Residential Photovoltaic
Home Solar Power systems

Residential Photovoltaic Systems are becoming popular and many want to know what they are and how to handle installation and financing of these systems. Many are seeking the technology background on solar systems

What is a Residential Photovoltaic System?

It is a small size power plant that can supply the electric consumption of a dwelling unit partly or fully

The system directly converts sun radiation to DC electrical power using the photovoltaic effect in an efficient way

Families that installed the system enjoy clean energy and a substantial saving in their electricity bills

The main components of the system are the solar panels and the DC to AC inverter

For homes that are not connected to the grid (half mile or more from the nearest power lines) one needs to add deep cycle batteries and a charge controller

Two types of residential solar power systems

The first type is for homes that are connected to the grid. These home can potentially sell electricity to the utility in times where their consumption is less than the production of their home solar system (e.g. during the day when the family members are at work and school)

The second type are homes that are not connected to the grid. These homes need storage batteries that store electricity during day light to be used at nights and for cloudy days. It is recommended to add a wind turbine if the land size is over one acre and the region is windy enough

Price of small size photovoltaic system

The price can range from $7 per watt (bigger systems) to $10 per watt. Most homes will do fine with 2-4 Kilowatt production capacity systems.

Tax rebates and other incentives

The US federal government, most of the states and some US utilities provide for energy tax rebates

Many countries have similar arrangements; in some countries (such as Israel) the utility pays more for electricity it buys than the price on which it sells. This reduces the time it takes for a full payback of the initial investment

Financing and Leasing

Financing to clean energy are available. An emerging model is to lease the system. Two examples are:

• SolarCity, a California based company, provide solar lease programs in California, Oregon, and Arizona
• Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) – CT Solar Lease Program, provides for zero down-payment lease for fifteen years paying time.

Turn Key Residential Photovoltaic Systems

Your easiest approach is to ask one leading company to evaluate your site and propose to you the Solar Power System that fits your need, has a good price value, takes full advantage of tax benefits and provides you with a turn key job.