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What is a renewable energy system?
What size solar electric system do I need to run my home?
How much does it cost?
How difficult is it to install and manage?
How long will my solar electric system last?
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What is a renewable energy system? A renewable energy system
uses sunlight, wind, and/or water to produce electricity to power
your home. A basic system is comprised of four basic components:
solar modules and/or wind generator, charge controller, batteries
and an inverter. Energy is collected at the home site by the
solar panels, wind generators, or hydro-electric generators and
stored in batteries for later use. When you need electricity
in your home, this stored power moves from the batteries through
the inverter, which converts the power from DC to AC. Any DC
or AC appliance can be run on an alternative energy system, including
computers, televisions, and stereos.
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What size solar electric system do I need to run my home? The
recommended size of your system depends on your power consumption.
If you want to completely replace your current electrical purchases
from the utility with a solar electric system, the first step
is to calculate your power requirements. To assist you with this
process, we have designed an interactive sizing worksheet. If
you design an energy efficient home, you can reduce your electricity
usage dramatically. In the real world, the majority of home systems
range from 2 kW to 4 kW. Where you live, whether or not you are
on the grid or off the grid, and how you live will dictate the
size of your system and its total cost.
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How much does it cost? System size and cost are directly related
to the number of appliances used and the length of time they
are used. Simply put, the power collected must at least equal
the power consumed. By analysis of the expected electrical loads,
the experienced technicians at Carbon Solar Solar can size the
system to provide what the homeowner needs and can afford. This
can be significantly less than the cost of providing a new line
from the utility grid or continuously running a large generator.
Beyond the initial cost of the system components, there are no
monthly electric bills. You are eligible for a one-time Arizona
State tax credit, Federal tax credit, and utility rebate (if
within local, Arizona Public Service -APS- territory). The system
will continue to pay for itself by providing reliable electrical
service for many years.
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How difficult is the system to install and manage? The new, state-of-the-art
alternative energy systems are remarkably simple and reliable.
Homeowners with average mechanical abilities can easily install
and maintain their own systems. Based on 17 years of experience
building and living in stand alone, energy independent homes,
the professionals at Carbon Solar Solar can also provide installation,
maintenance and repair services. Generally, installation by Carbon
Solar technicians is calculated as 20% of the total cost of materials.
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How long will my solar electric system last? Solar modules have
been tested in controlled settings and in the field, with results
showing module lifetimes in excess of 20 years. Other system
components have varied lifetimes. Batteries can last from 6 to
15 years, depending on care. The electronic components, being
the most sensitive, will last anywhere from 3 to 20 years. |
