Why Solar Energy?

The Solar energy industry has experienced a revolutionary wave of new products and efficient services that finally make using solar energy on a massive scale a practical thing, as well as becoming affordable for the home-owner that wants to cut out the middle man. So, why solar power and how does it work?

Solar (PV) Panels generate electricity by converting the sun’s energy to electricity. This is energy that is already hitting your house and going to waste. Solar cells that make up the solar panels capture the sun’s energy and create electricity. The electricity is then converted (by an Inverter) to the same type of electricity that your utility company provides to your home. The lights and appliances in your home can then use this electricity and any “extra” unused electricity is essentially sold back to the utility company (Grid Connected) using Net-Metering.

Common terms defined

* Grid Connected – Your solar system will draw electricity from the power grid when additional power is needed to create a constant flow of electricity.
* Net-Metering – When excess electricity is created from the solar panels, the power is sold back to the power grid causing your meter to spin backwards. You are only charged for the net amount of electricity used.
* Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC’s) – Utilities are required to produce a percentage of their electricity generation from solar power and other renewable energy sources. Utilities may purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from residents and businesses that are generating their own renewable electricity.
* Battery Back-Up – A system that stores electricity on-site to provide short-term power when electricity is not being produced by the solar panels (This is a more expensive option than Grid Connected).

Effects on the environment

Generating electricity from solar energy reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, which decreases pollution and greenhouse gases. By switching to solar power, you will reduce global warming and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources. Even a small solar electric system has a significant environmental impact. For example, a 2.5kW solar system reduces CO2 emissions by an amount similar to that which would occur by planting 1 acre of trees, or the amount of CO2 emitted by a passenger car driving 7,800 miles per year.
Solar technology is a sound investment

* Federal and state incentives are at their highest levels for those who choose solar power – MD is among the states that offers substantial incentives.
* Reducing our dependence on foreign energy and increasing our reliance on renewable resources.
* Helping to reduce green house gasses to fight global warming by relying on clean energy.
* Increasing the value of your home; the work of solar companies not only helps increase the efficiency of your home but can actually result in appreciation of your property value.

As solar installers based in Maryland, Ultra Solar & Wind Solutions works to maximize energy production and lower our customers’ energy bills as well as reducing our overall reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Our expert team provides hands-on guidance for our customers – from design through installation – in order to ensure the most successful result.

In keeping with our commitment to exceeding even the highest quality standards, we proudly carry the BP Solar PV product line. We believe that BP Solar produces the BEST solar panels with the lowest Degradation rate of 0.06% and includes the best 25 year warranti in the industry. With the lowest Degradation rate, BP Solar panels will provide you more power after 25 years than any other product in solar. To us, it’s all about providing our customers with the best and guiding them to the future of energy – solar technology.

Solar energy is an abundant resource.

• Each minute enough sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year.

• You can use clean electricity from photovoltaic panels on your home or business to replace power produced by coal, oil, and nuclear power plants.

• A solar power system ties into your current utility connection, turning your electric meter backwards when the sun shines.

• Photovoltaic technology is proven, reliable, and has no moving parts. BP Solar panels come with a 25 year warranty.

• A solar power system on your home or business demonstrates your commitment to clean, renewable energy.

Over its 35-year expected life, a 10 kW system will provide the equivalent CO2 reduction as planting 1450 trees. (Based on typical utility pollution, it will prevent emissions of 963,125 lbs of carbon dioxide, 4,237 lbs of sulfur dioxide, and 1,364 lbs of nitrogen oxides.) It will produce 575,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, as much as would be generated by burning 583,000 lbs of coal.

[source: Solar Market]