Why Solar

Solar Electric Systems

Good for the environment. Photovoltaic (PV) systems take the energy from sunlight and covert it to electricity. PV panels can be installed on rooftops, parking structures, or on the ground. They have no moving parts, make no noise, and require virtually no maintenance. As a 100% renewable energy source, solar electricity can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by lowering our dependence on fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and petroleum that we use to generate electricity.

PV systems are increasingly affordable. Although they have the longest payback cycle, PV systems have become increasingly popular. Concerns about global warming, energy security, and the rising price of fossil fuels have led legislators to improve the incentives for their installation. In Pennsylvania, homeowners can take advantage of state solar energy grants which are expected to be available in March 2009, as well as the federal 30% investment tax credit. In addition to these incentives, businesses can utilize an accelerated five-year depreciation which means that PV systems generate substantial positive cash flow, particularly in the first five years of operation. As a result, the financial and environmental benefits of a well-designed system make solar one of the best home or business investments you can make.

PV systems can lock in your electric rates. In Pennsylvania The Electricity Generation and Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1997 capped electric rates for consumers for a period of up to thirteen years. The last of the rate caps are set to expire for PECO and Met-Ed customers on December 31, 2010. Electric rates are expected to increase significantly with current market prices for electricity being much higher than the capped rates. By investing in a PV system you can hedge against or eliminate the effect of electric rate inflation.

A solar system will increase your home’s value. If you decide to sell your home a solar electric system compares very favorably with other home improvements in percentage of cost recovered. According to the Appraisal Institute, a solar electric system increases home value by about $20,000 for each $1,000 in annual reduced utility costs.

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