Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems convert light from the sun into electricity. Solar cells produce direct current (DC) electricity from light, which can be used to power DC equipment or to recharge a battery.
The basic photovoltaic cell produces only a small amount of power. Cells can be interconnected to form modules, which can, in turn, be connected to arrays to create yet more energy. Because of this modularity, photovoltaic systems can be designed to meet any electrical requirement, no matter how large or how small.
Adding batteries to your photovoltaic system will also provide a secure backup source of electricity for your home. An inverter is required to convert the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity to power almost all uses of electricity in the home.
Factors that affect the cost-effectiveness of a photovoltaic system
Depending on your specific need and location, some factors affect cost-effectiveness, including:
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System Size – Because of economies of scale, large systems cost less per watt than small systems.
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Installation Complexity – More complex installations, including mounting systems on racks, working around obstructions, or on tile roofs can be more expensive.
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System Production – Installing your system at the optimal orientation and tilt will maximize system production. The more energy your system produces over time, the lower the cost per kilowatt-hour.
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Operation and Maintenance – Compared to other distributed energy technologies, operation, and maintenance costs of photovoltaic systems are relatively low. Costs may include occasional cleaning of photovoltaic modules, regular visual inspections, and possible repair or replacement of the inverter and components after some years.
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Financial Incentives – Federal tax credits and other incentives may be available to help lower the effective costs of investments in photovoltaic systems.
Do you own your home?
You must own the property.
Does a significant portion of your roof face south?
Ideally, panels should face south.
Is your roof in good condition?
Your roof must be able to support a solar system installation.
Does your property get full sun or have only minimal shading by trees, buildings, and other structures?
A solar-powered system needs as much exposure to the sun as possible to be cost-effective.
Is your property free from deed restrictions on solar energy systems?
Check with your homeowner's association. If there are restrictions, you may be able to pursue an architectural review with your neighborhood association to amend the restrictions.
Do you have access to funds needed and is the payback period acceptable?
Special financing is available through our HomePlus Loan Program. See sample cost projections at www.find-solar.org.
If you answered yes to all of the questions above a solar-powered system may be right for you!
You can find valuable information regarding system variances, sizing, and return on investment (ROI) tools at www.find-solar.org and approved contractors at https://www.nabcep.org/nabcep-professionals/.
If you answered no to any of these questions, Cooperative Solar might be right for you!
Application Process
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Download and review the Distributed Generation Policy.
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Submit the following to Central Georgia EMC at least forty-five (45) days before the intended interconnect date.
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Application for Interconnection of Distributed Generation Facility (DGF)-Appendix A of Distributed Generation Policy
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$100 application fee
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DGF Interconnection Agreement -Appendix B of Distributed Generation Policy
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Photovoltaic Rebate Application
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A representative from Central Georgia EMC will review the Application and notify the prospective customer-generator within thirty (30) days after the approval of the Application.
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Rebate will be processed after written authorization from CGEMC has been given to begin the operation of the DGF.
A rebate of $450 per kW AC (up to 10 kW AC) is available to Central Georgia EMC customer-owners who install roof-top solar panels on their home.
Qualifications
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You must be a residential consumer receiving your electric service from Central Georgia EMC.
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The photovoltaic system must be installed by a licensed contractor.
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The photovoltaic system must be installed in accordance with all applicable building and national electric codes.
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The photovoltaic system must be interconnected to the Central Georgia EMC power distribution system with approved interconnection equipment and devices.
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The photovoltaic system must come with a minimum five-year warranty against breakdown or unusual degradation.
Note: The photovoltaic rebate program began on June 1, 2008. Central Georgia EMC reserves the right to modify or cancel the program at any time without prior notification. Rebate is limited to 10 kW AC per household.
To receive more information on the Photovoltaic Rebate Application, please contact us by email or phone us at 770-775-7857.
Notice: – It is understood and agreed that Central Georgia EMC is simply offering a rebate as a partial offset of the initial cost of installing a PV system to those members who choose to install a PV system on their premises. Central Georgia EMC does not endorse or promote a specific PV manufacturer or installer and provides information strictly as a public service to its members. A participant may not receive more than one incentive from Central Georgia EMC on any new system installation; Any incentives paid in the program may be taxable; Participants agree to indemnify, hold harmless and release Central Georgia EMC and its affiliates from any actions or claims in regards to the installation, operation and/or disposal of equipment (and related materials ) including liability from any incidental or consequential damages.