Solar Overview: Technologies, Economics and Opportunities

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Solar Overview Technologies, Economics and
Opportunities
Erika Morgan, Executive Director Maine Energy
Investment Corporation Brunswick
erika_at_RenewMaine.org
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Introduction

• Panel Objectives
• Replace myths with realities
• Provide information, tools and referrals
• Provide real life case studies

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Three Basic Points

• Solar Applications
• The Technologies are Proven.
• The Economics are in place.
• Financing state and federal incentives.
• Savings, loans other financial tools.
• The Opportunities are available now.

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1. Proven Technology

• Solar Hot Water

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1. Proven Technology

• Solar hot water systems
• Flat plate collectors
• Evacuated tubes

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1. Proven Technology
Parts of a solar thermal system
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1. Proven Technology

• Photovoltaic (solar electric) systems

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1. Proven Technology
Grid-interconnected PV
Grid-tie Inverter
Balance of System
PV Arrays
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1. Proven Technology

• PV in many forms

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2. Cost Effective Today

• Incentives
• State of Maine rebates
• Federal tax credits
• (Residential Commercial)
• Accelerated Depreciation
• Downeast Solar Co-op Rebate

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2. Cost Effective Today

• Financial Benefits
• Savings on electricity, HW energy
• Return on Investment (ROI/IRR)
• Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
• Increased appraisal resale value
• Hedge against future energy rates

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2. Cost Effective Today

• Example Commercial PV

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Act Now

• Example Commercial PV

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3. Act Now

• MEIC Solar Programs
• Downeast Solar Co-op
• Basic, supplier-neutral information (downloads)
• DSC quarterly e-news
• SolarCents PV REC Aggregation project
• PV Reinvestment Fund (new)
• Solar for Maine Congregations (2005)
• Solar for Maine Builders (2006-07)

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3. Act Now

• Clarify Your Objectives
• Saving ? Do efficiency first.
• Flattening the bills? Consider solar.
• Explore appropriate solar options
• Determine financing plan
• Saving the planet?
• Do what you can !

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3. Act Now

• Tools for going forward
• General information on-line
• www.solarbuzz.com Solar Energy Buyers Guide.
• www.seia.org Solar Energy Industries Assn.
• On-line calculators
• www.findsolar.com fun calculator source
  listings
• www.clean-power.com/sharp/ for PV systems
• www.apricus-solar.com for solar tube collectors
• www.retscreen.net for all solar thermal systems
• Equipment and retail support
• Contact providers -- compare products services.
  
• Ask about experience, certification and
  references.