How to Get Started
AM I A CANDIDATE?
If renewable energy systems sound like a good idea for you, the first step is to determine if your property is a candidate. Commercial applications all have additional incentives attached that make renewable systems even more desirable.
Photovoltaic(pv) Electricity- If you have a flat or south facing roof with little or no shading, pv panels can be mounted for best efficiencies. PV panels require direct sunlight, so partial shading is highly undesirable, unless it is only during low impact times of the day. The relatively high cost of these systems make them a long term investment, but they are very reliable with little to no maintenance required. Many panels are still generating electricity over 30 years after being installed during the energy crisis in the 1970s. There are no size limitations on these systems, so you can put one panel or enough panels to supply your entire needs. The 30% federal tax rebates and accelerated business depreciation apply to these systems, so the return on investment is much better than in recent history. KCP&L Missouri additional utility incentives have now been added to make a system a very good investment.
Heating- New construction or major renovations can use passive solar design to create an extremely energy efficient space. All new buildings should make full use of passive design to decrease the overall energy demands of the building over it's life. This type of design uses the building's orientation, sun exposure, and proper building materials to store solar energy for heating and to avoid solar gain for cooling. A radiant floor heating system can then integrate solar thermal panels to supply much of the energy necessary to heat the space. Heating bills would then be reduced or eliminated. As the price of natural gas or propane continues to rise, your solar heat will remain free.
Hot Water- If you have a flat or south facing roof with little or no shading, solar thermal panels can be mounted for best efficiencies. Even with some shading, indirect sun rays will supply about half of the energy of direct sun rays. Trees that lose their leaves during the winter will not completely impede the panels when the winter sun is closer to the horizon and more likely to be shaded by those trees. The more hot water that is used, the more energy savings these systems can realize. Businesses such as restaurants and hotels that use large volumes of hot water are prime examples of entities that would benefit greatly from such systems. There is no limit on the 30% federal tax rebate for commercial systems, so the return on investment can be quite good. Anyone using propane or electric hot water heaters are prime candidates for these system. The payback in these circumstances is very fast, because propane is so expensive and electricity is so inefficient for heating.
Wind Turbine Electricity- Remember, just because you think it's always windy at your location, it doesn't mean you are a good candidate. If you have at least an acre outside city limits and your average wind speed is more than 12mph, you are a candidate for wind power. If your land is located on a high point or there is little tree growth or large obstructions, even better. The wind can be efficiently harnessed just about anywhere in Western Kansas. Still, with a high enough tower, some places in Missouri and extreme Eastern Kansas are candidates. As a rule of thumb, the larger the turbine is sized to meet your electrical usage, the greater the return on investment you will attain. In locations where average wind speeds exceed 15mph, there is no bigger 'bang for the buck' than wind for creating electricity. That being said, wind turbines require ongoing maintenance that PV does not require. This is a factor to consider. Prime candidates for wind generators would include farms, manufacturing plants, and homeowners that want to be part of the clean energy solution.
I WANT TO INSTALL A SYSTEM
If you feel that you are a good candidate for any of these systems, we would love to hear from you. Please email or call, and a Good Energy Solutions representative will consult with you to start the process. Things we will need from you at this juncture are: 1)a description of your roof's orientation and roofing materials 2)a description of your utility sources 3)the percentage of energy independence you desire 4)copies of your past utility bills.
We will then schedule a visit to do a site assessment to help determine your options. This service will require a $75 fee that will cover our costs and will be applied to any system that we install for you. For this you will receive:
- Detailed recommendation of which system will work best for you
- A price quote for that system
- The rebates and incentives you are entitled to
- A financial analysis of return on investment
- Financing options if you wish or need to finance the system
When we agree on the system you wish to install, the next steps will proceed in this order:
- You will sign an installation contract and submit a 10% deposit
- We will obtain the proper building permits for your system
- If you are building or remodeling, we will collaborate with your contractor to enable a seamless installation
- We require 45% of the project cost on the day we order the solar equipment- This will occur once utility applications and building permits are accepted.
- The balance is due upon completion of the installation-minus the $75 assessment fee
- You will now be the proud owner of your own renewable energy plant and part of the overall energy solution.
For KCP&L customers who want to learn about the Net Metering Interconnection Application Process please click here. To download the application please click here.
SOLAR ESTIMATOR
To do a general estimate for yourself click the button below. This Solar & Wind Estimator will estimate the size and calculate the cost to install an energy system for your home or building. For an actual bid please contact us.
info@goodenergysolutions.com or call (785) 371-1198 or (816) 841-4981
