Solar Photovoltaics (also referred to as Solar PV) use sunlight to generate electricity. Solar PV modules are installed on a roof surface or ground mount in a location that has southern exposure and remains unshaded between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. Most PV modules generate Direct Current (DC) power that is then modified to Alternating Current (AC) using one or more inverters. The inverter output is 120 or 240-volt electricity that can be used in your home or business.

 

Evergreen Energy installs most brands and sizes of PV modules on roofs, ground mounted racks or poles, and specialty structures such as awnings and carports.

 

Solar photovoltaic systems are scalable and can be designed in any size using a variety of modules and inverters. Residential systems generally start at 1 kilowatt and go to 20 kilowatts. A 10-kilowatt system can provide enough electricity to power a moderate to large home for a year; of course the actual percent of power generated will depend greatly on the energy consumption of the house. According to the Department of Energy the average house in the US uses 700 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month.

 

Incentives for Solar Photovoltaics in Connecticut are some of the best in the country. An incentive program through the Connecticut Green Bank (CEFIA) provides up to $0.358 per watt (PTC) for the first 10,000 watts and $0.207 per watt (PTC) for the second 10,000 watts for residential systems. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a full 26% federal tax credit for solar photovoltaic systems installed after December 31, 2008.

Commercial incentives for Solar Photovoltaics in Connecticut include zero-emission renewable emissions credits (ZRECs) and the 26% federal tax credit for those with tax liability.  The fee to be paid for ZRECs will be determined on an annual basis.