Solar Leasing

Solar Leasing For Your Home

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Highly efficient photovoltaic (PV) systems have become more affordable than ever over the last decade. The contributing factors are growing each year.

Improved engineering and manufacturing techniques are leading to greater product yield. Around the world, dozens of manufacturers with a solid track record of performance are competing for market share. In America, local, state and federal regulators are encouraging implementation through tax incentives and rebate programs.

Solar LeasingAlthough prices have decreased, they can still represent a substantial capital investment for some homeowners.

USA Solar Electric has partnered with GreanGrid Solar to provide a solution to help homeowners move confidently towards renewable energy.

Solar Leasing and Your up-front Investment

With a solar leasing arrangement, USA Solar Electric will install and maintain the system on your property. GreanGrid will own the system and administer the lease. The homeowner purchases the electricity it generates at a fixed, predetermined rate.

When your system produces excess electricity it is calculated as a credit and channeled back to the power grid. At night or during bad weather your system will not produce enough electricity to meet your needs. During these periods your credit is drawn down. When your credits are exhausted you purchase electricity from your local utility.

The Affordability of Solar Leasing

Lease payments for a 2500 sq ft – 3000 sq ft home will be in the range of $50 to $60 per month. This type of a system will typically provide up to 60% of your electricity needs during the summer and up to 90% of your needs during the winter.

Solar LeasingLeasing commitments run a minimum of six years. At the end of the term you can renew, buy-out or request a removal of the panels at no cost to you.

If you move and have to sell your property, your lease can easily be transferred to next property owner. All at no cost to you.

If you’ve had the system more that five years, you can exercise an option to purchase it outright and include it in the sale of the property. Studies have shown that solar-energy systems can reduce your time on market and significantly increase property resale values.

Solar Panel

Solar Panels – Just how do they Work?

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Over the last decade the technology behind successfully harnessing the energy from the sun has improved dramatically. We recommend an expert in all things solar, NASA, for an in-depth technical explanation of how it works.

In a Nutshell – Solar Panel Technology

Solar PanelsFor the majority of us, a simplified explanation will do just fine. We understand how the bright sun can warm our face, even in winter. We’ve all experienced sunburn. We learned in 4th grade that plants use light energy during photosynthesis.

Let’s take a look at how light energy from the sun becomes electricity.

Solar Panels – From Light to Electricity

The fundamental component of a solar panel is the photovoltaic cell. These cells are aligned within the solar panel for unified exposure to the sun.  Most systems are in a fixed position. Some large scale systems tilt and shift to track the sun as the earth rotates throughout the day.

As sunlight strikes the surface of a photovoltaic cell, an electrical field is created. The electrical field provides momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons. The flow of electrons results in a flow of current which is tied into an electrical load.

Solar PanelsPhotovoltaic cells are equipped with semiconductors. When sunlight strikes the solar cell, a portion of their solar energy is absorbed into the semiconductor material, usually silicon.

This energy is now inside the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also have one or more electric fields that force electrons, freed by light absorption, to flow in a certain direction.

This flow of electrons is an electrical current. Metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell draw current off which is used to power external electrical loads by way of a power inverter.  Battery storage systems can also be interfaced to store excess electricity.

Contact USA Solar Electric today to find out more details and how a residential or commercial solar electric system can provide an environmentally-friendly source of electricity for years to come!

Solar Tax Incentives

Solar Tax Incentives – Act Before December 31

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Solar Tax Incentives Don’t Last Forever

The folks at USA Solar Electric aren’t tax advisers, we’re your friends. And friends don’t let their friends end the year without one last reminder that some key federal tax laws are changing.

Solar Tax IncentivesBusinesses have a lot to think about at the end of the year. Capital investment decisions among the most important. Solar electric PV systems, purchased and installed before the end of the year may be eligible for a first-year 50% Bonus Depreciation. This accelerated 50% bonus expires December 31, 2013.

Companies which invest in solar energy systems may be eligible for federal income tax deductions through the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS).

The Internal Revenue Service allows commercial solar PV system owners to deduct up to 85 percent of their tax basis. This type of depreciation can be claimed over a five year period.