Solar 101 information session

We’re a community of people building a new energy system

with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. We help people

go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

Co-op/group purchase

• 50 – 100+ neighbors

• Group decision process

• 6 – 8 month process

• Competitive bidding process

for best pricing

• Sign individual contract

Individual Support• Help reviewing proposals

• Negotiate your own deal

• Faster timeline

• Ongoing advice &

assistance (post install)

How we help you go solar

Overview of Solar Technology

Solar photovoltaic (PV)

Converts solar energy to electricity

Solar thermal / solar hot water

Uses solar energy to heat air or water

Solar Technology

Terminology: Kilowatts (kW) & kilowatt-hours (kWh)

System size measured in kW – power

Electricity production measured in kWh – energy

Most homeowners install between 2 kW – 12 kW

Solar Technology

PV Terminology: Modules and Panels

Solar Technology

Monocrystalline Silicon ModuleImage Source: DuPont

Solar Panel/s, Solar Array

Balance of system (BOS) components

Racking system, wiring,

conduit

Central String

Inverter

Solar Technology

Micro-inverter

Bi-directional (net) meter measures electricity flow to/from home

Electricity sent to utility grid is reimbursed at full retail value

Solar homeowner pays for the net energy consumed (solar

production in kWh – utility consumption in kWh)

Solar TechnologyBi-directional meter – Net metering (NEM)

Energy Storage for Homeowners

Two ways it may benefit you

Frequent utility outages

Critical loads at home (ex. well pumps, medical equipment)

Emergency/disaster preparedness

Adds cost and complexity

Solar TechnologyBattery storage

Session 2 (12 p.m.): Solar + Battery Storage for Homes and Businesses (Scott Sklar & Aaron Sutch)

System size and production – limiting factors

Roof faces southerly direction

No or minor shading

Enough space to mount panels

Solar Technology

A few considerations

• Solar is priced by the watt (not by module)

• Solar is long-term

– No moving parts & 25 year lifespan

• Rising energy prices

– Dominion: 30% rate increase in last 10 years

Solar economics

Pricing and investment

• Average 9 – 13 year return on investment

in Virginia

– Depends on site and pricing

• Expect around $15k

– Small systems under $9k

– Large systems over $20k

Solar economics

Solar economics

Assumptions

SRECs not included, 2% energy increase per year, 7kW System Size,

Base Price $2.75/W, 1336 yearly production of 1kW, $0.1243 starting

electricity rate, -0.5% panel degradation per year, 4% Interest rate on

loan, 70% of cost covered by loan , $0 Operations and Maintenance

over system lifetime

30% Federal tax credit

Cost of solar system after 30% Tax Credit

Solar economics