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 Are you thinking about buying a solar electric system for your home or business? If so, this booklet , A Consumer's Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun, provides some basic information that can help you.
Solar electric systems, which are also called photovoltaic or PV systems, are reliable and pollution-free. They make use of a renewable source of energy— the sun. And PV systems for homes and businesses are becoming more affordable all the time.
PV works best in an energy-efficient building. So, adding insulation and energy- efficient lighting, appliances, and windows is a good idea, to reduce your home’s overall electricity use before you install a PV system.
To make PV systems even more affordable, several states offer financial incentives through solar rebates and other programs. Some utilities have net metering programs, which further enhance the economics of PV. Net metering means that when your PV system generates more power than you need, the excess goes to the utility grid and the meter runs backward. This allows you to receive full retail value for the power that your PV system generates.
This booklet can guide you through the process of buying a solar electric system. It is not a technical guide to designing or installing a system—for that information, we recommend consulting an experienced PV system designer or supplier.
A PV system can be a substantial investment. As with any investment, careful planning will help you make the right decisions for your home or business.
Download A Consumer's Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun
PDF format, 763KB, 20Pages.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
a DOE national laboratory, produced this Consumer’s Guide for:
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20585
December 2003 • DOE/GO-102003-1844
CONTENTS
Background
What is a solar electric or photovoltaic system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Are incentives available to help reduce the cost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Investing in a PV system
Why should you buy a PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Is your home or business a good place for a PV system? . . . . . . . . . .5
How big should your PV system be, and what features
should it have? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
How much will you save with your PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
How much does a PV system cost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
How can you finance the cost of your PV system? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Selecting a PV provider
Who sells and installs PV systems? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
How do you choose among PV providers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
How do you choose among competing bids? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Is the lowest price the “best deal”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Before connecting a PV system to the grid
What should you know about permits? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
What should you know about insurance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
How do you get an interconnection agreement? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
How do you get a net-metering agreement? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
What should you know about utility and inspection sign-off? . . . .16
What should you know about warranties? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
About the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
A Strong Energy Portfolio for a Strong America
Energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy will mean a stronger economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy independence for America. By investing in technology breakthroughs today, our nation can look forward to a more resilient economy and secure future.
Far-reaching technology changes will be essential to America's energy future. Working with a wide array of state, community, industry, and university partners, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy invests in a portfolio of energy technologies that will:
• Conserve energy in the residential, commercial, industrial, government, and transportation sectors
• Increase and diversify energy supply, with a focus on renewable domestic sources
• Upgrade our national energy infrastructure
• Facilitate the emergence of hydrogen technologies as vital new "energy carriers."
The Opportunities
Biomass Program—Using domestic, plant-derived resources to meet our fuel, power, and chemical needs
Building Technologies Program—Homes, schools, and businesses that use less energy, cost less to operate, and, ultimately, generate as much power as they use
Distributed Energy & Electric Reliability Program—A more reliable energy infrastructure and reduced need for new power plants
Federal Energy Management Program—Leading by example, saving energy and taxpayer dollars in federal facilities
FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies Program—Less dependence on foreign oil, and eventual transition to an emissions-free, petroleum-free vehicle
Geothermal Technologies Program—Tapping the Earth's energy to meet our heat and power needs
Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program—Paving the way toward a hydrogen economy and net-zero carbon energy future
Industrial Technologies Program—Boosting the productivity and competitiveness of U.S. industry through improvements in energy and environmental performance
Solar Energy Technology Program—Utilizing the sun's natural energy to generate electricity and provide water and space heating
Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program—Accelerating the use of today's best energy-efficient and renewable technologies in homes, communities, and businesses
Wind & Hydropower Technologies Program—Harnessing America's abundant natural resources for clean power generation
To learn more, visit www.eere.energy.gov
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