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Solar |
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We added installation of photo voltaic (PV) solar systems to our repertoire in 2007. With ever increasing fuel and energy costs, we believe that PV systems make more economic sense than ever before, and will only increase in value as fuel costs continue to rise.
16 UniSolar PVL-124 panels for a total of 2kW of electricity production
Prior to 2000 when the cost of energy remained relatively low, for most of us it was difficult to justify the cost for PV no matter how environmentally conscious we were (especially when considering that most of our budgets are already strained with basic maintenance and property improvement needs).
What many of our customers do not realize is that the technology for solar electricity has been around for a long time, and other countries such as Germany are way ahead of us in utilizing alternative energy sources (Germany has over 50% of the total installed solar systems in the world). Now we have the opportunity to utilize this proven technology right here in Chicago!
The following is our “short list” of reasons to go solar now: R Electrical utilities charge their highest rates during daylight hours Spring, Summer and Fall. PV systems are at their highest level of production during these same hours, just when you need it most to reduce your electric bill.
R PV systems include an Inverter, which tracks your electrical production so you can see for yourself how much you are saving over time.
R Owning a PV system increases awareness of energy usage in general, leading to even more savings as households become less wasteful.
R New technology has made it possible for thin-film PV systems to capture a broader spectrum of available light, which increases energy production in the Great Lakes area and other areas of the United States that experience more cloudy days on average.
R You are eligible for State, local and Federal rebates/tax credits (see “dsireusa” link below)
R As with any investment in your property, installing a PV system is a capital expense which will a) be depreciated over time to reduce your annual tax liability, b) increase the value of your property, and c) make your property more attractive to prospective buyers if/when you sell.
R The PV systems that we install connect directly to the utility’s electrical grid, which means that there are no expensive batteries to maintain, and virtually no maintenance cost for the anticipated 25+ year lifespan of the system. Cleaning your panels every so often would ensure optimum performance, but even without cleaning the PV panels that we install are remarkably durable and productive in spite of how well they are cared for. After the payback period of 8-12 years is over the system continues to reduce your electric bill, giving you more control of how you choose to spend your money. Some of our customers have experienced a 40% average reduction in their electric bill. As you might expect the production capacity of your solar array along with your pattern of energy use will determine actual savings.
R ComEd actually credits you for the electricity your solar panels produce and is not used by you.
14 UniSolar PVL-68 panels for a total of 1kW of electricity production
We have compiled numerous resources to assist our customers in determining which of the current PV system options for urban properties would best meet their needs. The following links will take you to several websites that pertain to solar panel installations in Chicago and the metro area. After you review the materials, then email or call us to discuss installations/options for your particular building.
This site lists various incentives and resources that are available in your area for installation of alternative energy systems. http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=IL&RE=1&EE=0
We are the only Chicago dealer/installer for the Unisolar flexible PV panels. http://www.uni-solar.com/interior.asp?id=102
Illinois Solar Energy Association - Three of our solar panel installations were on the Illinois Solar Tour in 2009 and will be again on their 2010 Tour.
Chicago Solar Partnership - This site provides information regarding the process for installation of solar panels, including “net-metering” requirements and forms needed to apply for ComEd’s net-metering program. http://www.chicagosolarpartnership.com/index.php?src=gendocs&link=HOmePage
Due to the solar panel arm of the business, the owner is also a licensed General Contractor. He and our hardworking staff have over 120 years combined experience in all aspects of construction: carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, masonry as well as electrical. This enables us to provide “turnkey” installations of solar PV since we cover all subcontractors and liability. You may also find this helpful for other building/repair issues you may have since we are equipped to handle most (if not all) general construction needs you may be attending to.
Please see the other pages on our website that describe the type of work that we have specialized in for 25 years, along with the PV systems that we now install.
Some of our installations in addition to those pictured above…..
The solar array designed and installed for Academy for Global Citizenship (pictured above) by Meyer Electrical Construction, Inc. includes:
R 36 Unisolar model PV-136 modules for a total of 5kW of electricity production
R Custom engineered and built support system for the PVL panels installed on the roof of the gymnasium. Due to structural limitations of the existing roof, ¼ of the panels were installed on a 38% pitch facing south, and the remaining ¾ of the panels were installed in a flat orientation with full exposure to the arc of the sun throughout the day so maximum electricity production could be achieved.
R SunnyBoy 6000US inverter that converts the DC electricity generated by the PV panels to 240VAC which feeds into the utility company grid.
R Net meter ordered from the utility company so that the school will receive a credit on their electric bill for all electricity produced by their solar system to offset their day to day electrical usage.
The solar array designed and installed for Latin School of Chicago (pictured above) by Meyer Electrical Construction, Inc. includes:
R 33 Sharp ND216U1F modules for a total of 7.2kW of electricity production
R Custom engineered and built support system for the Sharp PV modules with Unirac® installed on existing standing seam roof with southern exposure.
R SunnyBoy 7000US inverter that converts the DC electricity generated by the PV panels to 277VAC which feeds into the utility company grid.
R Net meter ordered from the utility company so that the school will receive a credit on their electric bill for all electricity produced by their solar system to offset their day to day electrical usage.
R RS module interface with school LAN for teacher and student observation of day to day energy production and historical data
The solar array designed and installed for the Carroll residence (pictured above) by Meyer Electrical Construction, Inc. includes:
R 36 BP 175W solar modules for a total of 6.3kW of electricity production
R Custom engineered and built support system for the BP PV modules with Ironridge® installed on existing shingle 8/12 pitched roof with western exposure.
R SunnyBoy 7000US inverter that converts the DC electricity generated by the PV panels to 240VAC which feeds into the utility company grid.
R Net meter ordered from the utility company so that the homeowner will receive a credit on their electric bill for all electricity produced by their solar system to offset their day to day electrical usage.
R RS module interface for monitoring PV production on the homeowner’s computer.
Thank you for your interest in “green” alternative energy sources and we hope to hear from you soon. |
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“We had always wanted to install solar panels because we felt it was the right thing to do for the future of our planet and our children’s future. But we didn’t like the look of those big hideous boxes on roofs. The flexible PV panels allowed us to integrate our solar panels into the design of our building. They’re so inconspicuous that our neighbors don’t even notice them. It’s also really nice to see credits from ComEd on our electric bills every month all year long!”
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You can view one of our solar installs by clicking on the links below:
Part #1 of the video
Part #2 of the video
Part #3 the video
Our thanks to PVPower for producing the videos check them out at
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