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Markets Served
History of Solar Power
Legend claims that Archimedes, the inventor and engineer, used polished shields to concentrate sunlight on invading Roman fleet to repel them from Syracuse. The Ancient Romans and Greeks took this to another level by taking advantage of passive solar design- the use of architecture to take advantage of sunlight- and built their houses facing south. The Greek philosopher Socrates stated, “In houses that looked toward the south, the sun penetrates the portico in winter.”
In the 19th century, solar energy received attention from many scientists. Many used large cone-shaped collectors to boil ammonia and solar energy powered many of England and France’s colony operations in Africa and East Asia.
It was not until the 20th century when solar energy began to drastically evolve into the solar panels we have today. In 1921, Albert Einsten won the Nobel Prize in physics for his research and contribution to the photoelectric effect- the generation of electricity through solar cells. In 1953, Bell Laboratories scientist Gerald Pearson, Daryl Chapin, and Calvin Fuller developed the first silicon solar cell capable of generating electric currents. In 1973, the price of oil doubled and acted as an impetus to finding means of reducing solar costs. By 1990’s, the price of solar has dropped tremendously. Currently, PV markets are growing at an unprecedented rate.
How it works?
Turning Light into Electricity
Solar power is the result of converting sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are the technology mainly responsible for doing this. They use the “photovoltaic effect”, discovered by Edmund Becquerel in 1839, to produce electricity from the sun. Sunlight is converted to electricity using photovoltaic (PV), or solar cells.
Solar panels are mounted onto a roof or ground and connected to the local electric utility. The PV Panels are made of semiconductor material and absorb sunlight. They usually contain a protective top layer, two layers of silicon with collecting circuitry attached to the top layer, and a backing layer.
When sunlight hits the top layer of a solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from the silicon. When the electrons are freed from the top layer, they are collected by the electrical circuitry and sent to an external circuit. This provides power to the electrical system. Typically a system will have a DC-AC power inverter creating the same high quality electricity that is available from your local utility.
On a typical residential or commercial PV installation the system will tie into the electric panel. When it is sunny the electricity generated will be consumed locally. If the system generates more electricity than is being consumed, excess electricity can be credited to you when needed through the process of net metering. The excess electricity can be used by local businesses and homes.
Why go Solar?
Clean- producing electricity from solar panels involve zero emissions. In the US, emission from electricity, are by far the greatest contributor to global warming. Emission in this form is also detrimental to the human health and environment. Solar energy is healthy and beneficial for the community.
Reliable- with no moving parts, solar panels need little maintenance. Many manufacturers offer a 25 year warrantees.
Homegrown- solar energy provides energy independence. Residential and commercial owners of solar can often offset 100% of their electric utilities. With the escalating prices of electricity, solar has become an attractive option for many households, businesses and nonprofits.
Practical and Economical- combined with all prior reasons, the real question is: Why NOT solar?
Financial Incentives?
Financial Incentives in the form of rebate and grants vary depending on state.
Federal:
Residential:
-30% Tax Credit-A taxpayer may claim a credit of 30% of qualified expenditures for a system that serves a dwelling unit located in the United States and used as a residence by the taxpayer. Expenditures with respect to the equipment are treated as made when the installation is completed. If the installation is on a new home, the "placed in service" date is the date of occupancy by the homeowner. Expenditures include labor costs for onsite preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home. If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year. The excess credit can be carried forward until 2016, but it is unclear whether the unused tax credit can be carried forward after then. The maximum allowable credit, equipment requirements and other details vary by technology, as outlined below.
Commercial:
-30% Federal GrantThe grant is equal to 30% of the basis of the property for solar energy. Eligible solar-energy property includes equipment that uses solar energy to generate electricity, to heat or cool (or provide hot water for use in) a structure, or to provide solar process heat
-50% Bonus Depreciation Available if PV system is installed in 2009
Connecticut
Residential
CCEF- Solar PV Rebate Program
Incentive Amount: Residential: $1.75/watt (PTC rating) for first 5 kW; $1.25/W (PTC) for next 5 kW, adjusted based on expected performance
New York
NYSERDA- PV Incentive Program
-Residential Incentives: $3.00/W up to 4 kW, $2.00/W for next 4 kW up to a maximum of 8 kW per site meter-Non-Residential Incentives: $3.00/W up to 40 kW, $2.00/W for next 40 kW up to a maximum of 80 kW per site meter
-Schools, non-for-profit organizations, and municipalities: $5.00/W up to a maximum of 25 kW per site meter
-Bonus incentive: $0.50/W for Energy Star Homes and building integrated PV (BIPV) systems
Long Island Power Authority - Solar Rebate Program
Residential: $3.50/watt DC;
Commercial: $1.00 - $3.50/watt DC (depends on system size);
Gov't, Schools, Nonprofits: $1.00 - $4.50/watt DC (depends on system size)
Vermont
-$1.75/W DC for individuals/businesses, schools, farms, government -$3.50/W DC for multi-family, low-income
Incentives may change without notice. For more information, please visit http://www.dsireusa.org/
Featured Solar Panel Manufacturers
PurePoint Energy recommends solar panel brands including:
Atlantis Energy- Solar panels that are your roof. Aesthetically pleasing and practical. Manufactured in New York.
Evergreen Solar- More electricity, less impact, easy to install. These highly environmentally friendly panels are durable and manufactured in Massachusetts.
Suntech- Solar cells that offer high conversion efficiency of up to 18% and are great for residential and commercial projects.
If there is a specific manufacturer you’re interested in, PurePoint Energy will be more than happy to fulfill your request.
Steps to Go Green?
1. We assess the last 12 months of your electric use.
2. PurePoint Energy evaluates your site and puts together a complete proposal entailing financial analysis, environmental benefits, and projected real estate benefits.
3. You decide on a system that best fits your electricity needs and select a panel from a list of highly esteemed manufacturers.
4. PurePoint Energy’s experienced professionals install your personalized photovoltaic system.
5. You no longer need to worry about escalating utility bills, automatically increased your home’s value, and at the same time contributed to a cleaner environment.
FAQ?
Do I need to mount solar on my roof?
No. Although most people mount solar panels on their roofs, solar panels can be placed on the ground with a stand.
Are panels fragile?
No. Panels are durable. To give you an example, the solar panels of satellites have been up in space since the 70’s. They are exposed to damaging radiation from the sun but require little maintenance from NASA.
How long does it take to install solar?
Typical systems will take 2-5 days to install. PurePoint Energy’s professional team guarantees your satisfaction and look to make this transition effortless on your part.
Is solar a good fit for me?
In able for solar to be a good fit for you, your roof should typically face the southwest, southeast, or southern direction. West and East side facings can also harness solar, but will not be as effective. It is also imperative that you make sure there’s no shading on your roof.
Do I need a battery system?
No. Battery systems are only required if you wish to have a backup system when there is a power outage.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the ability to back feed electricity to your utility company when you’re not using electricity. You are compensated for your back fed electricity in credits.
How much power does a system produce?
This depends on your electrical usage and how much electricity you wish to offset. PurePoint Energy usually asks for a 12 months electric bill (can be found online) so we can evaluate and determine the size and power production of a system we feel will best fits you.
Why should I go solar?
With environmental and attractive financial incentives, the real question is: Why NOT go solar?
Markets Served
PurePoint Energy is based in Norwalk, CT but serves the surrounding area. We are currently government approved installers in:
Connecticut- PurePoint Energy is an approved eligible installer for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF).
-Fairfield County-Westport
-Norwalk
-Greenwich
-Darien
-New Canaan
-Wilton
-Etc
-Hartford County
-Litchfield County
-Middlesex County
-New Haven County
-New London County
-Tolland County
-Windham County
New York- PurePoint Energy is an approved eligible installer for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) .
-Westchester County-Rochester
-New Rochelle
-Mamaroneck
-Nassau County
-Suffolk County
-Queens County
-Kings County
-Richmond County
-New York County
-Bronx County
-Rockland County
-Orange County
-Putnam County
Vermont- PurePoint Energy is an approved eligible installer for Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) .
The above list is just a summary of areas we serve. If you are not listed in these locations, PurePoint Energy can still be at your services. Contact us for more information.
Case Study
Hepworths Farm
Milton, NY
The Hepworth’s have farmed in Milton, New York for seven generations, since 1818. They are characterized in the neighborhood as progressive, and were the first to have a roadside stand in the Hudson Valley. Now, with the assistance of PurePoint Energy’s team of professionals, Hepworths Farm will be among the first businesses in the area to go green with the installation of a new solar electric system totaling 25,600 peak watts of solar power.
Hepworth’s Farm will be produce as much energy as it uses, with a photovoltaic system that will offset 100% of its electric needs. The system will pay off for itself in the imminent future, with an impressive return on investment of about two years.
With a system that’s warranted for 25 years, opting to solar was an attractive option that made sense for Hepworth’s on many levels. It offers them energy independence, and withdraws them from the ongoing trend of escalating prices in monthly electric bills. In addition, Hepworth’s Farm will help lesson their carbon footprint with a sustainable solution to a healthier and cleaner planet.
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Contact PurePoint Energy LLC to find out more about Solar in your area.
