Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heating is a clean, environmentally friendly, reliable, and cost-effective means of providing domestic hot water. Water heating accounts for approximately 25% of the total energy used in a typical single-family home. An electric water heater is the biggest energy user of all appliances in the home.
High efficiency, low cost “Evacuated Tube Systems” solar water heaters are an emerging renewable energy means to heat water for domestic and commercial use. The evacuated (vacuum) tubes consist of two-walled extremely strong borosilicate glass. The outer tube allows light rays to pass through and the inner tube absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays from direct/indirect sun. UV rays produce heat regardless of the ambient temperature. Heat is conducted into a center copper heat tube which heats the water in the header of the collector.
The hot water generated in the solar water heater is circulated through an existing hot water system, or new distribution system, and stored in the existing hot water heater or auxiliary storage vessel. Solar water heaters will heat the circulating water to +/- 125º -- based on the sun exposure/cloud cover. A small pump in the control panel circulates the water between the collectors and the storage tank/vessel. The pump runs when the water in the solar collector is warmer than the water in the tank. The heated water may also be used for radiant floor heating, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.
Photovoltaic (PV)/Solar Panels
Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy in available to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. Solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun's energy and make it useable. Solar photovoltaic electric systems are a popular choice among renewable energy options due to the low maintenance requirements and the long lifetime of the system components, for as long as 25 years.
Photovoltaic/solar panels can assist the owner with achieving a significant degree of energy independence. Solar panels can be modular configured to supply power for the entire need of the point of service, or provide back-up power, or serve as a supplement to the existing power grid.
Grid-Tied PV System: A grid-tied system is the most common type of solar system. It allows the consumer to use solar-generated electricity to save energy and reduce costs. A grid-tied system allows excess power produced by the solar system to be fed back to the utility grid through a process known as net-metering. With net-metering surplus power from the renewable energy system rotates the power meter in reverse. If the demand for power at the point of use is greater than the capacity of the PV system the meter rotates forward.
Off-Grid PV System: An off-grid PV system operates independently from the utility grid, providing all of the power needed at the point of use. An off-grid system is typical for remote areas without commercial utility service, or where installing power lines would be extremely costly.
Wind Turbines
The wind has been an important source of energy in the U.S. for a long time and continues to rapidly grow. A wind turbine converts wind power into electrical power for multiply uses. Based on location and incentives a wind energy system may be one of the most cost-effective renewable energy means. Depending on the local wind resource, a small wind energy system can lower a user’s electrical bill by 50% to 90%. Small wind electric systems can make a significant contribution to our nation’s energy needs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind turbines and solar panels work well together in hybrid systems. Due to solar-wind variations hybrid systems provide a more consistent year-round power source. Wind resources are influenced by terrain and other local factors. Matrix Renewable Energy will aid the potential user in determining the merits of installing a wind turbine system based on site specific parameters.
Small wind turbines (1.5 kW to 3.0 kW) Our Systemsare available for residential rooftop installations. Agricultural/rural uses may benefit significantly with a larger wind turbine (10 kW to 20 kW) due to available grant funding, and available space. The Department of Treasury Section 1603 grant provides a refund of 30% of the turnkey cost of the system. If illegible, the owner may also seek a USDA REAP grant which provides a refund of 25% of the total system cost (in addition to the Section 1603 grant).
Very appealing incentive programs for going GREEN!
Renewable Energy Financial Incentives
State and Federal Governments continue to implement a variety of programs and financial incentives that make choosing a renewable energy system more affordable than it has ever been. In addition power utility companies including Idaho Power Company will purchase surplus renewable energy power back at the same cost which they charge the consumer.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides an uncapped renewable energy tax credit of 30% (total installed cost) which remains in effect through 2016 (on top of any state rebates).
Congress extended the Dept. of Treasury 1603 Program: Payments for Specified Energy Property in Lieu of Tax Credits. This incentive allows businesses to receive a cash grant from the US Treasury in lieu of waiting until they file their taxes to receive the 30% federal tax credit (called the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), but with similar rules as the residential program).
Through 2012 bonus depreciation has been extended, allowing business to take up to 100% of the depreciation benefit of an energy system in one year for systems installed in 2011, and up to 50% in year one for systems installed in 2012 (with the remainder over the next five years). The State of Idaho provides a low interest loan of 4% for energy projects with a maximum incentive of $15,000 for residential projects and $100,000 for all other projects.
Energy projects with an agricultural/farming use may quality for a USDA – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant of 25% of the turnkey cost. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) requires utilities to buy electricity from small renewable energy producers at a rate based on what it cost to produce, and which follows future rate increases.
Renewable Energy Points
- Renewable energy is generated from natural solar and wind resources that can be replenished; in other words, renewable resources can produce energy at a greater rate than we can use it. Solar and wind energies are an infinite, renewable resource.
- Average home power consumption is between 800 kWh – 2,000 kWh per month for a single family home (small home to large home). A 5 kW to 12 kW renewable energy system will serve to satisfy the majority of the electrical demand.
- U.S. electricity prices increase at a rate of 6% per year and will continue to escalate in the future.
- Power utility companies will purchase surplus power from renewable energy systems (net-metering agreement). Federal and local governments have funding incentives for a host of renewable energy projects.
- Renewable energy use has surged near 20% a year during the past 15 years, due to falling prices attributed to manufacturing advances.
Climb Aboard -- go GREEN !!