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"Photo" means light and "voltaic" means electricity, so photovoltaic (PV) systems create electricity from light. PV provides a powerful solution for today’s energy needs. PV is clean, economical, reliable and versatile, harnessing the infinite power of the sun. Oil supplies and energy prices fluctuate, but the sun always shines. In fact, every hour, the Earth receives more solar energy than it uses from burning fossil fuels for an entire year! |
• First, the solar panels instantly convert sunlight into direct-current (DC) electric power.
• Next, an electrical inverter converts the DC power into standard alternating-current (AC) power.
• Your existing electrical panel then distributes the solar power (and any utility power) to your load center in a normal manner.
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| • Finally, any excess power generated by your system is sent back to your electric service provider. When you generate more power than you need, your electric meter spins backwards and you receive a full retail energy credit with your local utility company! You can use this excess electricity free of charge later that day, at night, or even months later. At least once a year, you are charged for any net energy consumed.This process is called “Net Metering.” |
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- Minimize your PV system cost! The State of California and utilities are offering enormous cash rebates, if you act fast:
$3.50/watt Cash Rebate (about 43% of system cost) for commercial systems! California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Self-Generating Incentive Program
$2.80/watt Cash Rebate (about 35% of system cost) for residential systems! California Energy Commission (CEC) Emerging Renewables (Rebate) Program
- Minimize your taxes! Put your tax dollars to work for you. Some or all of these generous tax benefits may be available to you:
10% federal investment tax credit for businesses
7.5% California investment tax credit
Five-year accelerated business depreciation
Interest tax deduction
No property taxes on your PV system
- Reduce or replace your electric bill with free energy, for the life of your system! A properly-sized PV system can provide up to 100% of your electricity needs, working month after month, year after year, to reduce or replace your energy bill. Your PV system also allows you to take an energy “credit” for any excess, unused electricity that you generate and send back to the utility. Your electric meter actually spins backwards, and you can use the energy credit for free electricity later that day, overnight, or even months later!
- Generate positive cash flow! Your Allied Sun PV system will completely pay for itself over time…and then some! For example, a 10 kilowatt (kW) system designed for a Southern California business will produce an estimated net positive cash flow of more than $100,000.
- Create lasting value for your home or business! The energy self-sufficiency provided by PV can increase the resale value of your residential or commercial property. And in the mean time, you pay no additional property taxes! Also, PV has no hidden costs or monthly service fees (unlike cable TV, alarm, and other such systems).
- Allied Sun PV systems are clean and non-polluting! As we discover the effects of greenhouse warming and pollution, it becomes clear that clean energy alternatives like PV are the answer for our future. By simply owning a PV system, you are making a valuable contribution to our environment.
A PV system produces energy without consuming fossil fuels, so it generates zero toxic or greenhouse gases. In the first year alone, a 10 kW system will eliminate 23,570 pounds of carbon dioxide (causes global warming), 184 pounds of sulfur dioxide (causes acid rain), and 60 pounds of nitrous oxide (causes smog) emissions! California Energy Commission Each year, the same PV system will save 138 drums of oil, and make a positive environmental contribution equal to 37 trees!
PV systems are silent, so they cause no noise pollution. Nor do they cause habitat destruction by cooling, river damming, or waste destruction (like fossil fuel, hydroelectric, and nuclear power plants).
- Reliable and durable! Solar panels are built to last and are under warranty for up to 25 years. They were originally developed for use in space, where repairs are extremely expensive if not impossible. In fact, because solar panels operate reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance, they still power nearly every satellite circling the earth today! Solar panels are also manufactured to endure the most rugged conditions found here on Earth: extreme temperatures, high levels of atmospheric moisture and salt, strong winds, and all elevations.
- Low maintenance! PV systems contain no moving parts, eliminating substantial service and maintenance needs. The only suggested maintenance is to occasionally wash down the solar panels if you notice significant dust build-up.
- Modular and versatile! PV systems come in a range of sizes and outputs. They can be designed to be portable and expandable, allowing for easy and safe transportation to a new location. Should your power needs increase, solar panels can easily be added to your existing PV system.
Organizations that rely on PV are recognized as taking a responsible approach to the creation of clean, renewable, and environmentally-safe energy. This can translate into invaluable public-relations benefits.
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