Page 62 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

THE HOMEOWNER’S HANDBOOK EIGHTH EDITION

PHOTOVOLTAICS
Looking Sharp Small-Scale Cogeneration
The race is on to build better PV cells that convert sunlight to
electricity. New solar films and panels are being tested that are more
efficient, less expensive and lighter than ever. The current challenge
is to find a more affordable alternative to the polycrystalline silicon
based panels that dominate the market. But while that R&D is
going on, existing solar products are becoming more practical. For
example, Sanyo recently came out with double-sided solar panels
that can simultaneously provide shade (in the form of an awning),
and take in sunlight on both the top and bottom surfaces.
At the same time, the range of building integrated photovoltaics
(BIPV) has exploded. That’s good news for homeowners. It means you
can now have a solar generating system built right into your roof that
looks like asphalt shingles or architectural metal or even clay tiles.
And, as we mentioned earlier, many states require utilities to buy
any leftover electricity you generate. One of the key improvements in
BIPV in recent years has been the way they connect to each other and
your home’s power system. The early products were co-dependent. In
other words, when the connection broke on a solar shingle, the whole
roof stopped producing. Newer systems have built-in redundancy in
their wiring, and most are more modular, making replacement of a
single faulty tile or panel less of a hassle.

Solar Leasing
Third-party-owned solar PV systems have made solar technology
affordable to more people. Typically, a solar leasing company
provides the array at a low (sometimes no) upfront cost. The leaser
is guaranteed a fixed monthly rate for the term of the lease (often 20
years); in addition, the leasing company provides all maintenance
of the array and often enables web-based monitoring of the system. CREDIT: COGEN MICROSYSTEMS
Some companies offer a power purchase agreement instead of or in

SOLAR SAVINGS Heat and Power. Innovative new co-generation equipment such as this

unit from Australia-based Cogen Microsystems could dramatically change
how homes are heated and cooled, but retail versions seem to come and
go from the marketplace.

addition to a straight lease. In this arrangement, the customer pays for
the energy produced by the panels, at a fixed and predetermined rate.
Is it better to lease or purchase a solar system? This often depends
on your tax bracket. If you are unable to take advantage of the 30
percent federal tax credit, a third-party-owned system might be the
way to go, as the solar provider can utilize the tax credit and pass

What You Could Save Over Time Bosch Power
Max 2 EV Charger
What would you do with an extra $20K? Bosch’s Power Max level 2 electric
That’s how much the average solar system vehicle charging stations included 16
and 30 amp models. Just launched,
will save you over 20 years. Residents in the new Bosch Power Max 2 includes
states with high electricity rates, such as a 40-amp variant, which means
faster charging for EVs that can
Hawaii, can expect to save even more. accommodate 40 amps.
www.pluginnow.com
SOURCE: ONE BLOCK OFF THE GRID

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