Soenso Energy | Solar PV

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

Photovoltaic (PV) is a solar power technology that uses an array of Solar PV modules to convert sunlight into electricity. And Georgia is considered a good area for Solar PV installations. In fact Georgia is on par with much of Florida in yearly average solar radiation. The most important requirement for choosing a site for Solar PV is to have un-shaded, due-south exposure to the Sun. Modules can be roof, ground or pole mounted. The typical angle for mounting Solar PV in Georgia is a 30 degree tilt, which is close to our degrees of north latitude.

Most customers do not attempt to install a Solar PV array large enough to completely supply their electricity needs. This is due to factors such as available roof space, shading issues and budget. Supplying 20-50% of power requirements with Solar PV is a practical goal. For example a typical home uses about 1,000-1,200kWh/month of electricity. Therefore a 4kW-5kW Solar PV system would supply that home with roughly 50% of its power needs. Georgia is a net metering state. So in the event a Solar PV system is generating more electricity than the facility is using, the excess feeds back into the power grid, and the owner may be given credit. Check with your electric utility company for details.

Soenso Energy is a dealer and professional installer of Schüco Solar of Germany. Schüco PV modules are guaranteed for twenty-five years to maintain at least 80% of their original output rating. With modern European design, German engineering, and outstanding performance, Schüco Solar PV systems are the perfect match for quality-conscious Georgia consumers.

Soenso Energy works with architects, contractors, developers, engineers, LEED APs, property managers and other professionals to assist them with incorporating sustainable building practices such as Solar PV systems. Under LEED NC, points can be earned by providing a Solar PV system that meets LEED-established percentages of buildings’ energy requirements.

Rough estimates of pricing for Solar PV range from about $9.00 to $12.00 per Watt installed. Due to economies of scale, small PV systems generally cost more per Watt than do large PV systems. For example a 5kW system (5,000 Watts) may cost approximately $60,000. A 100kW system (100,000 Watts) may cost approximately $900,000. This includes all material, shipping, installation and commissioning. Sales tax is not included. These estimates are not price quotes and are subject to change.

Pole-mounted 10kW Solar PV system,
Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum,
Cartersville, Georgia

Roof-mounted 1.3kW Solar PV array,
The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain,
Marietta, Georgia

Solar PV Federal and Georgia Income Tax Incentives

The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a 30% Federal income tax credit with no cap for the installed cost of a residential Solar PV system and a 30% Federal income tax credit with no cap for the installed cost of a commercial Solar PV system. Therefore, with residential or commercial Solar PV installations, the purchaser would get a 30% Federal income tax credit on the installed cost of the Solar PV system.

The Georgia Clean Energy Tax Incentive of 2008 (HB 670) established a 35% state income tax credit with a $10,500 cap for the installed cost of a residential Solar PV system and a 35% state income tax credit with a $500,000 cap for the installed cost of a commercial Solar PV system.

Federal and Georgia income tax credits can substantially reduce capital investment for Solar PV. Check with your professional tax preparer about how to apply and qualify for income tax credits. Summaries of Federal and Georgia renewable energy incentives are at Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) www.dsireusa.org. More on Georgia Clean Energy Incentives is at Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) www.gefa.org/Index.aspx?page=423.

Contact Soenso Energy at info@soenso.com for more information or price quotes.

Soenso Energy Solar PV Schematic
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Schuco 200W Module SMAU-1
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Schüco Building Integrated PV spec sheet
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