Prometheus Energy Inc.

What is a solar panel system?

Solar panel systems (or solar energy systems) use Photovoltaic PVl) cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Solar panel cells are made from silicon and were originally developed to power spacecraft and space stations. The cells are wired together in panels that typically measure about 4 feet by 1 foot by 1.5 inches deep. A group of solar panels mounted on a frame is called a solar panel solar panel array.

To provide electricity reliably and safely, solar panel system components typically include an inverter, wiring and optional battery storage and charge controller. Most solar panel systems convert the DC electricity that is produced by the solar panels into the common household form of electricity-alternating current (AC)-by using an inverter. AC electricity can then be used to power your appliances directly, or feed back to an electric utility's grid. The DC electricity can also be stored directly in batteries for later use. In this case, to prevent overcharging or discharging of the batteries, a charge controller is used.

What is the environmental impact if I use solar power at home?

Solar panels have received attention from researchers, businesses and homeowners because, unlike traditional power generation sources, these technologies produce electricity using a renewable source-the sun-without creating noise, emitting pollutants that cause climate change such as greenhouse gases, smog, acid rain, or water resource pollution. Even when the emissions related to solar cell manufacturing are counted, solar panels produce less than 15% of the carbon dioxide from a conventional coal-fired power plant.

As a general rule of thumb, studies indicate that the typical California home using solar power has an environmental impact of removing two cars from the road. Over 25 years, you will have avoided producing more than 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Using solar electricity to power a million homes would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4.3 million tons per year, the equivalent of removing 850,000 cars from the road (Source: EPA).

What is the Average Energy Use In Southern Nevada?

In Nevada, the average residential electric use is 1,250 kilowatt-hours per month according to NV Energy.

How big a system is needed?

In Southern Nevada, the most common residential photovoltaic system is 5 kilowatts of AC-rated output.

 

 

Is it expensive to install?

Installed prices typically range from $8,000 to $10,000 per kilowatt, so a 5-kilowatt system would cost $40,000 to $50,000 before incentives or tax credits.  New tax law offers 30% federal tax credit with no cap limit.  This equates to an additional savings of $8,000 to $12,000 and the system will pay for itself at current energy prices in just over 12 years based on an average household use of 1,250 kilowatt hours per month in Southern Nevada.  These calculations do not take into account escalating energy costs or the added value to the home.

How is this energy transferred from the panel into my house?

The energy generated by the photovoltaic (PV) modules on the roof goes directly into your house as needed - any excess feeds back into the power grid through a two - way meter. Nevada's net metering law allows homeowners to receive full and equal credit for every kilowatt hour provided to the NV Energy grid. These credits can accumulate on your bill to offset future energy use in excess of the homes solar production.

A grid intertie system consists primarily of a few dozen PV modules, typically about 200 watts each (DC) and an inverter to convert the DC output of the modules to AC power that is compatible with the grid. Except for cooling fans that occasionally run in the inverter, there are no moving parts.

Does a solar panel system replace an electric utility?

Solar panel systems are typically used as either stand-alone systems or grid-connected systems. The role of solar panels in these two types of systems is very different, and the design decisions and performance requirements are very different as well.

Stand-alone solar panel systems generate all of the on-site electricity needs of a home. Therefore, they are not connected to any electric utility. Stand-alone systems can provide AC or DC electricity, and typically include batteries to store electricity for use when the sun is not shining. Stand-alone systems are often cost-effective when installed in remote areas where access by electric utilities is difficult and expensive.

Grid-connected solar panel systems are typically sized to meet at least 50% of a home's electrical load. These systems are not always sized to meet all of the electricity loads of a house because of the higher up-front costs associated with purchasing a larger system. Solar panel systems can be easily integrated with a utility's electrical grid to provide clean, renewable electricity for homeowners, while still ensuring continuous power supply from your regular utility.

What are the benefits of having a solar panel system?

Reduce your utility bill
Solar panel systems can significantly reduce your utility bill. Any energy produced for "free" by the sun and your solar panel system is energy that you don't have to purchase from your utility. This translates into direct savings on your monthly utility bill. In addition to the direct savings, the solar panel arrays also act as a sunshade for your roof, reflecting heat from the sun that would otherwise be absorbed by your house. A shaded roof area can reduce the air temperature of your house, reducing the energy required by your air-conditioner to keep a comfortable temperature in your home.


Increase the resale value of your home
Like any home improvement, a solar panel system should increase your home's resale value by the amount of the installation. So even if you move from your present home, your solar panel system will have reduced your monthly utility bill and increased the value of your home if you do decide to sell.

Environmental responsibility
By using a renewable power source, you're helping reduce the impact of global warming and climate change. You will avoid producing hundreds of tons of greenhouse gases during the solar panel system lifetime.

Energy Security and Independence
Solar power can provide electricity in the event of a power outage or disaster. You will also decrease your use of foreign oil and minimize utility company price increases.