Solar Electric

Solar Electric Systems

SOLAR ELECTRIC PACKAGE - 3 KILOWATT GRID-TIED SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM $24,000 (click here for details)

We design and install solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. 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 licensed electricians have installed over 20 kilowatts of solar capacity this year alone.

Key Benefits

	Greatly reduce your electric bill
	Sell power to back to the utility at about twice the retail rate
	Save thousands with Federal, State, and utility incentives
	Earn 10 to 15% per year on your investment
	For businesses - tax credit of 30% of the total cost, plus 5 year accelerated depreciation
	Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

How Does it 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. 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 2 to 4 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. If pending federal legislation passes Congress, these payback periods will shorten even more.

Recently Installed by Western Washington Solar