Why Solar?
Switch to solar and save 30%-50% on your electric bill every month plus take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit of 30%, the State Tax Credit of 35%, and the utility rebate of $750.
These rebates are still in effect in 2010 and are subject to change. Please contact us for rebate information.
In Hawaii households, water heating usually is the largest contributor to utility bills, 30-50% in most cases. For example, at a cost of 15.5 cents per kilowatt hour, this means that a family of four pays about $60 per month or $720 per year just to heat water.
Solar water heating systems are designed to reduce water heating costs by as much as 90%. A family of four could have a monthly savings of about $55 or $650 in annual savings.
A well designed, installed, and maintained solar system could have a life of about 20-25 years. The water storage tank, pump and controls might have to be replaced in about 10-15 years. A residential solar water heating system should provide one of the wisest investment opportunities for years to come.
There are over 60,000 solar water heating systems in Hawaii, more systems per capita than anywhere else in the United States. These solar water heating systems reduce Hawaii's oil imports by 489,000 barrels of oil per year and that number grows annually as new systems are installed.
By replacing your conventional electric water heater with a solar water heating system, seven barrels of oil will be saved per year. It is a personal and responsible way to reduce air pollution, greenhouse gases, and further environmental damage caused by transporting and burning fossil fuels.
Solar energy is non-polluting and renewable. It is not dependent on unstable governments or political whim. It neither creates hazardous waste nor endangers the atmosphere. It is the Hawaii homeowners most significant contribution to a cleaner planet.
Poncho's Solar Services Include:
- Photovoltaic Systems in partnership with Walter's Electric
- Sizing as well as best in class panel and inverter selection
- Expert installation using NEC, UBC and best practices
- Solar Thermal Water Heating Systems
- New Tanks
- Panels
- Controls
- Photovoltaic pump systems
- Expert installation
Poncho's Solar FAQ's
Answer:Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells or PV cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV gets it name from the process of converting light, photons, to electricity, voltage and current, which is called the PV effect. The PV effect was discovered in 1954 when scientists at Bell Telephone discovered that silicon, an element found in sand, created an electric charge when exposed to sunlight. Today, worldwide, people power their homes and businesses with individual solar PV systems.
Answer: Photovoltaics or PV for short can be thought of as a direct current (DC) generator powered by the sun. When light photons of sufficient energy strike a solar cell, they knock electrons free in the silicon crystal structure forcing them through an external circuit (battery or direct DC load), and then returning them to the other side of the solar cell to start the process all over again. The voltage output from a single crystalline solar cell is about 0.5V with an amperage output that is directly proportional to cell's surface area (approximately 7A for a 6 inch square multicrystalline solar cell). Typically 30-36 cells are wired in series (+ to -) in each solar module. This produces a solar module with a 12V nominal output (~17V at peak power) that can then be wired in series and/or parallel with other solar modules to form a complete solar array.
Answer: Many States including Hawaii have net metering laws that require utility companies to give homeowners credit for excess power produced by their solar electric systems. This means that your local utility company gives you credit for every kilowatt-hour of solar power not consumed by your home or business, reducing your electricity bill by the same amount. Your meter essentially spins backwards when excess power is produced. In addition to a marked increase in the value of your home, a professionally installed solar hot water or PV system will bring immediate return to your initial investment.
Answer: Typically, the energy payback time s the number of years to gain back your net cost of the system (net-cost/yearly energy savings = # of payback years). The cost of the system minus the rebates and credits equals net cost. The National average payback period is 10 to 12 years. In Hawaii, we see 5 to 7 years for the energy savings to equal the net cost. Ask one of our solar consultants to show you what your specific payback period would be based upon your current electrical consumption and tax credit benefits.
Answer: Typically, the energy payback time s the number of years to gain back your net cost of the system (net-cost/yearly energy savings = # of payback years). The cost of the system minus the rebates and credits equals net cost. The National average payback period is 4 to 6 years. In Hawaii, we see 2 to 3 years for the energy savings to equal the net cost. Ask one of our solar consultants to show you what your specific payback period would be based upon your current electrical consumption and tax credit benefits.
Answer: Solar energy technologies often have a higher "first cost." This means that a person is likely to pay more money up front to purchase and install a solar system. Still, in nearly all cases, the high initial cost is recovered through substantial fuel savings over the life of the product (15-30 years).
Answer: People decide to buy solar energy systems for many reasons. For example, some individuals buy solar products to preserve the Earth's finite fossil-fuel resources and to reduce air pollution. Others would rather spend their money on an energy-producing improvement to their property than send their money to a utility. Some people like the security of reducing the amount of electricity they buy from their utility, because it makes them less vulnerable to future increases in the price of electricity.
If it's designed correctly, a solar system might be able to provide power during a utility power outage, thereby adding power reliability to your home. Finally, some individuals live in areas where the cost of extending power lines to their home is more expensive than buying a solar energy system.
If it's designed correctly, a solar system might be able to provide power during a utility power outage, thereby adding power reliability to your home. Finally, some individuals live in areas where the cost of extending power lines to their home is more expensive than buying a solar energy system.
Answer: PV can be used to power your entire home's electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances. PV systems today can be blended easily into both traditional and nontraditional homes. The most common practice is to mount modules onto a south-facing roof or wall.
Answer: PV systems can be blended into virtually every conceivable structure for commercial buildings. You will find PV being used outdoors for security lighting as well as in structures that serve as covers for parking lots and bus shelters, generating power at the same time. Indoors, PV systems are used to offset and operate all kinds of electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances.
Answer: A 10% efficient PV system in most areas of the United States will generate about 180 kilowatt-hours per square meter. A PV system rated at 1 kilowatt will produce about 1800 kilowatt-hours a year. Most PV panels are warranted to last 20 years or more (perhaps as many as 30 years) and to degrade (lose efficiency) at a rate of less than 1% per year. Under these conditions, a PV system could generate close to 36,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity over 20 years and close to 54,000 kilowatt-hours over 30 years. This means that a PV system generates more than $10,000 worth of electricity over 30 years.
Answer: A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it installed and maintained properly.
Answer: A PV system is made up of different components. These include PV modules which are commonly called PV panels;; a charge regulator or controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter for a utility-grid-connected system and when alternating current (ac) rather than direct current (dc) is required; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework.
Latest News and Links
- Solar or Renewable Power Glossary
- Installation Process - Solar Water Heating
- Poncho's Special Offer - Solar Starter Kit
- Types of Solar Electric Systems
- Types of Solar Cells
- Solar Voltaic Technology
- What you get from your investment
- Power Produced by a Solar Electric System
- Hawaii Renewable Energy Links
- Hawaii Renewable Energy Tax Credit Form N-342 and Cash Credit form Schedule CR
- IRS Solar Energy Credit Form #5695
- Hawaii Solar Tax Incentives
- Why Solar?
