Photovoltaic Systems
West Coast Solar is serving the entire Bay Area with photovoltaic systems that have virtually no negative impact on the environment. You get to enjoy all the comforts of life that electricity provides while helping to preserve the earth's resources and the best part is you can do that and save money – even eventually enjoying free electricity! The solar energy your system produces can greatly reduce, if not eliminate, your dependence on the utility company.
How does it work?
Sunlight is captured and converted to D/C electricity by the solar modules on the roof or yard. That power is converted to A/C electricity (standard electricity) through the inverter and then fed through your meter and then either to your home for your use or to the grid (sold to the utility company).
So, everything works the same but you are providing the electricity you need by producing more than you use during the day – actually running your meter backwards and "banking" the unused energy with the utility company – then taking back what you need at night from the credit you have built up. This process is called "Net Metering".
What is Net Metering and how does it benefit me?
Net Metering means that you pay for only what you use. The utility company has to buy back the power from you at the same rate that they charge you for the power. You are able to build up credit and draw from that for 12 months. After that, the credit resets to zero.
It is important to size your system to make the most of your system’s production to offset your utility usage. You wouldn't want to overproduce as you will lose the credit after 12 months. However, you can produce less than what you use and still offset your utility bill. By producing power during the day and 'selling' it to your utility company when your demand may be lower and the costs for electricity is highest, you may buy it back at night when your demand may be highest and the cost of electricity is lowest.
West Coast Solar in the Bay Area has Photovoltaic Systems and These Detailed Services
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We Provide Solar Pool Systems In the Following Areas:
San Joaquin County | Santa Clara County | Clayton | Concord | Danville | Alamo | Blackhawk | Lafayette | Martinez | Moraga | Orinda | Pleasant Hill | San Ramon | Walnut Creek | Anitoch | Brentwood | Oakley | Pittsburg | Byron | Discovery Bay | Knightsen | Livermore | Fremont | Hayward | Dublin | Pleasanton | San Ramon | San Jose | Campbell | Cupertino | Los Altos | Los Altos Hills | Los Gatos | Milpitas | Morgan Hill | Mountain View | Palo Alto | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale | Stockton | Lathrop | Lodi | Manteca | Ripon | Tracy | Benicia | Fairfield | Rio Vista | Suisun City | Vacaville | Vallejo
Why the Bay Area Should Hire Us For Photovoltaic Systems
First of all, as mentioned, you can eliminate or reduce your dependence on the utility company. You can do that and save money even if you finance the system. Frequently, the monthly loan payment may be at or less than what your current utility bill is. On average, utility costs have increased annually at a rate of 6.7% so you are able to hedge the cost of the system against future rate increases. The best part is once your loan is paid off, your electricity is free.
Secondly, you can add real value to your home even if you don't stay in it long enough to pay it off. According to the Appraisal Institute, for every $1 in reduced utility costs, your home increases $10 - $20. Other studies have shown that for every $1000 spent on a photovoltaic energy system, your home increases in value by $20,000.
Thirdly, if you take advantage of local and Federal incentives, your system cost can net you a 40% savings off the gross cost of the system. The Federal government has extended the 30% tax credit and lifted the $2000 cap for 2009. The state through your local utility provider offers incentives per kilowatt that greatly reduce the expense.
How do I know what size of system I need and how much does it cost?
An in-home evaluation from one of our representatives can help you better understand how the right size is determined for your usage and space available. There are many factors that are analyzed to find the right size system for your needs. Among them are your monthly electricity demands, space available for the system, access to the sun on site, budget, etc.
However, you can come up with a rough estimate by following a simple procedure as outlined below:
Obtaining PG&E Usage History and Sizing of PV System
In order to provide you with an accurate size for your Solar system bid, we will need your power usage for the past 12 months. Follow the link and instructions below to get that information from PG&E. This process should only take a few minutes.
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