Most people know that solar energy is environmentally attractive--and that solar panels or PV systems have made great technical strides
over the past 10 years.
But Solar systems can be economically attractive as well, especially for commercial users. Costs have come down and the
efficiency of solar panels is going up--enough so that PV energy costs in California are now less than energy supplied from the utility power grid.
The central coast of California and the Monterey Bay Area are some of the best locations in the world for solar energy production, not only because of the amount of
sunshine, but also because the cost of grid-supplied electricity is relatively high. Some of the other areas in the Monterey County that could benifit
greatly from solar energy within different kinds of business including agriculture and other high energy demand manufacturering facilities and warehouses
include: salinas, salinas valley, monterey, monterey county, carmel, carmel valley, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, Gilroy, and Hollister.
Another positive factor is the large rebate (financed by utility users) available for solar systems, and the availability of net metering.
Business owners in Monterey, Monterey County, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Salinas are available for these solar rebates as well as commercial users in
the Monterey County and surrounding areas that are uniquely positioned to capitalize on other important factors:
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PV's electrical output matches well with patterns of energy use in commercial buildings, promoting effective management of electricity demand. Producing energy when electricity is
most expensive during the middle of the day.
- PV applications are now being integrated directly into building roofs, envelopes, and surrounding spaces all over the Monterey Bay Area--and these
technologies are evolving rapidly.
- PV systems provide a visible symbol of a company's commitment to the environmental and economic health of their community and the world.
- Business-owned PV systems convey tax advantages, such as accelerated depreciation and a federal income tax credit.
- Solar systems can be configured with backup capabilities, to prevent blackouts from interrupting operations.
Replacement Value and BIPV
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)--those that are integrated into the building's structure--offer a range of dynamic opportunities for
designing energy systems for buildings. And while it's clear that BIPV will be the trend of the future, the technologies are being used
right now.
PV atrium systems, with their semi-transparent glazing, are not only beautiful, they are also perhaps the highest-value application for BIPV.
These existing technologies can show payback periods of fewer than 10 years. PV power is now build into roofing shingles and
tiles that are both functional and easy to install. PV awnings and carports capture the sun's energy while providing shade from its heat and
are going up all over the Monterey County. PV greenhouse windows power Salinas Valley businesses while sheltering plants. All
this adds up to one solid fact: Solar Energy and commercial buildings are a natural match.
The replacement value of fixed PV arrays--especially vertical ones--can be added to their energy/demand value. A PV system may do double
duty as a window or curtain wall and an energy source.
Applied Solar Energy can help you reduce your energy costs and decrease your reliance on far-away energy producers.
Call (831-333-1919) to find about the economic, environmental and productivity benefits of applying solar energy to your business today in the Monterey County,
Santa Cruz county, and San Benito County - Including the cities of Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Salinas, Gilroy, Hollister, Big Sur, and Aromas
