Avisi Energy

A solar energy system creates usable power from sunshine. The two most commonly used types of solar energy technology in the Midwest are photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal collectors. PV uses sunlight to generate electricity. It’s the same technology found on pocket calculators, just on a larger scale. Thermal solar uses sunlight to heat water, usually for a hot water supply or space heating.

PV panels contain a semiconductor material (typically silicon-based) which converts sunlight into direct-current (DC) electricity. Solar Electric systems generate electricity silently and without any moving parts. Sunlight falls on the solar array , generating DC electricity. That DC electricity is converted into AC electricity by the inverter. The AC electricity is fed into the electric meter and circuit breaker panel. The electricity either goes to appliances and lights, or to the grid, or some to each. This all happens silently and automatically every day.

At night and during cloudy weather, the solar system’s output is reduced or stopped; your building then gets electricity directly from the utility grid. In a Micro-Grid you are always connected to the grid, so you will have the power you need, at the time you need it.

When solar is producing power, it goes to reducing your utility usage at the time, so when there is excess it is spinning the meter backwards and storing it on the grid for later use.

Studies have proven solar panels can last between 30 & 35 years and sometimes more. Solar energy system degradation rates vary depending on the brand, as well as the climate where they’re installed but, recent data has shown modern solar systems are outperforming all expectations. According to an analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), some premium panel manufacturers offer degradation rates as low as 0.3% per year; and while other brands have higher degradation rates of up to 0.8% per year, that’s still a yearly average degradation rate of only 0.5%.

The economics of solar vary significantly depending on solar policies and incentives available and different market conditions. Module & Component costs (hard costs) are typically only about 65% of the total installed costs. These have been dropping significantly since 2000 due to demand and global supply and technological improvements. Soft costs (system design and installation) vary depending on the size, location, and design of a system. Every application+3 is different, and Avisi Energy can provide the best information on what it will cost to go solar. Once our customers begin exploring their options, they often find that the total up-front cost of solar is less relevant than the financing terms, return-on-investment, and cash flow calculations. Avisi Energy has teamed up with financing partners that offer low interest rates and flexible terms. For many customers, financing the solar array can means immediate cash savings on monthly bills.

Depending on who it is, your utility company may “net-meter” your production. This means that any extra power your array produces is banked for the future. You then receive a credit toward future energy bills or receive a check.

There is currently a 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar energy systems. Industrial, Commercial and agricultural customers can take advantage of this tax credit. This credit was extended in 2018, but the credit rate will reduce each year.

• 2019 – The solar Tax Credit remains at 30%
• 2020 – The Solar Tax Credit reduces to 26% deduction
• 2021 – The Solar Tax Credit reduces to 22% deduction
• 2022 – The Solar Tax Credit reduces to 10% deduction onward

In addition to the federal ITC, many states, counties, municipalities and utilities offer rebates or other incentives for solar energy technologies. Commercial and agricultural customers can also depreciate their arrays for additional tax benefits. The amount you can depreciate depends on your tax bracket. Solar is eligible for a 5-year recovery period.