your own generating capacity, and not on the vagaries of public utilities.
Ensure uninterrupted power
With a battery backup system, you can keep your appliances running during utility power outages.\
The higher the percent of your total electricity needs generated by your solar system, the less affected you will be by constantly rising costs of conventionally generated electric power.
Obtain tax credits and rebates
Tax credits and rebates are available in many states to people and businesses who install solar powered products. See www.dsireusa.org for the latest rebate and tax credit information for your area.
Feed power back to the utility
In many states, you can send your home-generated power back to the utility and get credit for the power you feed into the utility grid.
Generate green power
Generate electricity with energy from the sun, wind or water, producing virtually no pollution or emissions.
Gain power independence
With the use of batteries and possibly a generator as needed, you can rely on your own generating capacity, and not on the vagaries of public utilities.
Ensure uninterrupted power
With a battery backup system, you can keep your appliances running during utility power outages.\
Types of Power Systems
Power systems vary in design
depending on what energy sources are used and what purpose they must
fulfill. 1. Grid-Tie Systems
Also called grid-interactive, grid-intertie, utility-intercon-nected and other such descriptive terms, grid-tie solar systems built onto your building and property that connect directly into the electric utility feed. This is possible in areas that allow net metering, whereby a solar or wind powered system turns your electric meter backwards when it is producing more power than you are using. This type of system provides no backup power when utility power fails.
2. Grid-Tie Systems with Backup
A grid-tie system with battery backup feeds excess solar electricity to the grid and provides backup power when the utility grid is down. With this type of system you sacrifice some power generation efficiency in exchange for having power when there is a utility power failure. The amount of backup power you have depends on the size of the battery and electrical loads that draw on them.
3. Off-Grid Systems
This type of power system is independent of the utility grid. It can use solar modules, a wind generator, a micro-hydroelectric generator, or a combination of any or all of them to produce your electric power. Owners of this type of system often use a gas or diesel generator for backup when the power system does not meet all of the needs.
Determine What System Meets Your Needs
Use the charts and worksheets to become familiar with the design of these systems and consult with us to pick out the exact components.
Download the charts and worksheets pdf file
Tax Incentives
Federal
A federal “energy credit” allows businesses to take a 30% tax credit for renewable energy equipment (solar electric, solar thermal and wind powered systems). The same incentive is available for residential customers, but a cap of $2,000 applies. It is possible that the federal government will enact new incentives in 2007 or 2008.
In addition, there is an accelerated 5-year depreciation schedule that allows businesses to write 100% of a system’s cost off their taxable income over the first five years.
State and Local
The states of California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington and others, as well as municipalities like Austin, Texas and Bend, Oregon, offer a rebate or similar payment based on the generating capacity of the system installed. California offers performance-based payments as an alternative to a rebate. Other states offer various rebates and incentives to homeowners to lower the installed cost of a utility-connected power system.
Go to www.dsireusa.org for the latest comprehensive informa-tion about incentives in your area.
A federal “energy credit” allows businesses to take a 30% tax credit for renewable energy equipment (solar electric, solar thermal and wind powered systems). The same incentive is available for residential customers, but a cap of $2,000 applies. It is possible that the federal government will enact new incentives in 2007 or 2008.
In addition, there is an accelerated 5-year depreciation schedule that allows businesses to write 100% of a system’s cost off their taxable income over the first five years.
State and Local
The states of California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington and others, as well as municipalities like Austin, Texas and Bend, Oregon, offer a rebate or similar payment based on the generating capacity of the system installed. California offers performance-based payments as an alternative to a rebate. Other states offer various rebates and incentives to homeowners to lower the installed cost of a utility-connected power system.
Go to www.dsireusa.org for the latest comprehensive informa-tion about incentives in your area.
System Sizing Information
The size of a solar electric system
depends on the amount of power that is required (watts), the amount of
time it is used (hours)
nd the amount of energy available from the sun in a particular area (sun-hours per day). The user has control of the first two
variables, while the third depends on the location.
Conservationnd the amount of energy available from the sun in a particular area (sun-hours per day). The user has control of the first two
variables, while the third depends on the location.
Conservation
plays an important role in keeping down the cost of a photovoltaic
system. The use of energy-efficient appliances
and lighting, as well as non-electric alternatives wherever possible, can make solar electricity a cost-competitive alternative to
gasoline generators and, in some cases, utility power.
and lighting, as well as non-electric alternatives wherever possible, can make solar electricity a cost-competitive alternative to
gasoline generators and, in some cases, utility power.
Cooking, Heating and Cooling
Conventional
electric cooking, space heating and water heating equipment use a
prohibitive amount of electricity. Electric
ranges use 1500 watts or more per burner, so bottled propane or natural gas is a popular alternative to electricity for cooking. A
microwave oven has about the same power draw, but since food cooks more quickly, the amount of kilowatt hours used may not
be large. Propane and wood are generally better alternatives for space heating. Good passive solar design and proper insulation
can reduce the need for winter heating. Evaporative cooling is a more reasonable load than air conditioning and in locations
with low humidity, the results are almost as good. One big plus for solar cooling: the largest amount of solar energy is available
when the need for cooling is the greatest.
ranges use 1500 watts or more per burner, so bottled propane or natural gas is a popular alternative to electricity for cooking. A
microwave oven has about the same power draw, but since food cooks more quickly, the amount of kilowatt hours used may not
be large. Propane and wood are generally better alternatives for space heating. Good passive solar design and proper insulation
can reduce the need for winter heating. Evaporative cooling is a more reasonable load than air conditioning and in locations
with low humidity, the results are almost as good. One big plus for solar cooling: the largest amount of solar energy is available
when the need for cooling is the greatest.
Lighting
Lighting
requires the most study since many options exist in type, size, voltage and placement. The
type of lighting that is
best for one system may not be right for another. The first decision is whether your lights will be run on low voltage direct
current (DC) or conventional 110 volt alternating current (AC). In a small home, an RV, or a boat, low voltage DC lighting is
often the best choice. DC wiring runs can be kept short, allowing the use of fairly small gauge wire. Since an inverter is not
required, the system cost is lower. When an inverter is part of the system, and the lights are powered directly by the battery, a
home will not be dark if the inverter fails. In addition to conventional-size medium-base low voltage bulbs, the user can choose
from a large selection of DC fluorescent lights, which have 3 to 4 times the light output per watt of power used compared with
incandescent types. Halogen bulbs are 30% more efficient and actually seem almost twice as bright as similar wattage incan-
descents given the spectrum of light they produce. High quality fluorescent lights are available for 12 and 24 volt systems.
In a large installation or one with many lights, the use of an inverter to supply AC power for conventional lighting is cost
effective. AC compact fluorescent lights will save a tremendous amount of energy. It is a good idea to have a DC-powered light
in the room where the inverter and batteries are in case there is a problem. AC light dimmers will only function properly on AC
power from inverters that have pure sine wave output.
best for one system may not be right for another. The first decision is whether your lights will be run on low voltage direct
current (DC) or conventional 110 volt alternating current (AC). In a small home, an RV, or a boat, low voltage DC lighting is
often the best choice. DC wiring runs can be kept short, allowing the use of fairly small gauge wire. Since an inverter is not
required, the system cost is lower. When an inverter is part of the system, and the lights are powered directly by the battery, a
home will not be dark if the inverter fails. In addition to conventional-size medium-base low voltage bulbs, the user can choose
from a large selection of DC fluorescent lights, which have 3 to 4 times the light output per watt of power used compared with
incandescent types. Halogen bulbs are 30% more efficient and actually seem almost twice as bright as similar wattage incan-
descents given the spectrum of light they produce. High quality fluorescent lights are available for 12 and 24 volt systems.
In a large installation or one with many lights, the use of an inverter to supply AC power for conventional lighting is cost
effective. AC compact fluorescent lights will save a tremendous amount of energy. It is a good idea to have a DC-powered light
in the room where the inverter and batteries are in case there is a problem. AC light dimmers will only function properly on AC
power from inverters that have pure sine wave output.
Refrigeration
Major Appliances
Small Appliances
Questions?Gas
powered absorption refrigerators are a good choice in small systems if bottled gas is
available. Modern absorption
refrigerators consume 5-10 gallons of LP gas/month. If an electric refrigerator will be used in a standalone system, it should
be a high-efficiency type. Some high-efficiency conventional AC refrigerators use as little as 1200 watt-hours of electricity/
day at a 70º average air temperature. A comparably sized Sun Frost refrigerator/freezer uses half that amount of energy and a
SunDanzer refrigerator (without a freezer) uses less than 100 watt-hours per day. The higher cost of good quality DC refrig-
erators is offset by savings in the number of solar modules and batteries required.
refrigerators consume 5-10 gallons of LP gas/month. If an electric refrigerator will be used in a standalone system, it should
be a high-efficiency type. Some high-efficiency conventional AC refrigerators use as little as 1200 watt-hours of electricity/
day at a 70º average air temperature. A comparably sized Sun Frost refrigerator/freezer uses half that amount of energy and a
SunDanzer refrigerator (without a freezer) uses less than 100 watt-hours per day. The higher cost of good quality DC refrig-
erators is offset by savings in the number of solar modules and batteries required.
Major Appliances
Standard
AC electric motors in washing machines, larger shop machinery and tools, swamp coolers,
pumps, etc. (usually 1/4 to
3/4 horsepower) require a large inverter. Often, a 2000 watt or larger inverter will be required.
These electric motors are sometimes
hard to start on inverter power, they consume rela-tively large amounts of electricity,
and they are very wasteful compared
to high-efficiency motors, which use 50% to 75% less electricity. A standard washing
machine uses between 300 and
500 watt-hours per load, but new front-loading models use less than 1/2 as much power. If the
appliance is used more than
a few hours per week, it is often cheaper to pay more for a high-efficiency appliance rather than
make your electrical system
larger to support a low-efficiency load. Vacuum cleaners usually consume 600 to 1,000 watts,
depending on how powerful
they are, about twice what a washer uses, but most vacuum
cleaners will operate on inverters larger than 1,000 watts since they have low-surge motors.
cleaners will operate on inverters larger than 1,000 watts since they have low-surge motors.
Small Appliances
Many
small appliances such as irons, toasters and hair dryers consume a very large amount of power
when they are used but by
their nature require very short or infrequent use periods. If the system inverter and batteries are
large enough, they will be
usable. Electronic equipment, such as stereos, televisions, VCRs and computers have a fairly small
power draw. Many of these
are available in low voltage DC as well as conventional AC versions. In general, DC models use
less power than their AC
counterparts.
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