Solar systems are usually installed on the roof or grounds of your property. International Solar Group can custom design a system appropriate for your site and your power requirements.

• How Residential Solar Power Works
• Benefits of Solar Energy Cost & Savings
• Rebates & Tax Credits
• Getting Started

How a solar home work


1. Solar Modules
Solar modules mounted on the roof or grounds of your property convert sunlight into DC power.


2. Inverter
This power is sent to a device called an inverter (or power converter) which converts the DC power from the solar modules to AC power identical to that being sent to you from the utility grid.


3. Electrical Panel
Power travels from the inverter to your electrical service panel (your breaker box). The power from the electrical panel will be distributed to any electrical loads in your home.


4. Utility Meter
When excess power is produced by the solar, the power will flow into the grid through your electric meter. This will cause your meter to run backwards gaining you a credit with the utility company.


5. Utility Grid
The utility grid automatically provides electricity when needed — at night and during the day when your demand exceeds your solar production.

Net Metering
Net metering legislation states that the utility company must credit you at retail rates (the same rate they would have charged you). Therefore, time of use customers will be credited peak rates for power fed into the grid during peak hours (Please note that San Diego does not currently have a time of use rate schedule that benefits SDG&E customers).


Benefits of Solar Energy
Thousands of homeowners in California reap the advantages of solar electric systems by reducing their current and future electric costs.
You’re already paying for electricity, but what tangible benefits do you have to show for it? Become an owner, not a renter, and invest in your own green power plant.


Gain Independence from Utility Companies
In 2006, the highest tier residential electric rates jumped 30–60% in one year! Most experts agree that electric rates will continue to climb faster than inflation. As your own energy provider, you lock in power at a fraction of the current charges and prevent future rate hikes. A solar power system will allow you to free yourself from the utility company and the instability of global energy markets.


Solar Power is Cheaper than Utility Power
Installing a solar power system is equivalent to prepaying for 40 years of power at a fraction of the cost you currently pay. The cost/unit of energy you pay now is higher than what you would pay with solar. As rates increase in the future, this difference will increase, leading to even more savings over the life of a solar energy system.


The Government Pays for a Large Portion of the Cost
The government currently offers two significant financial incentives. The California Solar Initiative (CSI) offers a sizable upfront rebate. These rebates usually cover 20–30% of the total system cost. Investments in residential solar electric systems are also eligible for a $2,000 federal tax credit. (Please note that the rebate levels decline as participation increases).


The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is currently paying a rebate that covers 20–30% of the total system cost.

In addition to the rebate, investments in residential solar electricity qualify for a $2,000 federal income tax credit. These incentives cover a significant portion of the total cost, and result in solar power being less expensive than utility power.

The amount of the rebate declines by $0.20 per Watt each time the program receives 10MW of applications. You must apply for these rebate programs before the next decline in order to secure your rebate at the current level. International Solar Group will provide you with all necessary paperwork and assist you with the completion of your rebate application.


Sunlight Can Make Your Meter Spin Backwards
When your system generates more electricity than you’re consuming, your utility meter will actually spin backwards. You accrue credit with your utility company at the same rate they are charging you. This allows you to reduce your electric bill and drive it toward zero.


Solar Power Systems Are Dependable
Photovoltaic (PV) cells were originally developed for use in space, where repair is extremely expensive, if not impossible. PV still powers nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance. Once installed, the solar power system requires little or no maintenance (especially if no batteries are used), and will provide electricity cleanly and quietly for 25 to 40 years. Our solar panels carry a 25–year manufacturer warranty on their production.


Solar Power Is Better for the Environment
Generating electricity from solar energy reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, which decreases pollution and greenhouse gas emission. By switching to solar power, you will combat global warming and reduce our nation’s dependence of foreign energy sources. Even a small solar electric system has a significant environmental impact. For example, a 2.5kW solar system reduces CO2 emissions by an amount similar to that which would occur by planting 1 acre of trees, or the amount of CO2 emitted by a passenger car driving 7,800 miles per year.

Cost & Savings


How much will it cost?
The cost of a solar electric system can vary significantly depending on the amount of power required. A home with a $50/month electric bill will require a completely different system than a home with a $500/month electric bill. For this reason, residential systems range in cost from $10k–100k.
How can I go Solar for Less?


Financing
Many homeowners finance their systems with funds from a home mortgage or home equity line of credit. Loan payments are frequently similar to or less than what a homeowner would pay the utility for power. Plus, the homeowner now owns a solar electric system that adds value to their property and protects them from future utility rate increases.


An Investment
A solar power system on your home is a long term, low risk, high return way to invest your money. Solar offers an initial tax free annual return on investment of 4–10%. This is very competitive with other higher risk investments such as stocks and bonds. As utility rates increase, the annual return increases.


Your Electric Utility


Tiered Rates
All SDG&E, SCE, and PG&E customers are billed using a tiered rate plan. Under this rate plan the more power you use the more you are charged for that power. Higher tiered power can cost more than triple what you pay for your baseline. In 2006, higher tier rates increased by 30–60% in one year. Solar power has the advantage of replacing your higher tiered power first. Customers who currently exceed their baseline usage will see even more significant savings when they install a solar power system.


Time–of–Use
Some homeowners may be able to take advantage of time–of–use metering. This allows you to feed power into the grid during peak times (when power is most expensive), and draw power from the grid during off peak times (when power is cheaper). Customers in PG&E territory are best able to take advantage of time–of–use metering.


Property Value Increases
In addition to this direct return through utility savings, homeowners can also expect that their property resale value will increase substantially. An article in the Appraisal Journal showed that property resale values will increase $10–20 for every $1 saved annually in electricity.


Rebates and Incentives
A significant portion of the cost is paid through government incentives. The California Solar Initiative (CSI)offers a rebate for homes and small commercial systems that covers 20–30% of the total system cost, and the Federal government offers a $2,000 tax credit that further reduces the cost of the initial investment.


Rebates & Tax Credits
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is currently paying a rebate that covers 20–30% of the total system cost.
In addition to the rebate, investments in residential solar electricity qualify for a $2,000 federal income tax credit. These incentives cover a significant portion of the total cost, and result in solar power being less expensive than utility power.


The amount of the rebate declines by $0.20 per Watt each time the program receives 10MW of applications. You must apply for these rebate programs before the next decline in order to secure your rebate at the current level. International Solar Group will provide you with all necessary paperwork and assist you with the completion of your rebate application.