Standard Grid-Tie Solar Electric Systems produce electricity during peak solar hours and send any excess back to your utility company. You will get credit on your electric bill for electricity sent back to the grid. When your load demand is greater than the output of the solar array, your demand will be met with power from your utility company. These systems do not include batteries to store power, so when your utility experiences a power outage, you will not have power, not even if the sun is shining on your solar array.
Compare the average monthly output of the systems shown on the chart below with your average monthly use to determine what percentage of your loads each size PV array would off set.
| PV Array Size (DC Watts) |
Estimated Avg. Monthly Outout (kWh) |
Estimated Solar Space (Sq Ft) |
| |
|
|
| 3000 |
360 |
280 |
| 6000 |
720 |
540 |
| 7000 |
850 |
650 |
| 9600 |
1150 |
870 |
PV module prices and rebate amounts have been changing monthly, or more often. Contact us for the current prices and availability. While rebates vary with time and place, there is a 30% federal tax credit available to all those who have a tax liability.
|
Grid-tie Solar Electric Backup Systems provide the same features as the Standard Grid-Tie Systems, but will also provide backup power to pre-selected critical circuits during a utility outage.
A typical battery back up system includes 6000 watts of PV, a battery bank with 22 kWh useable storage at 20 hours, and a 6000-watt 120/240 VAC inverter.
The inverter can handle high amp loads such as a well pump and it can accommodate both gas generator and grid power input. The solar array will produce about 630 kWh monthly. It will need about 500 sq ft of solar space. Expect to replace the batteries every 7 to 12 years.
At today's prices, the estimated installed cost is $57,000 before any rebates or tax credits. |
