Solar Electric

Solar Electric

What does it mean to install and use solar electric power in your home? Not only do you receive personal and social benefits, it now makes fiscal sense to outfit your home with solar electricity. In addition, you may enjoy living free from dependence on politically complicated and environmentally-destructive fossil fuels while also eliminating high electric bills.

How Solar Electric Works

Aegis will design a solar panel system specifically suited to your needs and budget. Both a state rebate and federal tax credit are currently available to help offset costs.

Grid Tied

A grid-tied – or net-metered – solar (electric) system is connected to the utility grid through a special digital meter that records the amount of power your system produces and the amount of power that you use from the grid.

Off-Grid

Off-grid – or remote – solar systems are those that are completely independent of the utility grid. They require batteries to store the energy they collect during sunny times for use at night or when the sun isn’t shining.

Solar Electric Case Study

System is expected to produce approximately 90% of power needed yearly by owners.

Location: Portland, CT
Install date: November 2009
Systems Specs: Roof mounted design

What was Installed:
  • 4kW DC / 3.6kW CEC-AC
  • 18 Sunpower 225W modules
  • 1 Sunpower 4kW inverter
Savings:

This project qualified for a CCEF rebate of $6,230 and is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $8,580.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions that you need answered? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please get in touch with us!

Where can my solar system be mounted?

A building must exhibit certain characteristics to be a good candidate for a solar system. There should be maximum southern exposure without any shading from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although an orientation of true south is best, a deviation of 30 degrees or less from true south is acceptable.

The preferred roof slope is 35 degrees in Connecticut. Roof slopes between 20 and 50 degrees (roughly 4/12 to 14/12 pitches) are acceptable.

Do I need a new roof before the solar panels are installed?

Because your solar system is designed for long life, your roof should be in good condition, with at least 10 years of its useful life left.

Do the solar panels need to be mounted on the roof?

No, solar panels can also be installed on a ground mount if an unshaded area is available.

How do I know what size system I need?

A review of your last 12 months of electricity usage will be used for a preliminary determination of the size system that will meet your needs. Other factors such as potential array orientation and tilt will be factored in as well.

What is net metering?

A special meter is used for a home with a solar photovoltaic system that is tied into the utility lines. The meter keeps track of both how much electricity your system feeds into the grid and how much electricity you use from the grid. You are then billed only on the net amount.

How do I apply for a Connecticut solar rebate?

Aegis will take care of all the application paperwork for your Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) rebate. Your solar electric system must be grid-tied to qualify for the CCEF rebate program. Battery backup, if desired, cannot be included when calculating the rebate amount.

What other incentives are available?

There is also a generous Federal tax credit available for solar energy hot water and electric systems.

How do I go about tying into the grid?

Aegis will prepare the interconnection request to your utility company and pay the application fee. We will also obtain the necessary town permits and arrange town and utility inspections.