Solar Electric Systems – Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

There are basically two types of (pv) systems available for residential and commercial integration today. They are Grid Interactive and Stand Alone.

Stand Alone systems are typically used in extreme rural situations where there is no utility power (grid) available or customer chooses not to hook into utility power. Stand Alone systems are typically installed with battery bank for power storage during cloudy days or long periods of darkness. The process in determining the required size of a stand alone system is based on the personal need and application, and can be figured using general electrical load calculations.

Grid Interactive (Tie) System is used to interconnect and synchronize with the power grid. When the system produces more power than needed, it feeds power back into the grid spinning the meter backwards (net metering). Grid- tie systems can be installed with or without battery bank. The size of system you need is based on your highest electricity use in the last year, the amount of sun hours in your location during that highest month, whether you will grid connect, whether you will cover all your power or use a budget, or have battery backup. The battery bank is used when back up power is required, in case of a utility power failure.

Remember: It’s always a good idea to conserve energy. A.B.E. can conduct an energy audit and make recommendations towards energy conservation, potentially lowering the cost of system required to meet your energy needs.
Currently net- metering and the NM Solar Tax Credit (go to www.CleanEnergyNM.org to learn more) offsets 75% or more of the cost over 25 yrs. Kit Carson and Jemez Electric credit their customers. PNM will pay $.13/kWh to their net metering customers thru 2013.
Let us design a system that will suit your needs, contact us to schedule a site visit.