ECONOMICS AND COST

The economic incentives provided by the Net Metering Bill, California Solar Initiative rebates and the Federal Tax Credit make this an opportune time to invest in a photovoltaic system for your home. In fact, the cost for a PV system now will almost certainly be lower than any time within the next 10 years. System costs vary depending on the size of the system, the orientation of the roof, and the particular components selected. For example, a typical 2 kilowatt (kW) system will cost between $10,000 and $14,000, installed and after state and federal incentives. A 5 kW system (that can completely offset the energy needs of most conventional homes) will cost between $30,000 and $34,000, installed and after state and federal incentives. Systems can be sized to provide whatever percentage of your energy load you would like to cover.

Solar systems have no fuel costs and rarely need maintenance. While the cost of conventional electricity continues to rise, your solar electric system will continue to produce free electricity for 30 years or more.

Financing & Warranty

Light Energy Systems offers a complete 5 year parts and labor warranty. Solar panels manufacturers warranty their products for 25 years and inverter manufacturers offer 10 year warranties. Customer service has been the backbone of our business for over 25 years and any problems that occur will be promptly addressed.

California Rebate Programs

The California Solar Initiative (CSI) provides two types of incentives: Performance Based Incentive (PBI) and Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB). Both are based on system performance and are typically determined by system size, PBI≥100 kW and EPBB<100 kW. However, smaller systems may opt for the PBI incentive. The maximum rebate is now $1.90 per watt for residential and $1.55 per watt for commercial applications. The maximum amount is achieved by optimal array orientation, array tilt and minimal shade. In addition, the system must be connected to the utility grid and be installed by a licensed solar (C46) or electrical (C10) contractor. Residential new construction is funded through the California Energy Commission (CEC) New Solar Homes Partnership, all other construction is administered through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The rebate may be paid directly to the contractor, who is required by law to pass the exact rebate amount, or may be paid directly to the owner.

California Net Metering Bill

Net metering allows utility customers to be credited full retail price for any electricity their renewable energy system sends back to the utility grid. One meter is typically used to measure the difference between the electricity used and the electricity produced at the site. When the system produces more power than is being used on the premises the meter will spin backwards! Once a year, in a True Up bill, the utility will charge for the difference between the electricity used and produced.
In order to net meter, the renewable energy installation must be located on the customer's premises, operate in parallel with the utility's transmission and distribution facilities, and be intended to offset the customer's own electrical requirements.

Time-of-Use Metering (TOU)

Time-of-Use electrical metering can greatly improve the economics of a solar electric installation if you are not using much electricity during the middle part of the day on weekdays. The summer peak electrical rate, between 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM weekdays for the E7 TOU Tier 5 schedule, is $.53/kilowatt-hour. The off peak rate, weekdays before 12:00 noon and after 6:00 PM and on weekends, is $.032/kilowatt-hour. A solar electric system produces most of its power during peak rate times, when the rates are much higher than off peak! Time-of-use metering requires a special bi-directional digital meter that your utility will install. Schedule E-7 was brought back to the market for a limited time, for another 5000 customers then only Schedule E-6 will be available.

Federal Tax Credit