Converting sunshine into electricity via Photovoltaic (PV) Panels simply costs more than burning fossil fuels. However, grants and tax incentives from governmental and other organizations now make it more cost-effective. Per the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) Tax Credits will equal 30% of qualifying expenditures for purchase for qualified photovoltaic property, not exceed $2000.

The ROI Calculation is based on a 5kWatt system for a house with at least 300 sq. ft. of southern roof exposure. The Base cost is $35,000 less $2,000 tax credit and a $20,000 Grant from the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). Over the 25-30-year life of the system, based on current electrical rates and conservative 6 percent annual inflation, you may save $60,000.

Note that the payback time without the Gant is over 30 years, so it is worth the time to apply and get on the grant waiting list for an administrative fee of about $150. This does not factor in an increased property value which is projected at 20% of the gross cost or $7,000. This boost in value is naturally subject to market and buyers, and if it were factored in, the payback would come in well under 10 years.

Rooftop installation begins with the support brackets and then the first of multiple panels, in this case 24 panels in the array.	TAKE ACTION Find an Electrician near you (Pre-Qualified and/or Member Referred): Click Here Find a Water Heating Installation Specialist near you (Pre-Screened and/or Member Referred): Click Here Get the GRANT Money! Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE): Click Here To find a Solar Provider use the Solar 'Yellow Pages': Click Here See if Solar Electric is Right for You: Click Here Get a Quote: Click Here Sustainable Development Fund Info: Click Here Solar Increases Property Value - Use the Calculator: Click Here See the Tax Credits: Click Here For a Directory by State of 'Green' Builders, Utility/Sponsors, and Lenders: Click Here
Partial completion of the lower level of the Photovoltaic Panels illustrates how they sits just above the Solar Hot Water panels.	A hand held latitude indicator serves as one of the factors involved in estimating the potential electrical generation of the system.
Electrical installation includes Dual Meters on the outside of the house and an Inverter on the inside, typically in the basement or utility room.	The Dual Meter system effectively tracks the electricity that you use and that you produce, so that you can avoid the major cost of a battery system.
The Inverter transforms the Direct Current (DC) generated from the Photovoltaic Panels into the Alternating Current (AC) that powers the house. This Inverter is located in the basement and it also shows the daily power yield and the corresponding CO2 offset.