Solar Basics

Solar Energy is the ultimate renewable energy source. In our new era of environmental concerns regarding global warming and CO2 emissions, solar energy can be on of our planet’s best solutions. Two types of solar designs are available, Active and Passive. Active Systems are those using solar panel designs that we will discuss throughout this presentation. Passive Systems are generally developed early on in the planning stages of building.

Active Solar Systems are those typically thought of by our customers. These systems use photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture energy from our sunshine. Because of recent technology changes, solar panels are now more efficient and less expensive than just a few years ago. Additional benefits of PV systems are their life spans. Most panels are actually warranted for 25 years and have been tested for 30 years. Due to recent changes in tax credits, energy rebates and solar incentives, now if the BEST TIME EVER TO GO GREEN with TX Wind and Solar, LLC.

If you planning on designing a new home, consult with TX Wind and Solar, LLC on creating a passive solar energy system. These systems are easy to design and allow heating, cooling and lighting to all be addressed in the initial stages of planning.




How Does a Solar System Work?
The key item in our PV System is the solar cell, often times referred to as a photovoltaic cell. Each cell produces a very small amount of energy (.5 to .6 DC volts). These individual cells are grouped together on a solar panel usually containing 54 to 60 cells. Sunlight is made up of energy particles called photons. These photons strike the silicon layer of the solar cell and a portion of the photons are absorbed, producing the DC Voltage. Recent technological changes have increased panel efficiencies from 12% to 16% and these panels are now commonly available. A 20% efficient panel is now available on the market from SANYO, although currently they are still very expensive. TX Wind and Solar will help you choose the right panel at the right price.




Parts of a Solar Panel

The following is a list of the major components of a solar panel: Glass Cover- Provides protection form the elements Anti-Reflective Coating - Substance used to prevent the light that strikes from bouncing off the panel. Top Negative Contact - Negative Post (Terminal, like in your battery) N-Type Layer - Semi-conductor layer dipped in phosphorus P-Type Layer - Semi-conductor layer dipped in boron Bottom Positive Contact - Positive Post (Terminal, like in a battery)

Types of Solar Cells

There are three common designs:

1. Monocrystalline Silicon – A single layer of extremely pure silicon is used as the semi-conductor. (Most expensive and most efficient on the market today)
2. Polycrystalline Silicon – Liquid silicone is poured into blocks, sawed into plates and then assembled. (Less Efficient but easier to manufacture and therefore less expensive)
3. Amorphous Thin Film – First Solar (hyperlink) has revolutionized this design using cadmium telluride to produce a micrometer thick semi-conductor. The advantage of this type of product is its wide application on metal roofs. No racking systems is needed, it adheres directly to the roof. This product is much less efficient and requires a much larger surface area.

Mounting Systems

PV mounting systems are used to secure individual panels together in a configuration called a solar array. This allows the panels to be secured from wind lift and allow the panels to be off set from the roof to allow air circulation under the panels. There are mounting systems for all types of scenarios: roof mount, ground mount, pole mount, and even tracker systems that follow the sun.

Is Solar a Feasible Solution for Me?

Probably the most often question asked is, “Will I Eliminate My Electric Bills by going Solar?” To answer this and other questions, our Solar Specialists from TX Wind and Solar conduct a Preliminary Phone Survey. During this initial conversation we will review the following:

1. General Site Conditions: House layout and configuration, shading issues you may have from heavily wooded areas, blocking trees, etc.
2. Possible HOA Restrictions: This used to be a fairly large issue, but with recent legislation and the entire Green Movement, most HOA’s now allow solar panels.
3. Financial Costs: Offsetting that utility bill.

Most customers will not be able to eliminate their electric bills because of the total financial costs and or roof spacing requirements. A typical reduction to your electric bill is 30%. Most solar panel arrays are mounted directly upon the south facing roof deck, but other options are available as discussed in Mounting Systems. An ideal roof pitch is 7/12, which is a 30-degree angle. Efficiencies are lost as either pitch varies or locations of panels differ from due South. Western facing roofs are 15% less efficient and roof pitches of 45 degrees are 3% less efficient.




Why choose TX Wind and Solar?

Part of our philosophy at TX Wind and Solar is to offer solar designs with more solutions for our Texas customers. With our experience in wind generation and battery back-up systems, we incorporate Battery Back-up into all of solar system designs. All other solar companies either fail to give this option, price it out of the budget or minimize its importance. Having a 60 sub-panel with a 3-5 Day Battery Back-up is ideal for Texas Residents who are constantly experiencing power outages and power problems. Because of our design, your entire home now has a full surge suppression system, protecting your expensive electronics and appliances. Less expensive systems are available from us and if budget is the final deciding factor, we have solar solutions to fit any budget.

What will my Solar Array Cost?
At TX Wind and Solar we offer a wide variety of system solutions. Depending upon our initial phone interview, you may opt for a solar/wind hybrid system; if this is not feasible a solar array with Battery Back-up may just be your answer. The following example is that of a 4 KW Solar Array with Battery-Back-up. It describes components used, cost breakouts and tax credits and rebates you may receive. Recent legislation now allows a 30% no cap tax credit on wind and solar installations. Click Here to see more Information about these Incentives. In addition our local TDU provider, Oncor, allows a $2.46 watt rebate. Check here to see if you are an Oncor customer.
TX Wind and Solar, LLC is a Certified Oncor Installer and is qualified to assist you with collecting this rebate.






4 KW TXWS System

Components	Quantity	Product Cost	Total
Solar Panels (210 watt REC)	24	$1,100	$26,400
Racking System	4	$400	$1,600
Xantrex Inverter GT5 (5000 watt)	1	$3,950	$3,950
Disconnects, Wire, Fuse	1	$1,500	$1,500
Controller Unit	1	$500	$500
Battery Integration System	1	$1,200	$1,200
Labor and Installation	24	$343	$8,232
			$43,382
Credit for 30% Federal Incentive			$13,015
Oncor $2.46 Rebate			$8,364
Estimated Amount after Incentives			$21,379

Price per watt before incentives - $10.85
Price per watt after rebate - $5.34




Click Here to learn about Hybrid Systems



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