Photovoltaic systems use an array of solar panels to convert solar energy from the sun into electricity.  Most solar panels are installed in a series using lightweight aluminum racks attached to a sunlit roof area of your house or business.  A PV system uses a solar panel inverter to change the electricity from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC).  A net meter measures how much electricity you use and how much you create. 

Most PV systems are designed to replace a percentage of the electricity you regularly purchase from your local utilities.  The size and cost of your system depends on how much electricity you want to offset.  The average household uses 800 Kilowatt hours per month.  The average cost of a residential PV system is from $10,000 to $50,000.  However federal, state, and local subsidies, rebates, and tax incentives can reduce costs by as much as 50 percent.  Because most PV systems are modular, homeowners can easily add to them to increase electricity production as needed.

Currently the average PV systems takes 7-10 years to pay for itself.  But because the cost of fossil fuels continues to rise, it may take even less time.  Over the 30-40 year lifespan of the system you will actually save thousands of dollars and reduce carbon emissions by thousands of pounds each year. 

PV systems are significantly more efficient and less expensive than they were just a few years ago.  Increased investment in the Industry has produced rapid technological advancements.  Installing a Solar energy system will also increase the value of your home.  We recommend that you contact a qualified local solar installer to assist you in customizing a system to best fit your situation.