Solar Photovoltaics                 

 

 

 

 

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Hi-Lo ELectric Inc.

Serving Seattle, Everett & Bellevue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Here you will Find Information on Photovoltaics.  This includes recent Legislation, Manufacturer News, and Industry Growth and Regulation.  This Page is under Construction (usually Late at night) so please bare with me. 

 

  Residential Solar is a very viable source of electricity.  "Even in Seattle."  Actually with our cooler weather, a sunny day in western washington will produce more energy than a sunny day in california.  This is due to the resistence created by heat.  The Hotter the surface of your solar array, the more resistance that array will have.  Thus equaling less power output.  The same is true on the other end of the spectrum.  A cold clear day in Washington State during the winter will produce more power than than one during the summer.    

  With energy expenses expected to rise we can be certain that the cost of Solar is and will be going down as long as we continue to invest in it. Right now in the United States it costs between $8-10 Per Watt installed for a Solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied System to be installed.  In Germany it is closer to $6 Per Watt.  This is partially due to infastructure and alot to do with demand.  As we increase the visibility of solar power and increase the demand for it we will help to drive down the cost.  This will also as many say, help us become "energy independant" and also reduce our dependants on fossil fuels.  

  On Friday, October 3rd Congress passed the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which included the long awaited 8 year extension of the solar investment tax credit. Of major significance, the act also lifted the $2000 cap on the tax credit for residential systems. Now, both commercial and residential systems will be eligible for a 30% tax credit. Effective January 1st 2009, the impact of the law will be stable, rapid growth for the industry and a significant increase in the affordability and financial return of solar for homeowners, making it one of the safest and best investments available today.

How We design a system

  As an Electrical Contractor we are used to coming to your home and reviewing options, looking for problems and giving estimates.  We will do the initial solar site assesment for $150.00  The site assessment includes coming to your home and getting to know a little about our customers first and looking at whether or not the house is ideal for a solar installation.  The assessment will take between one and two hours.  As I said Above it costs between $8-10 Per Watt for a solar Photovoltaic Grid-Tied system.  Each Module can have a nominal wattage ranging from 60-220 Watts.  The inverter requirements determine the number of modules that are necessary for proper operation and the number of modules is usually based on both available roof space and budget. 

A 2000 Watt System installed at $10 per Watt is $20,000 installed.  A 3000 Watt System would be $30,000.  To maximize the Washington state tax incentive you would need a system that is around 3.5 KW.

Our Process

  • We do a Site Assessment.  We discuss the process of installing Solar, Answer any questions or concerns you may have, Decide whether or not your house is a good candidate.
  • Knowing the Costs upfront, If you would like to have a design completed for your home we will work up a full design with:
    • Budget conscious Design
    • Attempt to maximize Tax incentives
    • Do a load calculation on home and look for possible energy saving measures.
    • Work up Energy Savings and Energy Production Calculations
    • 3D Modeling Available 
    • Most Designs can be done within a Billable time frame of 12 Hours and a turn around time of 2 weeks.
    • Billable Rate is $45.00 Per Hour for Design Work
    • If you Decide to move along to the next step, the Design Fees will be Desolved into the Design Budget. 
  • Once A Design is completed and you decide to go through with the final project  Then We start the Permit Application Process and Proceed installing a Photovoltaic Array on your home.

If you have any questions feel free to let us know by visiting our contact page.