MAYBE IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO THINK SOLAR?

U.S. SOLAR MODULE DEMAND EXPECTED TO DOUBLE IN 2012

The U.S. market for solar panels is likely to double in 2012, thanks to government policies and falling prices, although new tariffs on panels imported from China could contribute to slower growth in 2013, according to a new study.

U.S. developers are likely to install 3,300 megawatts of solar panels this year, nearly double the amount installed in 2011. More than 500 megawatts of solar power were installed in New Jersey, California, Arizona, Massachusetts and other states in the first quarter 2012 alone, in what is usually a slow time for solar installations due to winter weather.

The global solar power market has been turbulent for manufacturers, as prices have plunged amid an over supply of panels. But the falling prices, as well as faster development for large scaled solar powered plants, have driven strong demand for solar equipment.

Government subsidies, such as the federal rebate of 30% of the cost of each solar system, and state and local incentives have been driving growing demand for solar. The lowering prices have also played a role in the increase of interest for solar projects.

Average solar module prices fell by one- half in 2011, to about 94 cents a watt. That followed a 2010 drop of 27% in prices. The lower panel prices, combined with lower prices for other components, led to a drop in total solar systems installation costs. This was true in both large scale utility solar systems, as well as residential roof top installations.

Electrical Systems and Services, Inc is proud to be a NABCEP certified installer and part of this growing market. Now is the time to contact Electrical Systems to have a Free, No obligation assessment to your business or residence to see if this is the right time for you to go Solar.  Please contact us, so we can get yours scheduled.

QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT SOLAR......

5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Solar Electric System

There are a nerve-wracking number of solar manufacturers and installers out there, so Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. came up with the 5 most important questions to ask before making the decision to install solar modules on your roof.

1. “How many systems has your company installed?”
Due to the recent spike in solar panel installations, and the decrease in other construction-related businesses, many roofers, fencers, and builders are attempting to start solar installation companies with no solar experience and without proper solar installation knowledge. Look for a reputable installer with an NABCEP certification as Electrical Systems and Services does.

2. “Is the warranty on my solar panels 25 years?”
Most solar panels on the market are high-quality and will have a guaranteed output of not less than 90% after 10 years and no less than 80% after 25 years. Any brand panel should have this warranty, whether it’s made in China, Germany, or America.

3. “Is the warranty on your labor 10 years or longer?”
Some states require installers to warranty their labor for 10 years in order for the system to be eligible for state rebates. Any good installer should have no problem including this.

4. “How many kilowatt-hours will the system produce the first year?”
This is arguably the most important factor in comparing solar electric systems (other than price, of course). If you have solar panels warranted for 25 years, and labor guaranteed for 10, then the brand of solar panel – whether Canadian Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Helios or any other – doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how much energy they are expected to produce in a year. Many times the cheaper, “less efficient” solar panels will produce more energy in a year at a better price than the pricier, “more efficient” solar panels. When warranties are the same, output is the money-maker, not brand or efficiency.

5. “How much will it cost? (…after parts, labor, installation and rebates)?”
Don’t compare the cost of the panels exclusively, or the labor exclusively. Compare the bottom-line cost after rebates. Whoever can give you the most output (kWh/year) at the best price, is the company you should chose. This is what Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. calls ‘solar value’.

NABCEP CERTIFICATION FOR RJ DATT

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

RJ Datt of Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. has successfully satisfied the requirements and standards for the Certified Solar PV Installer in credentials established by the NABCEP Board of Directors.

This is a great honor and achievement, as it means RJ is one of very few Certified Solar PV Installers in SouthEast Wisconsin.

PV Installer Certification

The NABCEP PV installer certification is a voluntary certification that provides a set of national standards by which PV installers with skills and experience can distinguish themselves from their competition. Certification provides a measure of protection to the public by giving them a credential for judging the competency of practitioners. It is not intended to prevent qualified individuals from installing PV systems nor to replace state licensure requirements.

The target candidate for NABCEP certification is the person responsible for the system installation (e.g., contractor, foreman, supervisor, or journeyman).

The NABCEP PV Installer certification has been developed in accordance with the certification field’s best practices. NABCEP is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) and has endeavored to follow the requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024: General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons.

NABCEP’s PV Installer Certification is North America’s only renewable energy personnel certification that has been ANSI accredited to the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

Congratulations to RJ on this great accomplishment!