More and more public agencies and non–governmental organizations (NGOs) see solar power as a good investment for their organization and for their community. International Solar Group has experience working with many types of public institutions such as schools, non profits, and state agencies.

A solar power system can be mounted on the roof of your building or integrated into the building structure (such as a solar carport or building awning). International Solar Group can custom design a system appropriate for your site and for your power requirements.

• How Government Solar Works
• Benefits of Solar Energy Cost & Savings
• Rebates & Tax Credits

1. Solar Modules

Solar modules mounted on the roof or grounds of your facility 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) where it is distributed to electrical loads throughout your facility.

4. Utility Grid

Excess power produced by the solar modules flows into the grid through your electric meter, causing your meter to run backwards and gaining you a credit with the utility company.

Net Metering

Net metering is an agreement between a utility company and you, the customer. The agreement states that the utility will credit your account for excess electricity you produce and feed into the utility grid.

If you choose to install a Time-of-Use Meter you can be credited for power at different rates; peak rates and off peak rates. Rates are dependent on the time of day, day of the week, and month of the year. Peak periods are typically week day summer afternoons. When you send power to the utility grid during peak times, you will receive a credit at the higher, peak rate. When you draw on your credit at off peak times your account will be debited at off peak rates.

Most people will benefit by installing the time-of-use meter. Keep in mind that you will receive a credit from the utility when you are generating more power than you are using. If all of the power being produced by your solar energy system is immediately being used, your meter will not “spin backwards”.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Good for the Community and the Environment

Generating electricity from solar means less consumption of fossil fuels; reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emission from local power plants. By switching over to solar power your organization will be doing its part to combat global warming, and reduce our nation's dependence of foreign energy sources.

Protect Against Rising Utility Rates

California utility customers have seen electricity rates spike over the last 5 years. If utility bills are a significant portion of your operating costs than large increases in electricity costs can affect the viability of your operation. Installing your own solar power can reduce or eliminate your exposure to rising electricity rates. The portion of your usage that is generated on site will no longer be subject to increases in electricity rates.

Reduce Operating Costs

A solar power system can reduce or eliminate your building's electric bill. Installing a solar power system is equivalent to prepaying for 40 years of power at a fraction of the cost you are currently paying. The cost/unit of energy you are currently paying is already higher than what you would be paying with solar. As rates increase this difference will only increase, leading to increased savings over the life of the system.

Take Advantage of Government Rebates and Tax Credits

Designed to encourage utility customers to generate their own solar power, these programs can pay for a significant portion of the total system cost. All investor owned utility customers (PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE) are eligible for the two state rebate programs. Most government and non-profit organizations will not be able to take advantage of tax credits or accelerated depreciated. However, there are creative financing methods that can be employed to reduce the cost to the organization while allowing a 3rd party to take advantage of the tax incentives.

Low Maintenance Costs and Long-term Reliability

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 our solar power systems 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.

Costs & Savings

The cost of a solar electric system can vary significantly depending on the amount of power required. Industrial facilities will require systems of a totally different scale than small offices. A small office may only require a $15,000 system, while an industrial facility may require a $200-500k system.

A solar power system on your building is a long term, low risk, and high return way to invest your money. Solar offers an initial annual return on investment of 5-11%. This is very competitive with other higher risk investments such as stocks and bonds. As utility rates increase the annual return increases.

Solar power can reduce or eliminate your electric bill. In addition any excess solar power can be fed into the utility grid and get your agency a credit with the utility company. Some facilities may be able to take advantage of time-of-use metering. This will allow 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).

A significant portion of the cost is paid for through government incentives.

Learn more about government incentives

California offers substantial rebates for both large and small solar electric systems. Depending on your facility size, you will qualify for either the EPBB or PBI rebate programs. These rebates cover between 20–35% of the total system cost. There are additional tax incentives of which your organization may also be able to take advantage — we can help you determine which incentives you qualify for.

The state has a number of programs that give additional funding to specific types of organizations, such as schools. These programs have limited funding and availability.

Rebates & Credits

California offers substantial rebates for both large and small solar electric systems. Depending on your facility size, you will qualify for either the EPBB or PBI rebate programs. These rebates cover between 20–35% of the total system cost. There are additional tax incentives of which your organization may also be able to take advantage — we can help you determine which incentives you qualify for.

The state has a number of programs that give additional funding to specific types of organizations, such as schools. These programs have limited funding and availability.