Types of Solar

Grid-Tied

Grid-Tied

  • These systems work in conjunction with the utility grid and will directly power all household loads onsite.
  • Any excess power generated will be returned to the grid and offset power consumed through a process called Net Metering, reducing the owner’s electrical bills.
  • Grid-tied systems can be sized according to the desired proportion of utility power to be offset or the client’s set budget.
  • By law, these systems must shut down when a grid outage occurs to protect linemen from the electricity a solar-electric system is producing while line repair takes place.
Grid-Tied
Grid-Tied Diagram

Grid-Tied + Battery Backup

Grid-Tied + Battery Backup

These systems work in conjunction with the utility grid and are capable of providing power when the grid goes down through a battery bank. Grid-Tied Battery Backup systems are usually designed to only provide power for mandatory loads.  These loads are placed in a subpanel that will be powered by the battery bank in the event of an outage. These are also capable of net metering.

Grid-Tied with Battery Diagram

Off-Grid

Off-Grid

These systems are typically utilized in areas where there is currently no existing local power grid or areas where the expense of connecting a utility feed to the location is not cost effective. Off-Grid applications are typically designed for individuals who intend to use far less energy on a daily basis than the average American home. Off-Grid living generally takes a large system or a very “small” lifestyle

Off-Grid Solar Power
Off Grid Diagram

Marine / RV

Marine / RV

Marine and RV systems are considered Off-Grid systems. Renewable energy sources (such as solar) charge the batteries which, in turn, power the DC power loads in the boat or RV. Many clients add an inverter to their boat or RV so that they can power electronics that would normally require a standard 110V outlet.

Off Grid Diagram

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SOLAR POWER

Financial Incentives

Federal Rebate and State Incentives

As part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the federal government gives a 30% tax credit to businesses and home owners. In addition, many states incentives programs exist for solar customers. Click here for a database of state incentives for solar.

Property Value

It is estimated that by adding solar to your home, for every $1000 in annual electrical savings you add $20,000 to the value of your home. (Appraisal Journal. October 1999) A recent Department of Energy study from 2002-2013 across eight states, described in the IPS of VA Green Blog, shows that residential solar PV systems add an average of $4 per watt ($15,000 for typical 3.6 kW system) in value to solar-equipped homes.

Net Metering

Typically a grid tied solar electric system will produce its max power during the midday when most people are not home. During this period of low electricity use, the system will produce power and send it back to the utility. Your meter spins backwards, subtracting from your net energy usage and what you owe each month. Read more about Net Metering at Dominion Net Metering.

Power Purchase Agreement

An alternative to Net Metering is the Power Purchase Agreement. In this program you will sell electricity at a fixed price to the utility. An advantage of a Power Purchase Agreement over Net Metering is the lack of requirement of a monthly Standby Charge. IPS of VA will make recommendations for either Net Metering or a Power Purchase Agreement depending on the nature of your solar project. Read about Power Purchase Agreement at Dominion’s website. Here is a comparison chart from Dominion showing the differences between the two programs.

Carbon Credits

One carbon credit is issued for every megawatt hour of renewable production(1000 kilowatt hours). These credits can be sold to utilities to help them meet their clean energy production mandates. IPS of VA currently uses SRECTrade, a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) aggregator, to facilitate transactions between solar customers and utilities on an active market. SRECs are one more way to offset costs for solar owners. Click here for an informational handout about SRECs.

Rising Electrical Cost

It has been unwillingly accepted by the public that each year our utility cost will rise and we have no choice but to continue to pay more for our electricity. However, we do have a way to “lock in” the price of our electricity today. By investing in a renewable solar system you are paying a set price now for your future electricity.

Other Reasons to Invest in Solar

Carbon Reduction

As the U.S. demand for electricity grows the number of carbon emitting power plants grows with it. In the state of Virginia this is a huge concern as some estimates say we are already powered 48% by coal. This has been hard to oppose in previous years due to the affordability of coal and the ability of utilities to produce cheap energy from it. Now with financial incentives across the board we can reduce contributions to the carbon problem and produce clean distributed energy as individuals by investing in renewables.

Education & Jobs

With developing countries around the world investing in sustainable infrastructures, it is important America stays in the forefront of the technologies involved. As the sustainable market grows, educational programs and facilities are created, out of which comes jobs, skilled workers, and economic growth.

Energy Security

As the climate changes and storms increase the magnitude of their destructive path each year, Solar Battery Backed-up Systems are becoming a necessity within our infrastructure. Investing in battery backed-up power can ensure that the basic essentials in a household are covered during emergencies and severe power outages.

What to Expect: Project Steps
1. Get a Free Quote

Contact one of our sales representatives by phone or email to discuss the latest and most efficient products available. We will review the associated costs and conduct an aerial satellite survey of the property to determine the feasibility of a solar system at your location.

2. Site Visit
A Sales Representative will visit the site to analyze the roof structure or ground-mount feasibility, history of electrical usage, electrical interconnection and potential shading issues. The final details necessary for a proposal will be discussed with the customer. Sales Representatives are typically available 7 days a week to accommodate your schedule.

A Sales Representative will visit the site to analyze the roof structure or ground-mount feasibility, history of electrical usage, electrical interconnection and potential shading issues. The final details necessary for a proposal will be discussed with the customer. Sales Representatives are typically available 7 days a week to accommodate your schedule.

3. Proposal / Contract
A Sales Representative will provide a detailed site specific proposal by email or US mail upon request, highlighting the potential return on investment (ROI) when implementing a solar-electric system. All applicable financial incentives and/or qualifying grants will be discussed and verified. A contract will be provided and reviewed in detail with the client once the proposal has been approved.

A Sales Representative will provide a detailed site specific proposal by email or US mail upon request, highlighting the potential return on investment (ROI) when implementing a solar-electric system. All applicable financial incentives and/or qualifying grants will be discussed and verified. A contract will be provided and reviewed in detail with the client once the proposal has been approved.

4. Scheduling
Payment schedule and the construction schedule will be created with the client; Typically, a client can expect a complete roof-mounted solar array in 3-5 weeks of deposit payment.

Payment schedule and the construction schedule will be created with the client; Typically, a client can expect a complete roof-mounted solar array in 3-5 weeks of deposit payment.

5. Installation / Inspection
System will be installed according to the construction schedule agreed upon with the client. After completion, IPS of VA will schedule and handle all necessary inspections and utility coordination required by the locality. System startup instructions and operational information will be shared with client, and online monitoring set up.

System will be installed according to the construction schedule agreed upon with the client. After completion, IPS of VA will schedule and handle all necessary inspections and utility coordination required by the locality. System startup instructions and operational information will be shared with client, and online monitoring set up.

6. Power on, Enjoy!

Start the system and enjoy a lifetime of clean energy! Little to no ongoing maintenance required.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
www.nabcep.org

 

All of our Solar installers participate in regular NABCEP accredited training programs from accredited Solar PV schools offering NABCEP continuing education credits.

NABCEP certified solar PV installer
NABCEP, The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is described as “the ‘gold standard’ for PV and Solar Heating Installation and PV Technical Sales Certifications,” and “is the most respected, well-established, and widely recognized certification organization for North American solar professionals”
Our Service to You
When you purchase a turnkey solar power system from IPS of VA, our priority is maximizing your energy savings and return on investment through effective, efficient service. We handle the headaches so you don’t have to. Our turnkey service includes all physical and electrical system design by qualified professionals, permits, inspections, structural engineering analysis, utility net-metering contracts, installation, and online system monitoring.
Our Partners
We partner with SRECTrade, a Solar Renewable Energy Certificate aggregate, for customer sale of SRECs produced. Your solar power system, whether it is strictly grid-connected, supported by batteries, or off-grid, will provide a lifetime of clean energy supported by solid manufacturers’ warranties on solar panels, racking, and inverters.

The non-profit Richmond Region Energy Alliance’s Solarize RVA 2017 program is once again proud to provide community discount pricing and financing for residential and commercial Solar PV projects in the Richmond area. As the designated installer for Solarize RVA, Integrated Power Sources of Virginia Inc. can offer the same turnkey installation service with high quality components at special reduced pricing for homes and businesses. In order to qualify for the community solar discount, you must register in the program through the Solarize RVA contact form here.

2015 Henrico Commercial Solar Installation, 80kW

Check out the Solarize RVA website for more information on pricing, FAQs, and project examples from the program.

Our Reputation

Integrated Power Sources of Virginia Inc. in Richmond, VA has provided dependable DC power systems and industrial battery solutions since 1993, with trained professionals on staff representing over 100 years’ DC power experience. Our solar power systems are designed by qualified professionals and span a variety of residential, commercial, and agricultural markets.

Products

We work with every major solar manufacturer and can offer competitive pricing on quality name brand products, including American made components. Contact us today to find out what our current specials are on solar panels, inverters, batteries, charge controllers and racking. Looking for wholesale prices so you can install it yourself? No problem!

Subcontractors

As one of Virginia’s most reputable specialty solar contractors, we install complex grid-tied and battery based Photo-Voltaic (PV) systems for dozens of licensed contractors throughout Virginia. If your company needs assistance with design or installation of PV systems of any type, please contact us.