Photovoltaic cells are usually made from silicon and other elements and manufactured in such a way they are sensitive to light. The exposure to light photons will knock loose electrons from the cell creating voltage and current. When the cells are put in series and parallel they are manufactured into a PV solar panel that we use to make electricity for homes and industry. So the bottom line if we didn’t have photovoltaic cells we wouldn’t have PV panels or solar electricity.

The tax credits are the same. Both are applied against tax liabilities and therefore the equivalent of dollars off setting liability dollars. However, with a business you also get 5 year depreciation allowances which will also speed up the time it takes for the solar system savings to equal its cost.

RPA stands for the Radiant Panel Association. During the past 15 years this association has designed educational programs to help train installers and designers the proper sizing techniques and methods. Solarponics, Inc has received certification in both Installation and System Design. This helps assure customers who use our services that they will get the best installations and designs using state of the art materials.

While the direction of exposure is important, lack of shade is of greater importance. Shade completely blocks the suns energy and with solar electric systems even partial shading of one panel can cause a significant reduction in system performance. Partial shading isn’t as critical in thermal systems as the heat they gain is proportional to the surface area in the sun.

Usually electric panels will need some cleaning in the summer months to keep up their output to the maximum. In winter you don’t need to wash them, Mother Nature usually does the job for you. Hot water panels usually don’t need cleaning as there is plenty of sun in summer and the rain will clean them in the winter.

We have worked with our suppliers to put together packages for the do-it yourselfers who would like to install the system themselves. The packages are electric or hot water and come with most of the parts you will need to install the system. The few missing parts can be bought from us or at the local hardware store.

I guess radiant flooring is the flooring which is put over a radiant heating system. It can be tile, rock, vinyl, wood, wood laminates, or carpet. Basically any floor covering put over a radiant system. The biggest benefit of radiant heating is that there no allergens being redistributed around your house by blowing air. Also, the heating is very even and the thermostat can be reduced to achieve a higher comfort level. Your house will stay cleaner longer.

Solar Water Heating Qualifies for a 30% Federal Tax Credit which is equal to cash equivalents when it comes time to pay your federal taxes. For those heating their water with natural gas or electricity there is a utility rebate up to $1875 for gas and $1250 for electricity.

This bill was passed to empower people who own a home or building to be able pay for improvements to increase their energy efficiency and water efficiency. AB 811 provides a method to pay for the improvements by adding it to their property taxes and pay for the improvements over 20 years. This bill includes solar, insulation, windows, heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, water saving fixtures, etc. The idea is to provide a vehicle to bring buildings into the 21’st century as far as resource usage goes.