| Below you will find the basics in a step by step | | | | with your Solar Installation Contractor. |
| process to a pain free and cost effective Solar | | | | 6. Your Solar Installation Contractor will submit |
| System Installation. From initial research to getting | | | | applications to your electric utility and begin |
| your first solar rebate check from your electric | | | | paperwork with all possible Federal, State, and |
| company the path is laid out here. | | | | possibly local tax rebates, grants, etc., to save |
| 1. Determine your historical energy use from your | | | | you the maximum money possible. |
| past electric bills. Pay attention to the difference | | | | 7. You will then sign a contract with your electric |
| between Summer and Winter power usage. | | | | utility. This is called a Net Metering Agreement and |
| 2. Determine your roof area available for | | | | states that the power utility will credit your |
| Photovoltaic Panels. These Solar Panels mounted | | | | account for the excess power you produce which |
| on your roof or ground contain the Photovoltaic | | | | flows to the power grid. Also an important |
| (PV) cells which convert sunlight into DC power. | | | | consideration is the use of a Meter Monitor. This |
| South facing surface areas are best but seasonal | | | | will allow you to be given credit for power you |
| variations in sun exposure allow for a variety of | | | | generate at different rates. These rates can be |
| Solar Panel placements to be used. Also, new | | | | Peak and Off Peak Rates. These rates are |
| technology allows for sun "tracking" or | | | | dependent on time of day you produce power, |
| programmed mechanical moving of the solar | | | | day of the week, and month of the year. Peak |
| panels to maximize sun exposure during the day | | | | Rates are often summer afternoon week days. If |
| and across all seasons of the year. | | | | you send power to the grid during peak times, |
| 3. Contact a licensed and aproved Solar Installation | | | | you will get credit at the higher, peak rate. When |
| Contractor(s) in your area to perform an on-site | | | | you gain credit and then draw on your credit at |
| consultation. Your contractors will know all the | | | | Off Peak periods your account will be debited at |
| current solar technologies available and how to | | | | Off Peak rates. If all of the electricity being |
| take advantage of all possible Federal, State, and | | | | generated by your solar energy system is |
| possibly local solar tax rebates, grants, etc. | | | | immediately being used, your meter will not "spin |
| 4. The Solar Installation Contractor will determine | | | | backwards". |
| best location for your Photovoltaic Panels and | | | | 8. Your Solar Installation Contractor will generate |
| best Inverters to use for the size of the Solar | | | | design drawings and pull all permits needed and, |
| System. Location of solar panels may vary as | | | | when you are ready, will install your system. Once |
| well as type of panels. Inverters (which convert | | | | completely installed your County or City will |
| the solar panel current from DC to usable AC | | | | inspect the system to insure compliance of your |
| current) need to be chosen based on best size | | | | system and insure you are elligible for the Solar |
| and type for the system as does the Production | | | | Tax Rebates and / or benefits you have applied |
| Meter (explained below). The power from the | | | | for. |
| Solar Panels are sent to an Inverter (or power | | | | 9. You Utility Company will be Sending you your |
| converter) which converts the DC electricity from | | | | Solar Rebate Check 6 to 8 Weeks after |
| the solar modules to AC power, which is the | | | | Inspection of System. |
| same type of power being sent from your utility | | | | 10. Enjoy decades of environmentally friendly and |
| company to your home or business. 5. Discuss all | | | | maintenance-free electricity solar power while |
| costs for various solar electric system options | | | | adding value to your home! Give yourself a good |
| and installation timing with your Solar Installation | | | | pat on the back for saving money AND the |
| Contractor to finalize all variables. Once all is | | | | planet. |
| decided upon it is the time to sign the contract | | | | |