One Way Solar is not just any solar company. We do not spit out “cookie-cutter” solar systems. Every project is designed to fit the homeowner’s needs and expectations. You will not talk to a salesman, you will speak with our solar expert, who will explain the benefits of solar on a case to case basis and be able to empower the homeowner for an educated decision. Solar is not our job, it is our passion. Designing and installing quality solar systems is our business and creating self-awareness for a more sustainable future is our goal.
With the American economy woes, electricity rates are steadily rising. It is time to save money where we can.
^ BACK TO TOPSolar Electricity/Photovoltaics
Solar electric power is an alternative energy source that is cleaner, more reliable, longer lasting, and environmentally safer than nuclear and fossil fuels. Photovoltaics (PV) use between 15-20% of the sun’s energy and are sensitive to shading factors, so it is important to have no shade in the area in which the modules will be placed. Solar modules can be roof mounted or ground mounted, depending on site specifics. Electricity has two types of currents, DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). In our homes we use AC power; however, the solar modules create DC power. For this reason we use an inverter, which takes the DC power from the solar modules and changes it to AC power, which we can then use in our homes.
^ BACK TO TOPSolar Hot Water
Solar Hot Water collectors harness up to 60% of the sun’s energy. This is a much greater usage of the sun’s energy than photovoltaics because it is a simple heat transfer from the sun, to copper coils, and finally to the hot water. Solar hot water (SHW) is not as sensitive to shade as PV, but the angle at which the collectors are tilted still play a role in heat production. A single hot water system is the equivalent to 3.5kW of solar PV and is about a third of the cost. If a homeowner is looking into renewable energy, solar hot water is a “no brainer”.
^ BACK TO TOPEnergy Conservation before Energy Creation
We believe conservation of energy is equally as important as creation of energy. For this reason, One Way Solar Systems will look at inexpensive ways to lower one’s electric bills before sizing a system. This can be simply changing out standard incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFL’s )and looking at the age and efficiency of major appliances (refrigerator, dryer, washer, hot water heater, AC unit, etc.)
Conservation can also come from having your house “buttoned-up”, or in the industry we call this a “closed envelope”. This can be achieved by changing single-pained windows to double-pained and making sure that walls and roofs are properly insulated. This can also greatly affect the air quality in your home.
Another investment can include overhangs on windows that have Southern exposure, or even planting a tree by your home for natural shade. By investing in energy conservation a homeowner will find that solar energy will make more sense financially. If you are conserving power, you will not have to create as much.
^ BACK TO TOPResidential
Residential State Rebates:
- The State Rebate for APS is $3.00/watt DC wattage. This can go down depending on shade, azimuth and angle on a roof. This rebate will cover up to 50% of the cost of the system and caps at $75,000.00.
- Performance Based Incentive (PBI). APS solar hot water is $0.75/kWh saved in the first year. The system must be OG-300 certified by Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC). The cap is 50% of system cost. Not limited on how many systems an individual can have.
- SRP is a $3.00/watt DC rebate, with a $60,000.00 cap for residential systems.
- SRP has a $0.50/kWh for the first year as an incentive for SHW. No cap.
Residential/Builder Tax Credit (State and Federal):
- The state tax credit is 25% of the overall cost, capped at $1,000.00. It should be used in the year of installation, but if all is not used; it can roll-over for the next five years.
- For both PV and SHW, (you can use both) the federal tax credit is 30% of the overall cost of the system less the state rebate amount. This tax credit has been established until 2016.
- Sales tax can be deducted from the cost of the system in buyer’s taxes. One must fill out an ADOR 5000 titled "Transaction Privilege Tax Exemption Certificate" and checking reason #16, "Machinery, equipment or transmission lines used directly in producing or transmitting electrical power, but not including distribution."
Commercial
Commercial State Rebates:
- The State Rebate for APS is $2.50/watt DC wattage. This rebate will cover up to 50% of the cost of the system and caps at $75,000.00. There is also the option to utilize a performance-based incentive (PBI). The PBI will give annual pay-offs according to the amount of power generated. There are 10, 15 and 20 year pay-off periods, all of which have different dollar/watt amounts. This can go down depending on shade, azimuth and angle on a roof.
- Performance Based Incentive (PBI). APS solar hot water is $0.75/kWh saved in the first year. The system must be OG-300 certified by SRCC. The cap is 50% of system cost. Not limited on how many systems an individual can have.
Commercial Tax Credit (State and Federal):
- State Tax Credit: 10% of overall cost of system, with a $25,000.00 cap.
- Federal tax rebate: 30% of the cost of the system, with no cap.
- Federal corporate depreciation: The MACRS, five year depreciation can be used over the next twenty years, and in the last year. If the building was built in 2008 or acquired in 2008, there is a bonus depreciation, where you take half (50%) of the cost of the system and add that to the credit on the individual’s taxes. (year 1, 5/15 of the cost of system, year 2, 4/15 of cost of the system of what is remaining. Year 3, 3/15 of the cost of the system, etc. to year 5.
Commercial Conservation:
- Receive between $0.30 - $1.80 per square foot, depending on technology and amount of energy reduction. Eligible efficiency equipment insulation, water heaters, lighting, lighting technologies: i.e. controls/sensors, chillers, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, CHP/Cogeneration, caulking. Weather-stripping, Duct/Air sealing, building insulation, windows, doors, sliding, roofs.