Solar Electric/PV Energy
Solar Electric/PV is converting sun energy directly into electricity. PV or Photovoltaics is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells or energy.
Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy the manufacturing of solar cells and Photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years. Solar energy is the world’s fastest growing energy technology.
Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells packages in photovoltaic modules, often electrically connected in multiples as solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. To explain the photovoltaic solar panel more simply, photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher energy state, thereby creating electricity.
We are highly respected in the wind and solar industry with global designs and installations. If you need a power grid tie, or an off-grid location such as an island, village, or simple cabin in the woods EWS has the experience you are looking for.
We have installed in 44 countries with sites ranging from mountain tops to off shore platforms, remote jungles to deserts. We can do a turn-key ready system with all design, engineering and site assessments.
- Pole mounts and rooftop designs
- We only use UL listed components
- Reliable, field driven products
- Off grid battery systems
- Hybrid wind and solar systems
- Solar/Battery backup systems
- Assist you with all state and federal incentives
- Assist with utility credits
- Final utility commissioning
Solar Electric/PV qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit and, for businesses, accelerated depreciation. USDA grants are available for farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses. Many states offer additional incentives (see dsireusa.org).
These incentives, along with the reduction in your energy consumption, make owning a solar array surprisingly affordable.
Solar allows you to pre-buy your electricity for 30-plus years with little or no maintenance. Solar PV is an excellent investment often producing 6-15% return on investment.
Net Metering
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a method of “metering” the energy consumed and produced at home or at your business that has its own renewable energy generator, ie a small wind turbine. With net metering, the customer's electric meter will run backward when the solar electric system produces more power than is needed to operate the home or business at that time. Under existing federal law (PURPA, Section 210) utility customers can use the electricity they generate with a wind turbine to supply their own lights and appliances, offsetting electricity they would otherwise have to purchase from the utility at the retail price. Net metering allows the customer to use any excess electricity to offset electricity used at other times during the billing period. In other words, the customer is billed only for the net energy consumed during the billing period.
What is the current status of net metering?
Currently 28 states require at least some utilities to offer net metering for small wind systems, although the requirements vary from state to state. New York State offers Solar only Net Metering up to but not greater than 10KW. It is also currently for residential only and all New York State utilities participate.