FAQ

Solar Power / Photovoltaic (PV)

1. What is a Photovoltaic (PV) System?

   A PV system allows you to generate your own power from the sun by converting sunlight into electricity. It can generate energy to power any electrical equipment in you home or office.

2. What are the benefits of a Photovoltaic (PV) System?

   · PV systems are a clean and efficient source of energy.
   · PV systems decrease nitrogen oxides (the primary ingredient in smog) and greenhouse 
and acid rain gas emissions by reducing the amount of oil, coal and natural gas that are
burned by electric utilities, thus improving air quality.
   · Solar power saves you money every month by lowering your electric bills.
   · PV systems utilize free energy from the sun to reduce the effect of future utility 
rate increases.
   · You can enjoy energy independence by becoming your own power producer.
   · PV systems also increase your property value.

3. Why consider solar electric?

   · Quiet, clean, zero emissions
   · Robust, reliable, long life, and no moving parts
   · Scaleable and now affordable with generous incentives
   · Actual on-site generation… “Use What You Produce”
   · Reduce electric bills and provide a hedge against inflation
   · Back-up power for critical loads and energy independence
   · Distributed generation is less vulnerable to disruption or attack
   · Stable ROI’s of 6-12% for residential & commercial systems

4. How does a PV system work?

   A PV system works during daylight hours by converting sunlight into electricity through solid state solar modules mounted on the roof of a building or installed on the ground. Electricity created from the system is supplemental to the power provided by the main utility grid and is directed to a building’s main electrical panel. From there it is routed to local loads and back to the utility.

5. Do PV systems work better in hot or cold weather?

   Systems in the northeast produce about 5-10% higher output than systems in the southern U.S. because lower year round temperatures create lower electrical resistance in the solar modules and other equipment.

6. What is the durability of a PV System today?

   PV modules today are based on proven technology and show little degradation over many years of operation. There is a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty and a 50+ year life expectancy on the solar modules. This makes solar power a highly reliable source of power.

7. Is this what people put on their roofs in the 1970s?

   No, the systems put on the roofs in the 1970’s were solar thermal systems, heating hot water or air and were generally much less reliable than today’s solar electric systems.

8. Do we really get enough sunshine in the Hudson Valley for solar power to make sense?

   Yes. Solar energy is measured in Peak Sun Hours per Day (kwh/m2 /day). Los Angeles averages 5.6, Miami 5.2…and the Hudson Valley averages 4.5. Solar module output is higher in colder temperatures which helps close the gap further. Photovoltaics are proven in the field; dozens of systems are operating now in the Hudson Valley. Customers are generating a fraction to over 100% of their own power and demonstrating 6-12% year one returns on their initial investment.

9. Where and how are PV solar modules installed?

   Solar modules can be installed by being ground mounted on poles or lumber, awning mounted on walls, or rail mounted on flat or pitched roofs. The roofs can be asphalt shingled or made of steel.

10. What does a site need to install a PV system?

    The roof or ground area should be south facing and typically unshaded between the hours of 9am to 3pm. The modules should be tilted 42°, ideally, but 20° to 55° is fine.

11. How do PV modules turn the sun’s energy into electricity?

    The modules collect the sun’s energy and transform it into a direct current (DC). The DC flows to an inverter which converts the DC to an alternating current (AC), which flows into your electrical service panel from where it supplies power to your home or office. If you produce more energy than you consume it is automatically re-routed to your utility’s grid and sold to them at the current retail rate.

12. What is Net-Metering?

    PV generation and purchases from the electric utility are “netted out” automatically. This can slow down the utility’s meter or even spin it backwards. If the PV system is producing more electricity than is being consumed, the meter spins backwards, and the excess electricity is sold back to the utility at the retail rate. Central Hudson will now permit most customers with fewer than 15 kilowatts of PV to net meter.

13. What are some of the financial incentives for installing a PV system?

    New York State is strongly supporting the installation of PV systems.
    Sales tax exempt as capital equipment (ST-124)
    · Systems under 50kw can qualify for NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority) rebates of $4,000 to $4,500 per kw (PON-716)
· NYSERDA Energy Smart Loan Fund can reduce borrowing costs by 400 basis 
points (4%)
    · Systems under 10kw on residences can qualify for an income tax credit of $1,500
per kw up to $5,000 (IT-255)
    · 30% Federal tax credit for commercial installments
    · $2000 Federal tax credit for residential installments
    · State rebates can total 60% of a PV system’s total cost!

14. What are some important facts about the Hudson Valley regarding power and environmental concerns?

    At the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, located on the Hudson River, hot water which is used as a coolant for the reactors is dumped into the River. This kills millions of fish annually and it is predicted that the plant will produce approximately 2,000 tons of radio-active waste by the year 2030. Also, some of the worst air quality in the nation is located in the Hudson Valley as a result of coal-fired power plants located along the river. It has been proposed for New York, mostly along the Hudson River, in the New York City harbor, and on Long Island, to install 65 new power plants which will further desecrate the quality of air.

15. How much space do I need?

    If you have at least 200 square feet of roof space, solar electricity is a viable option for you. If your roof is smaller than 200 square feet, solar thermal may be your best option. Call us for more information.

16. How long does an installation take?

    Installation times vary. For smaller systems, the actual installation can be completed in three to four days. A larger system takes longer. For solar electric systems, there can be various external delays, including state approval of rebates, applying for building permits, and availability of equipment. Often these delays add up to three or more months.

17. What kind of financing options are available?

    Several options, including secured and unsecured financing, are available through HVCE. All of our financing options have great rates and flexible terms for whatever you’re interested in. Please contact us to discuss which financing options are best for you.

18. Can I heat my home with solar?

    This is not possible in the Northeast region. Unless you are building a new house and integrate geothermal heating and cooling system, solar power cannot make enough energy to cover all of your heating needs.

19. What is a renewable energy credit?

    Although not currently available in New York State, a renewable energy credit allows solar electric system owners to sell the “cleanliness” of the power they generate. This incentive structure exists in neighboring states like New Jersey and may become available in New York as a bonus to our current net metering program.

20. How do I purchase a system?

    Call us. We will provide an initial estimate and schedule a site visit to cover all the details. From there, we have a thorough engineering review process to make sure your design is absolutely perfect.

21. How does a solar system add resale value to my home?

    Energy efficiency is a tangible selling point. With less money being spent on oil, propane and electricity, a potential buyer can afford to pay more for an energy-efficient home and benefits from the peace of mind of knowing they are protected from rising energy costs.

PV As An Investment

1. How can a photovoltaic system be considered an investment?

   Installing a PV system is a capital improvement to your home or business (and is therefore exempt from sales tax). But unlike most real property improvements, it generates electricity and thus an ongoing cash flow, by directly reducing your electricity bills for the next 25 or more years. The initial capital investments and subsequent cash flow benefits make a PV System comparable to other long term, purely financial investments.

2. Why should we consider putting some of our savings into a PV system?

   Besides the obvious environment benefits, investing in a PV system provides a unique opportunity to diversify away from financial markets and their volatility. The rate of return from a PV system is independent of interest rate fluctuations, accounting scandals, recessions and international crises. In this way, it can provide a new method to
allocate investment assets and improve diversification.

3. What returns can be expected from a PV system?

   The initial pretax return for a medium-sized system on a good site is 8%-12% annually. That compares favorably to money market accounts, CD’s, stocks and even long term treasuries. Initial returns can range from 6%-12% depending on system size, site specifics and an investor’s tax bracket. The initial rate of return can be calculated by doing a solar site survey and system design before making a decision to purchase a system. Average system pay back is 9-11 years.

4. How variable are the future annual returns from a PV system?

   Future annual returns depend on PV system output and future electricity prices. System performance is protected by a full 5-year system warranty and a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on the PV panels which are the major components. Electricity prices have gone up 2 to 3% annually for the last 15 years. The annual returns from a PV system will actually increase if this continues. Continued 3% inflation would increase an initial 6% annual return to a 10% average over 25 years.

Geothermal Heating & Cooling

1. How efficient is a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)?

   Ground Source Heat Pumps are one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available today. Heating efficiencies average 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies average 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners, thus creating savings for you on your utility bills.

2. How does a GSHP system heat water for my home?

   GSHPs turn wasted heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, a unit called a desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units and optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.

3. How much space does a GSHP unit require?

   Most of a GSHP installation is hidden underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.

4. How long will my GSHP system last?

   GSHPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.

5. Can I install a ground source heat exchanger myself?

   It’s not recommended. Thermal fusion of the pipe, drilling and trenching are procedures best handled by professionals. Nonprofessional installations may result in less than optimum performance, which could cancel out anticipated savings.

6. What are the benefits of installing a Ground Source Heat Pump?

   Can be installed as a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system.
   · Can save you on your water-heating bill by preheating tank water.
   · Made of mechanical components that are either buried in the ground or located inside the home.
   · Same size as a traditional heating/cooling unit.
   · Pipe carries up to a 50-year warranty.
   · Can reduce energy consumption by 20 to 50% and reduce maintenance costs.
   · Keeps the air warmer in the winter and at a more consistent temperature throughout the home, eliminating the hot and cold spots common with other systems.
   · No noisy outside condenser units.
   · No exposed equipment outdoors
   · Children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units.
   · No open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.

7. What kind of savings do GSHPs offer?

   · One of the most efficient residential/commercial heating and cooling systems available today.
   · Heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners.
   · Save money in operating and maintenance costs.
   · Investments regained in only a few years.
   · Positive cash flow; energy savings usually exceeds the cost of the system.
   · Some utilities offer rebates or incentives to their customers who purchase GSHPs. Central Hudson offers a $1,000.00 rebate.

8. What are some environmental benefits of GSHPs?

   Preserves natural resources by providing climate control efficiently, thus lowering emissions.

   · Helps to minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged.

   · Uses underground loops to transfer heat, with no external venting (zero emissions) thus reducing air pollution.

9. How will I save money with a GSHP?

   GSHPs save money, both in operating costs and maintenance costs. Investments can be regained in a short period of time. Since the energy savings usually exceeds payment on the system, there is a positive cash flow.

10. How do GSHPs help to protect our environment?

    Currently installed systems are making a significant difference in our environment! GSHP systems not only help preserve the earths’ natural resources by providing climate control very efficiently (zero emissions)-thus also lowering the earths’ overall emissions, but also minimize ozone layer destruction by using factory-sealed refrigeration systems, which will seldom or never have to be recharged. More than three million tons of carbon dioxide is being eliminated by these systems that conserve energy and rather than burning something to create heat, they help reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the atmosphere. They use renewable energy from the sun. The system does not rely on outside air, keeping the air inside of buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores, and other allergens.