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Solar 101
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The Context
The bottom line is that we enjoy cheap power in the Northwest due to our
vast hydrological resource. However, that resource is being used to its full
capability, and our power plants are aging. This is precisely why your utility is
giving you every incentive they can to reduce your energy load and install
renewable energy as soon as possible. We are at a turning point and the
future is uncertain. Don’t wait for energy prices to increase: be ahead of the
curve, lock in the cost of your electricity, and take advantage of some of the
best financial incentives in the U.S.
Buying a solar system is in a sense like investing in property. Purchasing
power from your utility is akin to renting your electricity indefinitely at a rate
that is vulnerable to weather fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainties, and a
supply that is struggling to meet the growing demand.
Click here to see a sample financial breakdown for several solar PV arrays.
The bottom line is that we enjoy cheap power in the Northwest due to our
vast hydrological resource. However, that resource is being used to its full
capability, and our power plants are aging. This is precisely why your utility is
giving you every incentive they can to reduce your energy load and install
renewable energy as soon as possible. We are at a turning point and the
future is uncertain. Don’t wait for energy prices to increase: be ahead of the
curve, lock in the cost of your electricity, and take advantage of some of the
best financial incentives in the U.S.
Buying a solar system is in a sense like investing in property. Purchasing
power from your utility is akin to renting your electricity indefinitely at a rate
that is vulnerable to weather fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainties, and a
supply that is struggling to meet the growing demand.
Click here to see a sample financial breakdown for several solar PV arrays.
"...The region may not have
sufficient existing resources
to avoid potentially high
prices five years into the
future. However, the current
rate of investment in
conservation, renewable and
other types of resources
appears more than adequate
to achieve future price
stability..” (Pacific
Northwest Resource
Adequacy Assessment 2011
and 2013)
sufficient existing resources
to avoid potentially high
prices five years into the
future. However, the current
rate of investment in
conservation, renewable and
other types of resources
appears more than adequate
to achieve future price
stability..” (Pacific
Northwest Resource
Adequacy Assessment 2011
and 2013)
How Does Solar Work?
Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic panels - as seen above - use crystalline silicon enclosed in tempered glass to produce DC power.
In a typical solar array (grouping of panels, or modules), solar panels are tied to an inverter - a device that changes
DC power to AC power. The vast majority of solar PV systems are grid tied, as batteries add substantial cost and
infrastructure to the system. With both solar hot water and photovoltaic solar systems, there are no moving parts
and require very little maintenance.
Solar Thermal (Hot Water) & Pool Heating
Solar Thermal, or Solar Hot Water panels augment the baseline heat of your water through simple solar radiation.
There are two kinds of solar hot water panels: flat plate and evacuated tube. Each have differing costs and
efficiencies. Solar pool heating operates on roughly the same design and concept.
Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic panels - as seen above - use crystalline silicon enclosed in tempered glass to produce DC power.
In a typical solar array (grouping of panels, or modules), solar panels are tied to an inverter - a device that changes
DC power to AC power. The vast majority of solar PV systems are grid tied, as batteries add substantial cost and
infrastructure to the system. With both solar hot water and photovoltaic solar systems, there are no moving parts
and require very little maintenance.
Solar Thermal (Hot Water) & Pool Heating
Solar Thermal, or Solar Hot Water panels augment the baseline heat of your water through simple solar radiation.
There are two kinds of solar hot water panels: flat plate and evacuated tube. Each have differing costs and
efficiencies. Solar pool heating operates on roughly the same design and concept.
