Utlity Interconnected Systems

Residential Systems are available for the homeowner who wants to produce and sell electricity to the local utility. A photovoltaic array converts sunlight to electricity, or a wind generator produces electricity in winds above 7 MPH. Then a power conditioner inverts the DC electricity from the array/turbine to AC electricity. This AC electricity is then metered on site and sold to the utility company as a means of offsetting the electricity that is purchased by the \ homeowner from the utility. These systems are proving to be an excellent investment for individuals' building new homes. Solar energy availability in New Mexico produces more photovoltaic electricity than anywhere else in the U.S. Wind Generators have powered the rural West for nearly 100 years.

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wind generation incentives

Incentives include:

1. Homeowner payments are made for buying a personal power system.
2. Homeowner electricity purchases made to the utility company are offset by their production credits.
3. Provides a means of stabilizing and reducing electricity costs.
4. Excellent long term investment with a good rate of return and increases value of home.
5. All utilities must allow interconnection as provided by federal PURPA Law.
6. Accelerated property value depreciation.
7. WIND POWER:
   * US federal tax credit 30% of cost
   * No NM state tax credit
   * Net metering power Sales
   * PNM buys "Renewable Energy Credits" from power produced and used
8. SOLAR POWER:
   * US federal tax credit 30% of cost
   * NM tax credit 10% of cost
   * Net Metering power sales
   * PNM buys "Renewable Energy Credits" from power produced and used
   * SALES TAX EXEMPT

The homeowner receives a 1 to 1 cost deduction from the utility company for the power that is produced by the system until the power produced equals the amount of power used by the household. The Federal Purpa Law guarantees that the utility company will buy the power. These systems can be financed in the following ways: home mortgage (for new home construction), home improvement loan (for retrofit), unsecured low interest loans, and Farmers Home Administration Loans.

Getting things started.

The preliminary assessment is the first step to determine the feasibility of a residential cogeneration system. The array can either be mounted on the roof of the house or ground mounted in the yard. The array needs to be located in an area with good southern exposure that receives direct sunlight for most of the day on a year round basis. Tracking arrays that are ground mounted are recommended, because they produce more power and increase the economic benefits. If the array is mounted on the roof of the house, the roof area needed will be between 110 to 160 square feet. The roof needs to be facing at 20° of south and needs to be able to support an additional load of 5 Ib/ft2. A wind generator requires a large yard area. The power conditioning equipment and revenue meter are placed outside of the house next to the existing utility meter.

The system design is based on the system size that produces the most substantial economic benefits for the homeowner. A close examination of the homes power requirements is made in order to design the most cost effective system.

How we can help.

All Star Electric designs & builds Residential Cogeneration Systems; from the preliminary assessment to final system adjustments. Contact All Star Electric now (505) 856-1010, or complete our questionnaire to request a proposal.