How does a typical Photovoltaic (PV) solar system work?

Photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight into electricity. The pure physics of PV solar systems is that energy in the form of photons of light strike a surface made of silicon, phosphorus and boron. Thus energy is transferred which causes electrons to move from a positive layer (P Layer) to a negative layer (N Layer). Through this photovoltaic process, the system generates Direct Current (DC) electricity, positive to negative just like a battery. The DC electricity is routed from the panels to an inverter which converts the electricity (inversion always results in a loss of power) into Alternating Current (AC) so as to be compatible with our nationwide electrical grid system. The DC power generated can be used directly to run many DC devises and equipment.

What size PV system do I need?

There is a great government web site, PVwatts. It is available to everyone and is used by most solar companies and the public. All you need to provide is your address, your current cost per kilowatt hour, slope of your roof in degrees and how many degrees South of true North your roof faces (South is 180 degrees South of North). The slope and degrees South don’t have to be exact to get a good ballpark idea of how big a PV system is needed to offset you power bill. We of course are glad to provide this information for you.

Is solar electricity right for my business?

North Carolina Commercial or Industrial businesses have the greatest advantage when it comes to return on investments and shorter payback period. Federal tax credits of 26% and MACRS Depreciation allow a business to pay for a Photovoltaic System in as little as 4.5 years and a ROI (Return On Investment) of 40-50%. No other investment offers such low risk and high returns. With ever rising electric rates, solar electricity is right for every business. Not only does a solar system reduce energy costs, but can be an effective marketing tool, add to employee satisfaction, workplace pride and help increase sales. Contact us today for a free estimate and payback analysis.

What government incentives are available in North Carolina?

The Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar systems is 26% of the system's net cost for 2020 and dropping to 21% in 2021. There is no limit on the amount of credit for a Business or a Residence. There are no longer any state tax credits for North Carolina Residents. but there is a 25% state tax credit for South Carolina residential and business customers. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress offered a rebate in 2020 for installed solar of 50 cents/watt for commercial and industrial installations, 60 cents/watt for residential installations and 70 cents/watt for nonprofit installations, but while the rebates for 2021 that are expected to be available, the program is being redesigned and details are not yet determined.

What is the cost of a PV system?

System costs are based on system size and are usually compared on a dollar per installed DC Watt basis. Solar system prices have decreased 36% in the last 3 years. Prices vary from$3.00 or less per watt for a residential system (4 to 5kW) to $2.50 to 2.0$0/watt for commercial and industrial installations.

Must my building or house face south to qualify?

NO! Since many Commercial and Industrial buildings have flat roofs, they are great solar candidates regardless of orientation. If a structure has a roof slope that faces between a southeast and southwest orientations, the roof can be used with minimal loss of production. The greatest hindrance for a Residence is shading by trees.

Must the PV system be installed on my roof?

NO! While a roof is a great place for a PV System, it may have the wrong orientation or be shaded by trees or other buildings that prohibit the best solar result. The good news is that PV Systems can also be Ground Mounted or Pole Mounted in sunny areas as an option.

Will storms damage a PV system?

Yes. No normal structures can withstand a Tornado or a Hurricane that exceeds the design wind speed for your area, but these occurrences are rare. PV panels should always be attached to structures in a manner that will withstand the design wind loads at your location. All PV Panels are designed to withstand a 1” Hail Stone traveling at 50 MPH. That is more than modern Composite Shingles can withstand. Homeowners insurance will cover storm damage to PV Panels and if yours will not, you should change insurance companies! This is very important!

How long will it take to install a PV system?

The typical house with a Composite Shingle or Metal Roof should take 2 to 3 days installation time. If you have a Slate or Cast Tile Roof or live on the side of a mountain the installation could take longer. Commercial and industrial structures take longer due to increased size, ranging from a week to a several weeks dependent on size, design, permitting requirements, type and scope of installation.

Can my roof support the weight of the solar array?

YES! Photovoltaic Systems add very little dead load to your roof. In most cases, 4 Lbs. or less. All modern houses are designed to support loads far greater than this. Some commercial and industrial buildings may have had additional loads added to roofs or hung from their structural system on their interior. It is very important to have all Industrial buildings evaluated due to their typically greater distance (span) between load-bearing columns or walls.

Can a PV system be expanded in size after installation?

YES! There is no theoretical limit to the size of a photovoltaic system but there is a limit to the Electrical Service Provider ability to receive the generated power. A properly designed systems Inverter should have very little extra capacity but many times some additional panels could be added without the expense of an additional Inverter. But it is very easy to just add a separate additional system, Inverter and all. Some system designers prefer multiple inverters so that if a problem occurs with part of a system the whole system is not down.

Can I really sell electricity back to the utility company?

YES! N.C. Statutes require all Electric Utility Companies to purchase any electric power generated by an individual at a minimum of at least their “avoided costs” which is usually half of what they charge you. The arrangement you will have with your Electric provider and the options available to you will depend on whether your provider is an “IOU” Investor Owned Utility (DUKE Energy, Dominion Power or Progress Energy), a “Muni”, a municipality such as a City Electric Department or a “CO-OP” such as an Electric Membership Corporation. In addition, all solar systems generate SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) which may be sold to utility companies or on the open market to third party SREC aggregators.

Are permits required to install a PV system on an existing property?

An Electrical permit and structural analysis is required in every Municipality or County in the state of North Carolina. In addition some may require Building or Zoning Permits. NC Statutes require anyone installing a Photovoltaic System to file a “Report of Proposed Construction” with the N.C. Utilities Commission. And you must seek permission, approval and come to an agreement with your Power Company. We as General Contractors have been working with Inspection Departments, and other government bureaucracies for Forty years. We have great expertise in this area and will handle all permitting, filings and any registrations needed and will include all needed permit and registration fees in our quote.

How do we get started?

Just give us a call or send us an email.  We will need the address of your structure’s location, your power bills. We know that this is very confidential information but we strongly believe that a PV System should be designed around this information.  It is the best way to maximize your return on investment and make your payback time as short as possible.  We will treat this information with the confidentiality it deserves. We can then provide you with a FREE QUOTE and FINANCIAL ANALYSIS based on our evaluation.