Western Solar Electric
Systems
Western Solar designs and installs solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for residential,
commercial, and industrial clients throughout the Washington State. Systems range from small to large
grid-tied or off-grid solar electric arrays. We offer a wide variety of
components from different manufacturers. We work with you to design a
system that meets your specific needs, whether it is powering a boat or RV, a
backup security system, a new or existing home, or a large commercial operation.
Our systems can greatly reduce your monthly electric bill and also provide a
good long term return on your investment. Call us and learn about net metering and the great economic incentives
offered by federal and state governments and local utilities. Our staff
have installed over 300 kilowatts of solar around the country over the past five
years.
Watch the video "Solar Energy for Your Home".
WESTERN SOLAR'S SUMMER
SPECIAL - "100% MADE-IN-THE-USA" SOLAR ELECTRIC PACKAGE
4 KILOWATT
GRID-TIED SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM ONLY $21,910
(click here for details)
Key Benefits to
Installing a Western Solar Electric System
 | Western Solar Systems are custom designed to greatly reduce
or eliminate your annual electric bills |
| Western Solar Systems include the top solar modules,
inverters and solar racking systems in the industry |
| You are automatically eligible to receive annual production
payments at twice the current utility rates ($0.15/kWH) |
| Annual production payments are in addition to the monthly
savings from your utility |
| Save thousands with Federal Stimulus Package Tax Credits
equal to 30% of the entire system cost |
| Earn 6 to 15% per year on your investment, after taxes |
| All Solar Electric Systems are tax exempt in the State of
Washington |
| Reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| All Solar Modules include a standard 25 Year Production
Warranty |
| Online Monitoring Systems are available that allow you to
monitor your savings 24 Hours per day, from anywhere in the world. |
How Does a Solar Electric System Work?
Solar Electric or Photovoltaic
Systems convert some of the energy in sunlight directly into electricity.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made primarily of silicon, the second most abundant
element in the earth's crust, and the same semiconductor material used for
computers. When the silicon is combined with one or more other materials, it
exhibits unique electrical properties in the presence of sunlight. Electrons are
excited by the light and move through the silicon. This is known as the
photovoltaic effect and results in direct current (DC) electricity. This
technology is not new. The concept was described in a 1901 U.S. Patent "An
apparatus for the utilization of radiant energy" by Nicola Tesla. PV panels
(modules) have no moving parts, are virtually maintenance-free, and some have
been in service for 40 years. They are warranted for 25 years.
See the real-time and cumulative solar electric
production of the system installed by WSI at the City of Bellingham, Maritime
Heritage Park Building
(click here)
What Does it Cost?
There are currently very significant government and
utility
incentives offered for both residential and commercial solar electric
systems in Washington State. These incentives reduce the initial cost
and greatly shorten the period of time required to recapture 100% of the initial
investment (the payback period). The primary initial cost is, of course,
determined by the size of the system. For most homes, a 3 to 5
kilowatt system will generally supply 40 to 80% of the annual electrical demand.
As the
attached example indicates, the payback period for these systems is
currently about 7 years. For commercial systems higher
incentives
generally translate to a payback period of 4 to 5 years.
Four Steps to
Achieve Energy Independence
1) Review the information on this
website, define your needs, and contact us.
See "Contact Us" page and call or submit
the brief form including as much specific information as possible. To
receive a quote on a solar electric or hot water system, please complete
and return the quotation questionnaire form for one or the other or both.
2) Site visit and assessment
Schedule us to visit your site and assess your solar access, installation
area, or building site. If required, the roof will be measured and a
solar pathfinder survey will be performed. This provides an estimate of
shading and determines the percentage of total solar energy available at
your site each month of the year. We will design a system appropriate for
your needs with a detailed price quotation which includes specifications,
delivery and installation of all equipment, incentives available, and a
calculation of return on investment. This can generally be done at the
time of the site visit. The site visit assessment fee is $80 plus $1 per
mile traveled from either North Seattle or Bellingham. The fee is
refundable upon purchase of a system.
3) Want to finance your system and avoid
the up front costs? By financing a solar system your monthly payments
may be offset by the monthly savings in your utility bills and can even
generate net monthly savings. There are several good sources for
financing your solar system. Following are just a few:
Clean
Power Finance
Sunwize Technologies
Loan
Netter
CitiGroup
4) Purchase and scheduling
When you decide to proceed, we will provide an installation or
construction agreement for your approval. You then pay a down payment (3%
on buildings or 25% on solar systems).
5) Installation or construction
For installation of solar energy systems, when all materials are delivered
to your site, you pay an additional 50% of the total cost and we obtain
permits and install the system. Upon completion and payment of the final
25% we will schedule an inspection for final approval. You will then be
producing your own power. For, green building design see
"Green
Building"
Get a Quotation -
Download
Questionnaire
More Information
Basics of Solar
Electric
Consumers Guide to Solar Energy for Washington State
Payback Period for Solar Electric
Systems
