The sky (no pun intended) and your budget determine the limits of how much solar energy you generate, but realistically, you can generate as much electric power as you want. In purchasing a solar electric system from Glory Energy Solutions LLC, you are buying 25 years worth of electricity at a fixed priced that will never increase, while the value of a solar-powered home will continue to appreciate.
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Photo Courtesy of:
BP Solar |
There are a few basic assessments you can use to determine whether solar is a viable option for you, such as:
■ What is the orientation of your home? Southern exposure is the best. While an east/west exposure can sometimes be viable for solar, it will result in decreased efficiency of your system.
■ What about shade? A minimum of 6 hours of unobscured sunlight is required. Even small amounts of shading will result in decreased performance. Trees, neighboring homes or other structures, chimneys, etc all add to the potential loss of access to the sun, hence loss of energy.
■ Do you have enough roof surface area for the system needed? The size of system and results you seek determine how much roof space is necessary. We may need to consider alternative to placing a system on the roof if there is not enough space or the orientation to the sun is not correct. During the site visit we will explore all possibilities.
■ Is your roof type and condition appropriate for a solar system? If your asphalt shingle roof is older than 12-15 years, we will encourage you consider replacement before installing a solar energy system. Your solar energy system will last 25 years or more, about the same length as a new roof.
Do your homework
An educated consumer is our best customer. Researching the basics of how solar energy works and the requirements for successful installation will give you the best start. There are links at the bottom of this page to resources that you will find helpful.
Analyze your energy usage and site resource
Look at your electric bills over the course of the past year and calculate an average kwh (kilowatt hour) per month of usage. As mentioned earlier, take a good look at your home’s orientation and any shading concerns. This is all necessary information for a properly sized system.
To help calculate the potential costs and savings of a BP Solar Home Solutions™
for your residence, enter your zip code, average monthly electricity bill and the size of the system you're interested in. By comparing this data with information on our local utility rates, sunlight intensities and available rebates, the Solar Savings Estimator generates a customized prediction of costs and savings for your home. Click here to use the Solar Savings Estimator.
Please note that this is an automated online estimator and not a quotable source. There are many factors that affect the cost of a solar photovoltaic system and only a site visit from the qualified staff of Glory Energy Solutions will be able to determine what works best for you. Our commitment to you is to always be as efficient and cost effective as possible; we are always working to make your solar energy solution attainable.
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Photo Courtesy of:
BP Solar |
Net metering is the ability to be credited for electricity you generate (from solar) at the same rate that the utility company charges you. Net metering allows you to use the electric utility grid as the storage for power you generate that is in excess of what you actually use. During periods of low electricity consumption, your solar system can put power onto “the grid", essentially spinning your electric meter backward. In the billing period you pay for the net consumption of electricity, or the amount of electricity consumed minus the amount generated. Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania all have net metering programs.
Incentives
For information on the renewable energy incentives available, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for the State of Maryland is an excellent resource. Pursuit of those incentives is the customer’s responsibility. Consulting with your tax and/or financial advisor is a good idea.
We did our homework
We have spent months researching the industry to find the best solar electric (photovoltaic) products and systems. Our goal was always to find the best, use the best, and offer only the best products and systems. Ironically, our global research brought us back home, literally to our back yard, to BP Solar. We found their BP Solar Home Solutions™ to be of the finest quality and among the most efficient available.
The Integra® System is just such a product line. With the “standardized” package comprising the perfect match of components, coupled with the “customized” application specific to our client’s needs and situation, we are most confident in endorsing this line of solar energy systems. The low profile, attractive system looks good anywhere.
Working with our system design staff, we can provide you with:
■ A grid-tie system, that will offset the electricity you consume from a utility company by the electricity you produce yourself. And yes, on the days you are blessed with strong sun exposure, it is possible to generate electricity in excess of your use, and it will automatically feed back into the grid, essentially running your meter backwards. These instances will generate a “credit” for you, so when the time comes to consume again from the grid utility you will work off the credited amount first. Very efficient way to store energy for later use!
■ A battery-backup (emergency power) that has its power maintained by the BP Solar Home Solutions™ system. The emergency backup power system can power some, or all of your electricity needs. This is a customized energy solution and requires much more engineering and expense, but it can eliminate the need for a generator that requires a stored fuel source (gas, propane, diesel, etc) and its maintenance. Did we mention that the generator does nothing until it’s called upon in an emergency, but that the solar system works for you every day? The generator requires fuel and makes a lot of noise; the solar system’s fuel is the sun and it’s as quiet as a mouse.
Call Glory Energy Solutions
Once you have decided a solar electric (photovoltaic) system is right for you, it is time to contact us to schedule a site visit to collect the detailed site information and to discuss any remaining questions with you. There is no charge for this visit and you are under no obligation to purchase a system. During our busy times, it can take a few weeks to get you on the schedule, so we appreciate your patience and flexibility.
System Design
After the site visit, we will design and propose a system tailored for you. This process usually takes a week or two.
Purchase your system
As soon as we receive a signed contract and initial deposit, we get to work on your system. Equipment is ordered, permits are requested, and your job is put in queue for installation. Scheduling backlogs vary, but average about 8 weeks.
Special Notation
We strongly support BP Solar’s product line not only because of the quality of their products, the strength of the warranty and the integrity of the company, but they bring jobs and commerce to the Mid-Atlantic area, and specifically to our home in Maryland.
We encourage you to research and familiarize yourself with as much information as possible. Some of the more helpful, reliable sources we have found include:
■ Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Program
■ National Renewable Energy Laboratory
And some solar industry sources include:
■ Solar Energy Industries Association
■ American Solar Energy Society
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