Going Solar

So you have decided to install a solar system. One of the first things you need to decide on is what type of solar to go with.

• Solar domestic hot water heating (federal tax credit available)
• Solar space heating
• Solar electric power (PV) (federal tax credit available)

Solar domestic hot water heating offers the fastest pay back of your investment. Pay back can be as fast as 3 to 5 years. Systems sizing will affect how fast the owner gets a return his investment. Designing a hot water system that will meet 100% of your water heating needs year round will see a slower return on your investment. This is because of increased cost verses reduced benefit. You want to size a system so that it meets 100% of your summer water heating needs. While meeting about 40-60% of your winter water heating needs. By doing this will offer the fastest pay back of your investment. Excessive capacity when not being used is wasted money.

Solar space heating offer the second fastest payback. One reason it comes in second is that you only need to heat your home only part of the year. Also when you need to heat your home the most is also, when the days are the shortest. System costs are typically less expensive than hot water systems.

Solar electric power, or photovoltaic have large initial cost. Solar panels cost about $5 per watt so if you want 1200 watts of solar panels will cost you about $6000. OUCH!! The good news is that solar panels typically have 20 year warranties or more. So the panels should last a very long time. Then you will need mounting hardware for the solar panels. You can buy, or make your own mounts out of angle iron. Then the cost of the grid tied inverter $1200-4500. Cost depends on inverter rated maximum output watts. Additional cost would include disconnects wires and junction boxes. Note: All wiring should be done by qualified electrician, and proper permits and inspections need to be done.

Location is the next thing to consider. Typical locations are roof mount, ground mount, and pole mount. A suitable location should have clear view of the sun from 9 AM to 3 PM. You should take into consideration trees and other man made structures. Making sure they do not block the sun's light. Also take into consideration that during the winter the sun remains lower in the sky. Having some come in survey the proposed site can also improve overall system performance.

Installation
The installation should be done by a qualified installer. Make sure that all proper permits are pulled before installation is started. Also check for any zoning restrictions. Some communities will require a building permit. I recommend that you have a drawing showing the location, and drawing of what it will look like once installed. If the person who is responsible for the permitting does not clearly understand the project, they are more likely to deny the permit. Provide just enough information to give them an understanding of the project. But not too much details as to over whelm them. You should also take into consideration how your project will affect your property and your neighbors.

When it comes time to select an installer make sure he is a NABCEP certified installer. Certified installers have to go through testing, and have experience in system installation. A NABCEP installation will be code compliant. Also check to see if the installer guarantees his work. Get this in writing.

If you elect to install it your self be sure to do your research very carefully. You need to take ever detail into consideration. Make sure that all building and electrical codes are adhered too. In this case, knowledge is important to doing a safe and good installation.

SMA SB1800 grid tied inverter