Renewable Energy Consulting

Strategies for Financing a Renewable Energy Project.

After identifying your goals for a solar installation, whether PV or Solar Thermal, grid tied or to go totally "off the grid", the size of the required system can be calculated and cost determined. Financing can utilize several opportunities such as:

Federal Tax Credits
State Tax Credits
RECs
Generation Benefits from Utility

When coupled with energy efficient financing or as part of a home mortgage, a positive cash flow can be immediately realized, and the completed installation increases the appraised value based on the savings benefit created by the production of solar power. Each type of R.E. project has its benefits & strategies for financing. Give us a call and we assist in determining the sizing of your system, and methods of financing your project .

Renewable Energy Consulting

At Ecoefficient, Inc. we recognize that the sustainabilty of any choice is dependent on the return on investment of that choice. In assisting clients with their renewable energy choices, we hope to both facilitate the use of renewable energy, and provide for our clients the guidance that will maximize the benefit of the funds invested in those technologies.

We have experience in delivering these technologies to local corporations and businesses. We would enjoy the opportunity to review your current energy requirements, and to assist in making renewable energy technologies such as solar photo voltaics (PV), solar thermal, and wind technologies part of your energy profile for the future.



Solar Photovoltaics		Solar Thermal


Passive Solar and ZEH Design		Water Resource Development and Sustainable Site Design

Which type of solar project would give the best return?

It is generally accepted that solar thermal systems have the shortest payback periods, and the benefit of actually saving money on energy costs would be realized at an earlier date. This may be revised in favor of PV systems if substantial tax incentives, green tags, and special financing can be leveraged to finance the PV installation.

Is going "Off the Grid" the only option for a solar installation?

No. Grid Tied Inverters have been developed to integrate solar installations into the local power grid. This allows for the power produced by the solar PV system to be sold to the utility, often at a higher rate per kilowatt hour. This is the principle behind a Zero Energy House, where the house produces more energy than it uses.

We would like to use solar as our primary source of energy. What do we need to do to prepare for the switch?

It is best to maximize a building's efficiency and to streamline your energy usage to determining your solar energy system requirements. Funds spent on energy efficiency will also pay a return on investment that can be utilized to facilitate future energy retrofit projects. Give us a call to set up a solar assessment, and to discuss system options and requirements to meet your alternative energy needs.

For renewable energy to be effective, building efficiencies should be implemented prior to the installation of these new technologies. To learn more about planning an energy retrofit, check out Collin Tomb's "The Custom Fit Retrofit" in Sept.09's Solar Today