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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I go solar / is solar right for me?
How does solar electric work?
Will solar work for my house?
What rebates and tax or other financial incentives are available in Colorado?
Why should I choose IPS?
What are ten important questions that I should ask solar contractors as I shop around?
How does solar help the environment?
How does my solar electricity work with the utility company?
What happens at night or on a cloudy day?
Will my panels be damaged by extreme weather?
How can I make a difference?

How does Solar Electric work?

Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun's energy into electricity. The process of changing light (photons) into electricity (voltage) is known as the photovoltaic effect. The electricity travels through wires to conditioning equipment and then into your house. If your system is grid-tied (connected to the utility grid) then any excess electricity you produce will travel back to the grid and your meter will run backward. If your system is off-grid (not connected to the utility grid) then your excess electricity will be stored in a battery.

1. Solar Panels
Solar panels absorb solar energy for conversion to electricity.
2. Inverter
The inverter converts solar electricity generated by the solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC)for household use.
3. Net Meter
When production exceeds use, the meter spins backward and homeowners receive credit from the local utility.
4. Performance Monitoring
An optional monitor provides a private and secure means for observing power output. Monitoring can ensure maximum power output and allow
homeowners to view their energy production and usage.

Solar Electric (PV) Panels

Solar electric panels convert sunlight into electricity with no moving parts and inert materials. They are made of semi-conducting materials. The panels absorb the sun's light.
The energy from the light frees the electrons from the semi-conducting atoms. The electrons are then able to flow through wires producing electricity. The electricity is
produced without the help of any moving parts. We use solar panels from Sunpower and Kyocera. All the panels we use have been thoroughly tested for resistance to hail and wind
damage.

Inverters

The electricity produced by the solar panels flows from the panels through wires to the inverter. The inverter changes the DC (Direct Current) electricity produced by the panel
into the conventional AC (Alternating Current) electricity used by your home. We use inverters from Sunpower, Xantrex, Sunny Boy, and PVPowered.

Mounting Equipment

The solar array is typically attached to a roof. Where shading or architectural details make roof mounting impractical, a pole mount can be used instead. IPS uses a weather and
corrosion resistant mounting structure designed to withstand the extreme wind and snow we get here in Colorado. Rafter anchor points are triple sealed. We use mounting
equipment from Unirac, and Direct Power and Water.

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Why should I go solar? Is solar right for me?

By putting solar electric panels on your house or business you will:

• Hedge your future energy costs
• Reduce your contribution to global warming
• Produce your energy domestically
• Increase the value and appeal of your home
• Take advantage of currently available state rebates and tax incentives that can cover up to 50% of your cost
• Eliminate or reduce your electricity bill
• Contribute to local job creation
• Spin your meter backwards and possibly receive a check from the utility

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Will solar work for my house?

Generally, south-facing roofs with little shading work best for solar electric systems. However, even east and west facing roofs with solar panels can produce about 70% as much
as a south facing roof with the same size solar array. Once you contact us and set up a site-assessment we will come to your home to determine if your location is suitable.
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What rebates are available in Colorado?

Tax Credits

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal tax credit for the purchase and installation of solar electric systems. The credit is equal to 30% of your portion of the
system with no cap, previously the cap was set at $2,000 this recent change makes solar more affordable than ever.

Rebates

Several different rebate programs are available for home owners who want to install solar electric systems. Customers generally participate in rebate programs through their
utility. Some of these programs are listed below.

Xcel Energy

• Commercial and residential customers are eligible
• $2 per Watt DC plus REC payment of up to $1.50 per Watt for a total of $3.50 a Watt on systems up to 10kW
• Maximum limit $45,000 for standard rebate program
• System size restrictions: 0.5kW ‰лв 10kW DC

Aspen Solar Pioneer Rebate Program

• Only residential customers are eligible
• $2 per Watt (must be grid tied)
• Maximum limit $6,000
• Location of PV system must be within Roaring Fork Valley

Aquila On-Site Solar PV Rebate Program

• All Aquila customers are eligible
• $2 per Watt plus REC (Renewable Energy Credit) payment of $3 per Watt for systems up to 10kW
• REC payment made for 20 years

Colorado Springs Utility Renewable Energy Rebate Program

• Commercial and residential customers are eligible
• $4 per Watt AC
• Residential maximum 10kW
• Commercial maximum 25kW
• Residential minimum 200W

Holy Cross Energy

• All Holy Cross Energy customer are eligible
• $2 per Watt DC
• $50,000 per installation maximum, up to 50% of installed cost
• No system size restrictions

Loans

There are several low-interest loans available for home owners who want to install solar electric systems. Check out the details below.

• Aspen Solar Power Pioneer Loan Program
• For residential installations only
• Zero percent interest loan
• Typical term of 5 years

Gunnison County Electric Renewable Energy Resource Loan

• This loan is for commercial or residential installations
• Up to $25,000 for 10 years
• Low-interest loan
• Available to members and non-members in the GCEA service territory
• Does not cover batteries

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Why should I choose IPS?

IPS' state of the art solar electric systems are designed to provide the highest levels of performance, reliability, and value.

Experience

• Registered electrical contractor since 1996
• NABCEP certified installer
• Staffed by professional engineer, master and journeyman electricians
• Over 75 grid-tie solar systems installed on homes and businesses
• Over 50 off-grid solar/wind systems

Quality

• Each grid-tie installation warranted for 10 years
• Complimentary installation inspection at years 1 and 5
• System designs are reviewed by a professional engineer
• Solar panels warranted for 25 years
• Highest quality, state of the art components from SunPower, Kyocera, Xantrex, SMA, Outback, UniRac and Direct Power & Water

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What are ten important questions that I should ask solar contractors as I shop around?

1. Is the company installing your solar system a licensed electrical contractor? Every electrical contractor has to have a master electrician on staff.
2. Are you NABCEP certified? This is the highest level of nationally recognized certification that you can get as a solar contractor.
3. How long have you been in business? Have you been in business as long as the warranty you are offering?
4. Have you designed the system with structural and environmental considerations? Does the system design take into consideration the existing roof structure and the
   environmental issues of wind and hail that we receive in this area?
5. Is there a professional engineer reviewing the planned installation?
6. Will you manage the Xcel Energy rebate? This is a time consuming process and you will not receive the rebate nor can you turn your system on until you receive Xcel's final
   approval.
7. Have you considered the aesthetic aspects of the system? What will the internal wiring look like when the work is done? What will the solar panel arrangement and roof
   rackinglook like after the final installation?
8. Are you a memeber of the Better Business Bureau?
9. What liability and workman's compensation insurance do you have? The contractor will be working on your largest asset - make sure you are protected!
10. How many systems and what sizes of systems have you installed?

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How does solar help the environment?

By installing a solar electric system on your home or business you will help to reduce your "carbon footprint" and thereby help to reduce the effects of global warming. An
average size system of 4 kW (approximately 260 square feet of panels) eliminates 8194 lbs of CO2 emissions in the first year. This is equal to planting 0.63 acres of trees.

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How does my solar electricity work with the utility company?

In Colorado, all grid-tied (connected to the utility electric system) solar systems are connected to the grid via a "net meter". A net meter is a utility meter that will run
backward if your production of energy is greater than your consumption. Utilities offer net metering programs in conjunction with solar electric rebate programs. You are given
retail credit for the excess energy you produce. Credits are carried over for 12 months. If you have credit left over at the end of the year the utility will purchase that
energy from you at wholesale cost.

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What happens at night or on a cloudy day?

Your solar panels will only produce electricity when they receive sunlight. You will need electricity, however, even when your panels are shaded. Systems that are grid-tied
(connected to the utility electric grid) can draw energy from the grid when electricity is not being produced by the panels. Systems that are not grid-tied usually have battery
back up storage. This means that systems that are not grid tied must overproduce during the day and store the energy in a battery. The stored energy can then be used at night
or when the panels are shaded.

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Will my panels be damaged by extreme weather?

The solar industry standard is that panels be able to withstand 3/4" diameter hail stones with a speed of 60 mph. All of the panels we use pass these hail impact tests.
We design your system to withstand the basic wind speed for your municipality. The panels themselves have passed various stress and wind loading tests.

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How can I make a difference?

The benefits of solar electricity become even more pronounced when coupled with efficient use of energy. High efficiency appliances and lighting can decrease load demands
significantly and incorporating photovoltaics brings the concept around full circle to provide that energy from a clean source. The prospect of living and working in zero
energy (or better) and carbon neutral buildings is attainable today. By investing in solar you have already made a significant contribution toward those efforts. Get the most
you can out of your investment by using that energy as efficiently as possible.

Consider Purchasing the Most Efficient Appliances and Conditioning Equipment

You can drastically reduce your energy use by using high-efficiency appliances and space conditioning equipment. While these may be more expensive to buy than comparable models
with lower or average efficiency, the reduction in energy use will put that money back into your pocket long before the product wears out.

Rebate and Tax Incentive Programs for Energy-Efficient Appliances

Some states and utilities offer rebates if you purchase energy-efficient appliances. Rebates reduce the initial purchase price of high efficiency models, making them even more
attractive. Rebate programs are available for high-efficiency refrigerators, air conditioning equipment, dish washers, water heaters and clothes washers. Some gas utilities
offer rebates for high-efficiency furnaces, while water utilities may offer rebates for water saving clothes washers.

A number of states have introduced tax incentives - typically tax credits or elimination of state sales tax - for the purchase of high-efficiency appliances. Federal tax
creditsare also under consideration. Check with your local utility providers and also desireusa.org for specific details and incentive programs.

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Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) vs. Incandescent Bulbs
	CFL	Incandescent
Energy Input (Watts)	13	60
Light Output (Lumens)	810	830
Useful Life (Hours)	10,000	1,500
# Bulbs for 10,000 hours	1	6.7
Bulb Cost	$4.00	$2.14
Electricity Used (kWhrs)	130 per useful life	600 per useful life
Electricity Cost (@ $0.08 per kWh)	$10.40 per useful life	$48.00 per useful life
Total Cost (Electricity + Bulb)	$14.40 per useful life	$50.15 per useful life
Cost savings in using a CFL - $35.74, or 71%!

Please be aware there is a concern about mercury, which is present in all fluorescent bulbs. The amount of mercury sealed in each CFL is less than 1/100 that in a mercury
thermometer. It is also less than the amount of mercury the CFL spares the environment because of coal not burned. We should, however, be disposing of all our used mercury
containing products by appropriate hazardous waste methods.

Reduce Phantom Loads

Phantom loads are small drains of power that are always on in the house. Some obvious examples are digital clocks on stoves or microwaves, VCR's and stereos. Some not so
obvious examples are anything powered by a wall cube, instant on TV's and electric ignition stoves. Phantom loads can add up over time and have a cumulative effect that isquite
significant. According to some sources, phantom loads add up to 43 billion kWh/year in America alone. This amount of power is equivalent to the electric use of Peru,
Vietnam and Greece combined and generates 58.05 billion lbs. of CO2/yr.

You can reduce phantom loads by avoiding such appliances, unplugging them when not in use or plugging into power strips and outlets that are then shut off at night or when
power is not required.

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