GETTING STARTED

Each of installations is designed individually and custom-built. We work with each client for the best approach, and we are on site for every installation—allowing us to stand by our work unconditionally.

A solar installation is a significant investment, and we are able to offer flexibility in terms of equipment and adjustments in order to ensure that your project is exactly as you wish.

In preparation for an initial estimate and/or free site visit, it is beneficial to have a sense of your electricity needs. If you have more than four months in utility billing at the address in question, the best starting point is your usage data in kilowatt-hours.

If you have handy your billing statements or access to your online Xcel Energy account, the information can be drawn from one of these sources—12 months’ worth of data is most ideal. In the event that a quick phone call is easier, we recommend contacting Xcel’s Energy Adviser line at 800 824 1688 for your kilowatt-hour data.

We are pleased to provide an estimate using this information and additional context—such as your future plans for electric vehicle driving and other potential changes.

In addition to detailed layout and and financial benefits information, we will offer a comprehensive, line-itemed cost rundown along with specifications for all recommended equipment.

This estimate is always intended as a starting point for your consideration, and discussion during your free site visit.

HOW SOLAR PV WORKS

Photovoltaic is a term used to describe the solar technology utilized to generate electricity from light. The abbreviation PV often is used to refer to solar electricity systems—in contrast to systems that heat water, or “solar thermal” systems.

When struck by energy from the sun’s rays, a solar panel’s photovoltaic technology generates electrical voltage and current. This energy is measured in watts.

A solar electric system installed on a home or business and connected to the electrical utility company’s service grid is called a grid-tie solar system. A system like this uses Net Metering. When the solar system is producing more energy than you’re using—during the day—your electric meter spins backward, giving you credit for generating your own electricity.

With Xcel Energy’s new residential Time Of Use rate, this means you receive credit at the rate charged during the time of day when your solar kilowatt-hours are contributed to the utility grid. It is common to receive and bank solar credit for solar generation at the highest-cost times of day—27 cents per kWh during summer peak times—and to purchase energy during the lowest-cost times of day at 10 to 12 cents per kilowatt-hour.

You only pay the utility company for the net energy utilized from the grid after your solar credit.