As a result of rising electricity prices and the new U.S. business energy tax credit, commercial solar power systems have become a cost-effective choice for businesses across the country. You can reduce your energy costs, add immediate value to your business, and produce your own clean power by installing a commercial solar power system.

»  Hedge against the rising cost of electricity - avoid the rising costs of electric power from utility companies

»  Obtain tax credits and rebates - the new U.S. business energy tax credit covers 30% of the cost of a commercial solar electric system

»  Sell power back to the utility - in many states, you can sell your excess power back into the grid

»  Generate clean power - power from the sun produces no pollution or emissions

»  Gain power independence - rely completely on your own generating capacity, and not on a utility company

»  Ensure reliable power - enjoy uninterrupted power to your business during power outages

»  Demonstrate your environmental responsibility - show your customers and the media that you are focused on socially repsonsible business practices

Solar installation offers businesses the ability to generate affordable, clean electricity to meet their own needs.  Solar electric systems are comprised of photovoltaic (PV) cells, devices that convert sunlight energy directly into electricity, without producing any harmful emissions or pollution.

PV systems are being installed by businesses who already have grid-supplied electricity but want to reduce and eventually eliminate their energy costs. PV systems can also offer the least expensive, most viable option for applications that are located away from the power grid.

In use today on homes and offices around the country, as well as on remote industrial facilities, street lights, security gates and outdoor signs, commercial solar power systems are gaining popularity in the U.S. and around the world as traditional energy costs continue to rise.

The environmental benefits of solar power are indisputable. Electricity generated from the sun produces no harmful emissions or pollutants. By installing a solar power system, you can directly contribute to the repair and preservation of the environment by producing your own clean power.

A solar electric system captures the bountiful energy of the sun, and makes that energy available around the clock. A solar panel, made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, transforms light photons into electricity. That electricity is then stored in a large battery for use whenever it is needed. The simplicity of solar power systems ensures that they will be extremely reliable and low maintenance.

PV cells are made up of at least two layers of semiconductor material. One layer has a positive charge, the other a negative charge. When sunlight enters the cell, some of the photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the semiconductor material, freeing electrons from the cell's negative layer to flow through an external circuit and back into the positive layer. This flow of electrons produces an electric current.

To increase power output, several individual PV cells are wired together and sealed in a weatherproof housing referred to as a module, or solar panel. Modules are then wired together in a PV array to achieve the desired voltage and current.

With a "grid-tie" commercial solar power system, you can supplement your power needs with electricity from a local utility when the PV system is not supplying enough power (at night), and sell excess electricity back to the local utility when the PV system is generating more energy than you need to power your business.

For locations that are "off-grid", with no access to existing power lines, PV systems can be ideal for powering water pumps, electric fences, as well as entire structures, while avoiding the cost to extend power lines to new locations.

Because solar power systems are self-contained and modular, they are easy to install and service, and can be designed to offset some or all of your energy costs. Solar panels can be placed beside your building or structure using a ground stand or mounted on the roof for horizontal or angled use.

In order to provide uninterrupted power during power outages a battery back-up system is required. Battery back-up systems use deep cycle batteries that need very little or no maintenance. A controller is used to prevent the batteries from being overcharged or overly discharged.

Grid-Tie solar panel systems require a utility interactive DC to AC inverter that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the PV array into alternating current (AC) electricity typically required for use in homes and offices. Inverters also have built-in safety features required to connect to the local power grid.

All commercial solar installations require proper wiring and mounting structures, switches and fuses for safety, and grounding systems to protect against power surges from lighting strikes.

While there are many energy service operators available, Verde Professionals are the best among experienced energy technicians specializing in commercial solar power installations. This designation indicates a technician who is committed to excellence in every aspect of business, from installation and service, to customer relationships.

Your local Verde Professional can help you determine the right system size and design for your business with a complete on-site energy analysis. This is the best way to design a system that fits your particular commercial power needs.