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HOW DO SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS WORK?

HOW DO SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS WORK?

Solar electric (also called photovoltaic or PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity. Solar water heating systems use the sun’s heat for hot water and space heating.

  • A solar energy system works whenever the sun shines.
  • With solar electric systems, batteries can be used to store power for use at night or during power outages.
  • Solar energy systems can be sized to meet 25%, 50%, 75%, or all of your energy needs. Your budget and roof size are the only limiting factors.
  • Many residents, businesses, utilities and governments successfully install and operate solar energy systems in Wisconsin.

Can a solar ENERGY system work for me?

  • To work best, solar energy collectors should be placed on south-facing rooftops, walls, or on the ground and be unobstructed by trees or other buildings.
  • A professional site assessor can conduct a site assessment to evaluate your site and show you how effective solar will be at your location. Site assessors charge for professional site assessments, but there is also a grant that will pay for part of your assessment through Focus on Energy.
  • The City of Madison also offers free consulting by the MadiSUN Solar Agent. Call (608) 243-0586 or email solar@cityofmadison.com.
  • For solar electric systems, as long as you are connected to the utility grid and have a “net-metering agreement” with the utility, your system can be as small or as large as you want it to be, because you can receive a credit from the utility for the surplus power it produces.
  • Solar water heating systems need to be matched to the heating load (e.g., your hot water usage or space heating needs).

Who can install a “good” SOLAR ENERGY system?

  • An installer certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners).
  • Focus on Energy provides a list of local installers certifies by NABCEP or working toward certification. (Focus on Energy requires certain certification of the installer for systems to be eligible for funding.)
  • The MadiSUN Solar Agent can help you to find installers and request and evaluate quotes.

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