Solar Electric Class

Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter presents:

Is Solar Electricity right for you or someone you know?

Wondering how it works, what the installing process is like or what it costs?

Solar electric informational class discusses the latest developments on solar rebates, solar installation issues and photovoltaic system payback and economic considerations. Q & A session with Kurt Newick to get your questions addressed on solar electric systems. Kurt Newick from Horizon Energy Systems presents information on the environmental benefits, system sizing, how to select a solar contractor and an overview of system installation issues.
Presented will be information on the solar financial aspects including life cycle payback, home value increase, solar rebate and tax credits, internal rate of return calculations as well as information on solar technical issues.  RSVP encouraged. Contact Kurt Newick at Kurt@gosolarnow.com or 408-761-2029.
    •    Hear about utility rebates, federal tax credits.
    •    Solar PV design and installation issues - mounting options to prevent roof leaks for various roof types, wind loading, aesthetics, wiring, PV system design, newer technologies such as microinverters, permitting issues.
    •    Solar technologies - crystalline and thin film, Horizon Energy installs both.
    •    How billing works with solar power. This is called net energy metering by the utility - time-of-use rates "banking" solar credits at retail rates, true up bill at year end, rate schedules compared, historical utility electric rates.
    •    PV performance issues - including impact of shade, panel tilts, summer vs. winter output, efficiency, loss factors, reliability, degradation, etc.
    •    Economic benefits to the homeowner - system payback, life cycle savings, increase in home value, PV system appreciation/depreciation, cash flow of loan payments to finance solar power compared to utility bill, return on investment, etc.
    •    Environmental benefits.
    •    Costs and benefits.
    •    PV system sizing considerations.
    •    System operation and maintenance issues - solar panel cleaning, monitoring, longevity of components.