January 26, 2012
Six Things to Know When Considering Solar for Your Business in the St. Louis Region
by Dane Glueck
1) Your Current Energy Use - Clients that understand their current energy usage (kilowatt hours per month) are best positioned to gauge how much solar will meet their energy savings goals. Implementing additional energy efficiency measures with your solar system will further enhance your investment and the environmental benefits.
2) Building Ownership - It is more straightforward for a business that owns its building to proceed with solar. However, it is certainly possible for a business owner that leases their building to work with the building owner to create a win-win situation in which both parties receive the benefits of solar energy.
3) The Roof - For a solar system to produce enough energy to meet the projected outcomes and maximize your investment, your roof should:
- Be relatively south facing
- Be unshaded from 9 am to 3 pm.
If a roof is in good condition or under warranty, the solar installer and the roofer will work together to maintain the integrity of the roof. If a roof is in poor condition and is due to be replaced, it is best to replace the roof prior to the solar installation.
4) Incentives - A thorough understanding of the current incentives will streamline your process. In many cases, more than 40% of the system cost will be paid to you as a rebate or additional incentive. In addition, a 30% federal tax credit and the ability to depreciate the system makes solar feasible for many business that may not have been able to pursue solar only a couple of years ago. Learn more.
5) Your Financial Criteria - Ultimately, any project (solar or otherwise) has to meet your criteria for investment. Solar offers energy production for more than 25 years at a greater than 20% return for many businesses. For some businesses where cash flow does not allow an outright purchase, a solar lease may be an excellent method to produce clean energy with minimal or no up-front cost. Email John@straightupsolar.com to learn more about StraightUp Solar's lease option for commercial projects.
6) Promoting Your Solar Investment - Beyond saving energy, your solar system signifies your business's commitment to invest in cutting edge technology and benefit the environment. Web-based monitoring systems that demonstrate the solar energy production via an internet link provide a simple way to show your employees and the community what your solar system has achieved. Also, consider working with your solar contractor to host a solar event to share your story with others in the St. Louis region.
January 3, 2012
How Efficient is a Solar Panel?
by Dane Glueck
The short answer is 14 - 20%. That means that nearly 20% of the sun's energy that hits the panels is converted to electricity to enter your home or business.
Let's put solar power efficiency into context compared to another typical energy user that most of us use every day. A gasoline vehicle is 14 - 26% efficient according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means that only 14 - 26% of the fuel that you put into your tank moves your car down the road. Of course, when your tank is low you need to go back and fill it up again. Solar panels produce clean energy every time the sun hits them over their more than 25-year lifespan!
In historical context, solar power efficiency has dramatically increased. Bell Labs produced a silicon solar cell capable of 6% energy conversion with direct sunlight.
We've come a long way - from the relatively inefficient, extremely expensive solar panels on NASA's satellites in the 1960's, to our current solar panels that make energy independence a reality for many of us in the St. Louis and surrounding region.
December 15, 2011
Cash for Your Solar Credits
by Erin Noble
We have good news! In 2012, Ameren Missouri will pay you for the energy your solar panels produce.
If you already have your system installed - great! You are already in queue to have Ameren Missouri buy your energy for $50 per SREC (solar renewable energy credit). If you accept the offer, Ameren will pay you thousands of dollars for the SRECs your system produces.
If you are considering solar but haven't yet installed, now is the time. The SREC payment, in conjunction with Ameren Missouri's solar rebate, the 30% federal tax credit, and decrease price of solar components lowers the cost to install solar in Ameren Missouri's territory by 70%.
But the SREC money won't last long in 2012, perhaps only a couple of months. Buy your solar system now to get in line for the SREC payment. Call StraightUp Solar at (314) 218-2663 to take advantage of the 2012 SREC offer.
More about how SRECs and Ameren Missouri SREC offer:
What is an SREC?
A solar renewable energy credit (SREC) represents the environmental benefits of producing one megawatt-hour of electricity using solar power. One SREC = 1,000 kWh of solar electricity = 1 MWh of solar electricity.
What is Ameren offering to pay me in exchange for my SRECs?
Pending Public Service Commission approval, Ameren is offering to pay $50 per SREC per year. If your system is 10kW or smaller, Ameren will buy your SRECs for 10 years in one up-front, lump sum. If your system is 10kW - 100kW, they will purchase your SRECs for five years through annual payments.
As an example, a 10 kW solar system produces 12 SRECs per year.
12 RECs x $50 x 10 years = $6000 payment from Ameren Missouri.
Why is Ameren Missouri offering a contract for SRECs?
In 2008, Missouri voters approved a renewable electricity standard (Prop C) requiring Ameren to get 15% of its energy from renewable sources. 2% of this 15% must be solar, so Ameren wants to purchase your SRECs to help meet their requirement.
How many SRECs is Ameren Missouri going to purchase?
In 2012, Ameren has $2 million to purchase SRECs.
Who can sell SRECs to Ameren Missouri?
Ameren Missouri will buy SRECs of projects installed in 2011 who have not already sold their SRECs to a third party. The offer will also apply to installations installed in 2012 for as long as funds remain available. The offer is in order of system approval. As an example, if Ameren Missouri approved your system in January 2012, you have the option to buy the credits prior to someone who is approved in February 2012.
What do I need to do next?
If you are a past client and already have your solar system approved by Ameren, you will receive a letter from Ameren in early 2012. All you have to do is respond affirmatively if you want to take advantage of their SREC offer.
If you are considering solar, but haven't pulled the trigger, the quicker you get into your project approved by Ameren (and therefore in queue for the payments), the more likely you will be offered the 2012 Ameren Missouri SREC payment. It is not clear if Ameren will make a similar offer in 2013.
November 2011
Solar vs. fossil fuels: Life Cycle Analysis
Many of us think solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, but don't know exactly in what way or how much. To help sort out the real environmental impact of solar photovoltaics (PV), StraightUp Solar looked at the life cycle analysis of solar systems compared to fossil fuels.
Once installed, solar panels produce energy without any emissions, but manufacturing the system parts still requires energy. Here is a summary:
- The greenhouse gas emissions that result from solar PV is only a fraction of what is produced by coal-fired power: 45 grams/kWh compared to 900 grams/kWh.
- Energy payback time for a complete solar system (the panels, inverter, and mounting system) is 3 - 6 years. A typically PV system produces clean energy for 25-plus years, meaning all clean power produced after that time has zero emissions.
- Solar panel production is the most-energy intensive part of the process and therefore produces the majority of the greenhouses gases. However, the manufacturing process continues to improve and become less energy intensive, further improving the environmental benefits of solar.
Unfortunately, the Midwest is disproportionally reliant on coal for power. Missouri, for example, gets 85% of its power from coal compared to 50% nationally.
Using renewable sources of solar provides a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable option for electricity generation even considering the minimal amount of energy that is required to produce the panels and other system components.
October 2011
All or Nothing Does Not Apply to Solar
We don't have to get all of our energy from solar power. We don't have to solve all of our economic or environmental struggles with solar. And, we don't have to spend all of our money or fill up our entire roof with solar.
That's the beauty of solar: We can make a choice to pursue solar and do what works for us. Solar can work within a variety of budgets allowing each of us to become more energy independent. We can choose how much we want to save on our energy bills and in turn protect ourselves against rising energy costs that we cannot control.
Because we can connect to the grid, and because we get a one-to-one credit for extra energy produced from solar, we are free to produce our own energy. We are free to decide if we want to produce our own energy completely for the financial benefits, or completely for the environmental benefits, or because we want to care about both.
The Waxman family in Olivette, MO is a classic example of choosing their own pathway towards energy independence. They started with an energy efficient home and then added a solar air heating system. Next, they installed their first solar panels in 2009 followed by a second solar electric system in 2011.
(A step-by-step approach to energy independence: The Waxman's pursued energy efficiency plus a solar air heating system and 4.68 kilowatts of solar panels.)
Now, their monthly electric bill is often zero. All or nothing doesn't have to apply to us; we can all choose to do as much as we want to meet our own clean energy goals.
September 2011
Here are some answers to questions we're often asked:
Question: How many solar panels can fit on my roof and how much will the system produce?
Answer: Though every residential roof is different, here are some simple guidelines to get you started.
1. Solar panel's DC power rating equals approximately 15 watts/square foot.
2. 70% of roof space is typically usable for panels.
3. In good conditions (no shading and southern orientation), St. Louis region solar systems produce approximately 4 kilowatt-hours per day for each kW installed (more in sunnier months and less in winter).
4. Most homeowners choose a 2 to 10 kW system that balances their goals including: budget, energy production, and roof space.
Example:
Available roof space: 15 X 20 feet = 300 ft2
Usable roof space: 300 ft2 X 70% = 210 ft2
Solar on roof: 210 ft2 X 15 watts/ft2 = 3,150 watts (3.15 kW)
Production: 3kW X 4 hours = 12 kWh/day = 4,380 kWh/year
Question: How durable are solar panels, and how long do they last?
Answer: The main threat to panels is weather, with the primary concern of hail. All the panels StraightUp Solar installs have a minimum impact testing and warranty for one-inch hail at fifty mph.
The second component of durability addresses the life of the solar panels and how much power they will produce. All panels that we offer have a minimum 25-year power production warranty that guarantees 80% production. We typically estimate panel production degradation at 0.5% per year when calculating production over the lifetime of the panel.
Many solar panels installed in the 1980's are still producing clean kilowatt-hours! It's safe to say that solar panels are one of the most durable, long-lasting investments that you can make for your home or business.
March 2011
FAQ and Guidelines for Solar Design in the St. Louis Region
StraightUp Solar recently gave a talk to the American Institute of Architects St. Louis Chapter. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to present solar guidelines and concepts to such a distinguished and progressive group of professionals. We appreciate Don Koppy spearheading the event and the rest of AIA's efforts to include solar as part of their continuing education.
As part of the material we were asked to provide a FAQ / general guidelines one page document to the group which is included here.
St. Louis region receives 92% of the solar resource of Miami.
New Jersey is #2 in the US for solar installation - policy matters.
Each kWh produced from solar saves approximately one pound of coal.
Southeast / southwest orientation produces 5% less energy compared to due south.
Estimate daily production in kWh by multiplying array size in kW by 4.
- 5 kW X 4 = 20 kWh / day
Estimate yearly production in kWh by multiplying array size in W by 1.25.
- 5000 W X 1.25 = 6,250 kWh / year
PV Watts calculator (http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1/)
Estimate flush mount array size by multiplying square feet X 15 watts X 0.7.
PV system lifetime production is expected to be 30+ years.
PV module warranty = 25 years for 80% production.
PV modules are tested for 1 inch / 50 mph hail.
Flexible solar laminate is approximately 50% efficient compared to crystalline.
Crystalline solar modules are 14 - 19% efficient (similar to modern car).
Inverters are 96% efficient.
Grid-tied solar arrays automatically shut down when the grid is down.
When solar produces more than a building uses the meter spins backward at a 1:1 credit within that billing period.
Incentives include:
- 30% federal tax credit (commercial projects - grant 60 days from paperwork)
- utility rebate = $2/watt up to max of $50,000 (within 30 days from paperwork)
- 100% depreciation year one for commercial projects
March 2011
Sharing solar power knowledge with a St. Louis area middle school class
StraightUp Solar was fortunate to be contacted by Scott McClintock, a science teacher at Maplewood-Richmond Heights Middle School. Scott is the kind of science teacher that we all should have had - energetic and truly excited to engage and expand the students' minds. His class has undertaken a compelling journey to better understand renewable energy through real-world applications. Specifically, they're learning about solar, wind, hydro, and biomass that will culminate in the production of an 18-month calendar that will generate funds to further the school's sustainability efforts. Brilliant!
(Dane Glueck of StraightUp Solar and Scott McClintock's Middle School Science Class)
We had a great time reviewing the Tyson Research Center's 23 kW solar power system that consists of both a roof mounted solar array and a pole mounted tracking system. (Thanks to Tyson Research Center / Washington University for sharing their award winning Living Building Challenge project with us.) Even with chilly weather and snow on the ground in early February the class learned about how the solar panels produce electricity, how the system is wired, and how the solar trackers follow the sun through the day.
(discussing how sunlight is converted to electricity and how the solar trackers work)
We also discussed how the solar inverters convert DC to AC electricity and how the system connects to the grid. Beyond solar specifics the class also had great questions that generated a discussion about the choices we make when we use fossil fuels compared to renewable energy and how buildings can be better designed for energy efficiency.
(discussing the utility meter and solar grid-tied systems)
StraightUp Solar is privileged to have had the opportunity to share some our knowledge with this bright group of students. Meeting with Scott's class provides further confidence that we're doing the right thing as we move toward a sustainable solar future - and that our future will be in good hands.
December 2010
Improved Solar Power Incentive for Commercial Projects! 100% First-Year Bonus Depreciation through end of 2011
In December 2010 the provision for bonus depreciation was amended and extended yet again by The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4853). Under these amendments, eligible property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before January 1, 2012 qualifies for 100% first-year bonus depreciation. For 2012, bonus depreciation is still available, but the allowable deduction reverts from 100% to 50% of the eligible basis.
To qualify for bonus depreciation, a project must satisfy these criteria:
- the property must have a recovery period of 20 years or less under normal federal tax depreciation rules;
- the original use of the property must commence with the taxpayer claiming the deduction;
- the property generally must have been acquired during the period from 2008 - 2012; and
- the property must have been placed in service during the period from 2008 - 2012.
If property meets these requirements, the owner is entitled to deduct a significant portion of the adjusted basis of the property during the tax year the property is first placed in service. As noted above, for property acquired and placed in service after September 8, 2010 and before January 1, 2012, the allowable first year deduction is 100% of the adjusted basis. For property placed in service from 2008 - 2012, for which the placed in service date does not fall within this window, the allowable first-year deduction is 50% of the adjusted basis. In the case of a 50% first year deduction, the remaining 50% of the adjusted basis of the property is depreciated over the ordinary MACRS depreciation schedule. The bonus depreciation rules do not override the depreciation limit applicable to projects qualifying for the federal business energy tax credit. Before calculating depreciation for such a project, including any bonus depreciation, the adjusted basis of the project must be reduced by one-half of the amount of the energy credit for which the project qualifies.
For more information on the federal MACRS, see IRS Publication 946, IRS Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization, and Instructions for Form 4562. The IRS web site provides a search mechanism for forms and publications. Enter the relevant form, publication name or number, and click "GO" to receive the requested form or publication.
*Note that the definitions of eligible technologies included in this entry are somewhat simplified versions of those contained in tax code, which often contain additional caveats, restrictions, and modifications. Those interested in this incentive should review the relevant sections of the code in detail prior to making business decisions.
source: www.dsireusa.org
December 2, 2011
StraightUp Solar Names Jeff Schmidt Director of Design and Technology
Dane Glueck, President of StraightUp Solar, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Schmidt to Director of Design and Technology. Jeff has over 30 years experience in electrical design and with his NABCEP Certification makes StraightUp Solar the leading contractor in Missouri with Certified Installers.
Jeff Schmidt is a graduate of the Washington University School of Engineering. He began his career working for Melton Machine and Control Company as an electrician where he held the positions of Robotic Systems Manager and Manufacturing and Facilities Engineer designing everything from control panel layouts to offices. After 25 years, a career change introduced him to StraightUp Solar and the renewable energy field.
"I'm excited to have Jeff stepping into this new role with us. Not only is his experience a great asset to our team, but his Certification ranks Straight-Up solar as the leader in the State of Missouri with NABCEP Certified Installers," said Glueck.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. Each member of the board was chosen because of his or her experience and involvement in the solar energy industry. NABCEP's mission-to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders-is intended to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.
The NABCEP process has been developed and designed carefully following professional credentialing guidelines. Standards, developed by subject matter experts, have been set and the eligibility requirements are reasonably achievable being based on extensive input from stakeholders and deliberation among installers. NABCEP has built a transparent, non-discriminatory program implemented with fair procedures and due process.
StraightUp Solar is a privately held company located in St. Louis, Missouri. As a leader in solar power they are members of MOSIEA and hold North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certifications and are the only company with two NABCEP Certified PV Installers in the State of Missouri. For more information about StraightUp Solar, please contact Eric Swillinger at 314-218-2663 or visit www.StraightUpSolar.com.
September 20, 2010
How Much Solar Power on My Home?
How much can solar power can I fit on my roof and how much will it produce?
These are two of the most frequent questions that we receive about solar power in our St. Louis area. Here are some simple guidelines for starters:
- Solar panel's DC power rating equals approximately 15 watts / square foot.
- Most roof areas allow approximately 70% of the space to be effectively used.
- In good conditions (no shading and southern orientation) solar power systems in the St. Louis region produce approximately 4 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per day for each kW installed. (This accounts for more production in sunnier months and less production in winter / rainy months over the course of a year.)
So, let's run through an example:
Available roof space = 15 X 20 feet = 300 ft2
Usable roof space = 300 ft2 X 70% = 210 ft2
Solar on the roof = 210 ft2 X 15 watts/ t2 = 3,150 watts (3.15 kW - round down to 3kW)
Production = 3kW X 4 hours = 12 kWh / day = 4,380 kWh / year (estimate)
June 10, 2010
Solar Loans for Missourians - Missouri Linked Deposit Loans
Access to solar power for residential and commercial customers in Missouri continues to improve. We've arrived at a paradigm shift for Missouri solar energy projects. Solar panel costs have decreased and solar incentives have dramatically improved with the federal tax credit and the Proposition C solar rebate.
The Missouri Linked Deposit Loan program takes us a step further. The program offers Missouri solar customers consistent low-interest rate loans for up to five years. Loan savings are usually 2-3 percent to the borrower. The program partners with lending institutions to provide low-interest loans to help create and retain jobs, expand the economy and strengthen communities statewide.
Take the next step to producing your own solar power and controlling your energy costs by going to www.treasure.mo.gov/LinkedDeposit. Download the Alternative Energy Consumer Loan Application and give StraightUp Solar a call to learn more.
June 10, 2010
Choices
Our electricity comes predominantly from coal. Most of us in Missouri and Illinois burn over 30 pounds of coal per day in our homes. Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) that we use is a pound of coal burnt. Imagine 30, 40, 50 pounds of coal delivered to your doorstep everyday. When we look at our electric bill we may just see the cost in dollars. However, once we see differently, we may start to see that electric bill in pounds of coal. It's our choice. It's our choice to translate dollars to pounds of coal. It's our choice to recognize dirty power as dirty air and the source of sick lungs for our children and families. It's our choice to turn our lights off, to insulate our homes, to create our own clean solar energy.
April 6, 2010
Phil and Sima Needleman, in St. Louis, are the first Missouri Ameren customers to receive the Proposition C Solar Rebate. StraightUp Solar installed a 2.7 kW grid tied solar power system for the Needleman's that came on-line in Januray, 2010. The rebate is paid by Ameren and is $2/watt. The total rebate for the Needleman's is $5,460, which offsets a significant portion of the installed cost. Ameren quickly sent the rebate to the Needleman's in less than two weeks from completion of the rebate paperwork. The 30% Federal Tax Credit will further add to their solar savings. The system is expected to save approximately 3,500 killowat hours per year.
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