The Truth
About
Solar Electric
Systems

by
Judy
Ledford

 

There are several ways to set up a solar electric system to help reduce your power cost and possibly protect you from utility blackouts. The different types of systems that are available include utility connected, utility connected with battery backup, and stand alone.

            The most cost effective type is the standard utility connected system. This system does not have battery backup but uses net-metering to directly lower your power bill by spinning your electric meter backwards. In addition to being the most cost effective, this system is also the best for the environment because it has no battery disposal issues. It is also the most efficient because you do not have any of the losses that occur when you charge batteries. To get a system that would power a typical home, the cost ranges from approximately $5,000 to $20,000 for the necessary equipment depending on the amount of power needed. This is after the rebate from the California Energy Commission (CEC) is deducted. These systems produce between 120 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 600 kWh per month. To find out how much power you use, you can look on your power bill. If you find that you use more than 600 kWh per month do not despair, there are many ways that you can reduce your power usage. The most cost effective way to reduce your usage is to change your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs use 75% less power than standard light bulbs and last almost 10 times longer. Some people have been able to reduce their power usage by up to 30% just by making this small change.

            If you want protection from blackouts and would also like to reduce your power bill, you would want to consider a utility connected system with battery backup. They typically come with a small battery bank, which will provide protection against short-term power outages. These systems also use net-metering and spin your electric meter backwards to directly reduce your power bill. The batteries can be expected to last between 5 to 10 years. For most homes, these types of systems cost from $9,500 to $23,000 for the necessary equipment. These prices are after the rebate from the CEC is deducted. Installation costs will also vary based on the complexity of the installation and will be slightly more expensive than a system without battery backup. These systems produce between 100 kWh and 500 kWh per month. Larger systems are available for people who use more power.

            A stand-alone system has a complete battery backup and operates independent of the utility grid. These systems are not eligible for rebates from the CEC. They typically include at least 5 days of battery backup for periods of low sun. If a home is located more than about half a mile from the nearest utility connection, often a stand alone solar electric system is the most cost effective option. The prices can vary widely from $1,000 for a small system that will power a few DC lights to a $15,000 to $30,000 system which will power a home full of modern AC appliances. The cost of the system is determined by the amount of power needed in the home.

            Power prices are going up and it gives us all a great opportunity to make a choice about the power that we use. Solar electric systems are great for the environment and protect you from future power price increases. With a lifespan of over 25 years, these systems are a great investment.

 

Judy Ledford, President Renewable Energy Concepts, Inc.; www.reconcepts.com; (805) 545-9700. A more comprehensive FAQ is on their web site as well as an energy financial checklist.