Solar Electric Power
EFG
The majority of the inquiries we have received concerning solar electric power have
been related to system cost. For this reason, we have devised the following table.
The following prices are not guaranteed proposals for work.
Grid Tied Systems:
Roof-mount average install
1664W-$14,144
1872W-$15,912
2080W-$17,680
2288W-$19,448
2496W-$21,216
2704W-$22,984
2912W-$24,752
3120W-$26,520
3328W-$28,288
3536W-$30,056
3744W-$31,824
3952W-$33,592
4160W-$35,360
4368W-$37,128
4576W-$38,896
4784W-$40,664
4992W-$42,432
Larger systems available
Off-Grid Residential Systems:
480 Watt-$7,200
600 Watt-$10,200
1 KW-$12,400
2 KW-$18,600
2.5 KW-$23,600
3 KW-$29,000
4 KW-$35,000
5 KW-$44,000
6 KW-$49,000
7 KW-$59,000
Larger systems available
been related to system cost. For this reason, we have devised the following table.
The following prices are not guaranteed proposals for work.
Grid Tied Systems:
Roof-mount average install
1664W-$14,144
1872W-$15,912
2080W-$17,680
2288W-$19,448
2496W-$21,216
2704W-$22,984
2912W-$24,752
3120W-$26,520
3328W-$28,288
3536W-$30,056
3744W-$31,824
3952W-$33,592
4160W-$35,360
4368W-$37,128
4576W-$38,896
4784W-$40,664
4992W-$42,432
Larger systems available
Off-Grid Residential Systems:
480 Watt-$7,200
600 Watt-$10,200
1 KW-$12,400
2 KW-$18,600
2.5 KW-$23,600
3 KW-$29,000
4 KW-$35,000
5 KW-$44,000
6 KW-$49,000
7 KW-$59,000
Larger systems available
Additional costs(if applicable)
|
These prices include:
|
| Ask us about the environmental benefit of your proposed solar electric system. |
| Solar Electric proposals are free, but we request that serious inquiries be made only due to the extensive effort required to produce a proposal for solar electric power. |
| Grid-tied systems are normally sized at half the amount of energy you will use. Off-grid systems must be sized to accommodate maximum energy usage for your site plus a surplus supply (generally, a 3-day surplus is desired). |
| Remote power stations for telecom, weather stations, or surveillance available. Contact us for a quote. |
| Most solar electric systems are eligible for a Federal Tax Credit. |
| Solar panel modules manufacturer warranties are 20-25 years. The life expectancy of most solar panels is 40-50 years. Batteries for battery banks usually require replacement between 5 and 10 years. |
| We recommend renewable energy hybrid systems. For more information, click here. |
| The minimum amount of hours of sunshine per day in most areas of Texas is 4-5 hours. |
Components of an "off-grid" system
1. Photovoltaic Modules (aka solar panels, solar electric panels)
The PV modules are the individual building blocks for providing power from the sun. They are typically made from silicon cells, glass, tedlar, and aluminum. PV modules can vary in
type, size, shape, and color. The common nominal voltages for modules are 12V and 24V, but newer modules that are intended for grid tie systems, often now have much higher
voltages to accommodate the voltage windows of grid tie inverters.
2. Racking/Mounting System for PV modules
The mounting system for the PV modules includes the hardware to permanently affix the array to either a roof, a pole, or the ground. These systems are typically made of aluminum
and are customized to the mounting surface and the model of module used. It is important to consider distance from roof for flush-type roof mount installations. Restricting airflow
under the modules results in higher module operating temperatures that reduce power output. With pole mounts wind loading must be considered and proper civil works must be
done with the foundation for the pole as well as the possible addition of supplementary wind supports for the array frame.
3. Combiner Box
A combiner box is an electrical box where series strings of PV modules are then spliced in parallel. This is also the place where the PV series string fuses or circuit breakers are
located. This allows the installer to bring the separate strings together and combine them into one positive and one negative conductor, change wire types and leave the area of the
modules in conduit. They are usually outside and weather rated, so they can be right next to the array.
4. Charge Controller
A charge controller is a device that regulates the amount of current the PV modules feed into a battery bank. Their main function is to prevent over-charging of the batteries, but
charge controllers also block reverse current from a battery bank from leaking backwards into the photovoltaic array. There are a few varieties of charge controllers, but the two main
types are PWM (pulse width modulated) and MPPT (maximum power point tracking). PWM technology is older and more common on smaller solar arrays. With PWM, the
controller is sized based on nominal PV voltage (which must match battery bank nominal voltage) and the total solar array output current. PWM controllers typically have two to
three stages for battery charging and maintenance. MPPT controllers can typically take much higher voltages (but not lower) than the battery bank that they are charging. They
“track” the performance of the solar array and can find the maximum power point from a module even when converting excess voltage to usable current. MPPT charge controllers can
allow for a 10% to 25% increase in power sent to the batteries over a standard PWM controller.
5. DC and AC Disconnects
The DC and AC disconnects are manual switch units that are capable of cutting off power to and from the inverter. Some inverters have disconnects integrated into the unit with
switches, others can have them integrated into a power panel assembly, and some inverters leave you on your own to provide suitable disconnecting means. The disconnects are used
by service personnel or authorized persons (fire/police/electric workers) to disable power from a renewable energy system (in this case PV) so that there are no live electrical parts
associated with the inverter, and that no current is going to the grid that could harm utility employees in the event that they are working in your area. Homeowners or authorized
personnel can use the disconnects to de-energize a system for maintenance or service.
6. Inverter
An inverter takes current from batteries (DC) and turns it to alternating current (AC) to run any common loads. Some inverters have integrated AC chargers so that they can use AC
power from the grid to charge the batteries during periods of low sun. Inverters with integrated AC chargers can also be used in conjunction with petrol-based generators for battery
charging or running very large loads. Off grid inverters meant for whole home usage must have appropriate conduit boxes and accessories that enclose live wiring. Usually, whole
home inverters are rated at 2000 watts continuous power or more. Off-Grid inverters can be modified sine wave or pure sine wave. Some appliances and many sensitive electronic
devices (computers, stereos, etc) will not function properly on modified sine wave inverters.
7. Batteries
Batteries store the energy in renewable energy systems. Batteries can come in different voltages, but the most common varieties are 6 volt and 12 volt. The three types of batteries
that are most common to renewable energy systems are Flooded Lead Acid, Sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), and Sealed Gel Cell. Flooded lead acid batteries are the most cost
effective variety of batteries. They require maintenance that involves monitoring voltage, adding water, and equalize charging. Flooded lead acid batteries vent hydrogen under heavy
charging and they must be stored in a ventilated enclosure. Sealed AGM batteries do not require maintenance. Since they are sealed, they do not require watering, nor do they
typically vent gasses. AGM batteries cost slightly more and are more sensitive to overcharging. Gel Cell batteries are also sealed and therefore do not require maintenance and they
do not typically vent gasses. Gel batteries are the most expensive of the three most typical types.
8. Cables, Connectors and Brackets
Everything needed to connect all the pieces and parts together safely and securely.
1. Photovoltaic Modules (aka solar panels, solar electric panels)
The PV modules are the individual building blocks for providing power from the sun. They are typically made from silicon cells, glass, tedlar, and aluminum. PV modules can vary in
type, size, shape, and color. The common nominal voltages for modules are 12V and 24V, but newer modules that are intended for grid tie systems, often now have much higher
voltages to accommodate the voltage windows of grid tie inverters.
2. Racking/Mounting System for PV modules
The mounting system for the PV modules includes the hardware to permanently affix the array to either a roof, a pole, or the ground. These systems are typically made of aluminum
and are customized to the mounting surface and the model of module used. It is important to consider distance from roof for flush-type roof mount installations. Restricting airflow
under the modules results in higher module operating temperatures that reduce power output. With pole mounts wind loading must be considered and proper civil works must be
done with the foundation for the pole as well as the possible addition of supplementary wind supports for the array frame.
3. Combiner Box
A combiner box is an electrical box where series strings of PV modules are then spliced in parallel. This is also the place where the PV series string fuses or circuit breakers are
located. This allows the installer to bring the separate strings together and combine them into one positive and one negative conductor, change wire types and leave the area of the
modules in conduit. They are usually outside and weather rated, so they can be right next to the array.
4. Charge Controller
A charge controller is a device that regulates the amount of current the PV modules feed into a battery bank. Their main function is to prevent over-charging of the batteries, but
charge controllers also block reverse current from a battery bank from leaking backwards into the photovoltaic array. There are a few varieties of charge controllers, but the two main
types are PWM (pulse width modulated) and MPPT (maximum power point tracking). PWM technology is older and more common on smaller solar arrays. With PWM, the
controller is sized based on nominal PV voltage (which must match battery bank nominal voltage) and the total solar array output current. PWM controllers typically have two to
three stages for battery charging and maintenance. MPPT controllers can typically take much higher voltages (but not lower) than the battery bank that they are charging. They
“track” the performance of the solar array and can find the maximum power point from a module even when converting excess voltage to usable current. MPPT charge controllers can
allow for a 10% to 25% increase in power sent to the batteries over a standard PWM controller.
5. DC and AC Disconnects
The DC and AC disconnects are manual switch units that are capable of cutting off power to and from the inverter. Some inverters have disconnects integrated into the unit with
switches, others can have them integrated into a power panel assembly, and some inverters leave you on your own to provide suitable disconnecting means. The disconnects are used
by service personnel or authorized persons (fire/police/electric workers) to disable power from a renewable energy system (in this case PV) so that there are no live electrical parts
associated with the inverter, and that no current is going to the grid that could harm utility employees in the event that they are working in your area. Homeowners or authorized
personnel can use the disconnects to de-energize a system for maintenance or service.
6. Inverter
An inverter takes current from batteries (DC) and turns it to alternating current (AC) to run any common loads. Some inverters have integrated AC chargers so that they can use AC
power from the grid to charge the batteries during periods of low sun. Inverters with integrated AC chargers can also be used in conjunction with petrol-based generators for battery
charging or running very large loads. Off grid inverters meant for whole home usage must have appropriate conduit boxes and accessories that enclose live wiring. Usually, whole
home inverters are rated at 2000 watts continuous power or more. Off-Grid inverters can be modified sine wave or pure sine wave. Some appliances and many sensitive electronic
devices (computers, stereos, etc) will not function properly on modified sine wave inverters.
7. Batteries
Batteries store the energy in renewable energy systems. Batteries can come in different voltages, but the most common varieties are 6 volt and 12 volt. The three types of batteries
that are most common to renewable energy systems are Flooded Lead Acid, Sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), and Sealed Gel Cell. Flooded lead acid batteries are the most cost
effective variety of batteries. They require maintenance that involves monitoring voltage, adding water, and equalize charging. Flooded lead acid batteries vent hydrogen under heavy
charging and they must be stored in a ventilated enclosure. Sealed AGM batteries do not require maintenance. Since they are sealed, they do not require watering, nor do they
typically vent gasses. AGM batteries cost slightly more and are more sensitive to overcharging. Gel Cell batteries are also sealed and therefore do not require maintenance and they
do not typically vent gasses. Gel batteries are the most expensive of the three most typical types.
8. Cables, Connectors and Brackets
Everything needed to connect all the pieces and parts together safely and securely.
| View the average solar radiation for your area. Solar Map |
| Discounts for: Churches Veterans Military Senior Citizens |
Residential and Commercial
| We can install your solar panels on a rooftop, ground-mounted, or construct a carport or similar structure and add a solar roof. |
Prices at left using Sharp modules and SMA or
Fronius inverter. Sanyo modules and xantrex
inverter extra.
Fronius inverter. Sanyo modules and xantrex
inverter extra.
| 325-690-1801 806-200-9500 Toll Free 1-800-659-4280 |
| Interested in grid-tie solar or wind power? The first step is to get an interconnection agreement from your electrical provider. The agreement is made with the company who owns the system, not with a secondary company. We are compiling a listing of electrical providers in Texas and their interconnection agreements. See if yours is listed here. |
EFG Mechanical is the most affordable and professional solar contractor in Texas.
EFG Mechanical
Services is a
mechanical
contractor and
renewable energy
dealer/installer.
We offer services
such as; heating
and air
conditioning, solar
water pumping,
wind water
pumping, wind
electric
generation, solar
electric power,
solar installation,
inverter
installation,
insulation, solar
heating and air
conditioning, solar
water heating,
solar water heating
installation, solar
attic fans, tubular
skylights, off-grid
homes, grid-tie
homes, ice
machine service,
refrigeration, solar
lighting, solar
street lighting,
portable solar
power, air
conditioning
service, heating
service, air
conditioning
installation, and
other mechanical
contracting
services. We are
dealers for the
following
renewable energy
companies;
southwest
windpower,
fronius inverters,
sma inverters,
sunny boy inverter,
xantrex inverter,
sharp solar, sanyo
solar, sunwize
solar, grundfos
solar water pumps,
shurflo solar water
pumps, heliodune,
solar roofs.com,
cansolair, natural
light solar attic
fans, natural light
tubular skylights,
kyocera solar,
suntech solar,
bergey
windpower, lakota
wind turbines,
concorde batteries,
us batteries, sealed
agm batteries,
outback solar,
outback power
systems, solcool
solar air
conditioners,
skystream 3.7 wind
turbines, airx wind
turbines, air x wind
turbines, whisper
wind turbines,
sunwize solar
power ready
systems, sunwize
dls lighting,
sunwize gts
systems, solar
lodules, solar
panels, wind
generators,
residential solar
power, residential
wind turbines,
off-grid solar
power, grid tie
solar power, and
many more.
Services is a
mechanical
contractor and
renewable energy
dealer/installer.
We offer services
such as; heating
and air
conditioning, solar
water pumping,
wind water
pumping, wind
electric
generation, solar
electric power,
solar installation,
inverter
installation,
insulation, solar
heating and air
conditioning, solar
water heating,
solar water heating
installation, solar
attic fans, tubular
skylights, off-grid
homes, grid-tie
homes, ice
machine service,
refrigeration, solar
lighting, solar
street lighting,
portable solar
power, air
conditioning
service, heating
service, air
conditioning
installation, and
other mechanical
contracting
services. We are
dealers for the
following
renewable energy
companies;
southwest
windpower,
fronius inverters,
sma inverters,
sunny boy inverter,
xantrex inverter,
sharp solar, sanyo
solar, sunwize
solar, grundfos
solar water pumps,
shurflo solar water
pumps, heliodune,
solar roofs.com,
cansolair, natural
light solar attic
fans, natural light
tubular skylights,
kyocera solar,
suntech solar,
bergey
windpower, lakota
wind turbines,
concorde batteries,
us batteries, sealed
agm batteries,
outback solar,
outback power
systems, solcool
solar air
conditioners,
skystream 3.7 wind
turbines, airx wind
turbines, air x wind
turbines, whisper
wind turbines,
sunwize solar
power ready
systems, sunwize
dls lighting,
sunwize gts
systems, solar
lodules, solar
panels, wind
generators,
residential solar
power, residential
wind turbines,
off-grid solar
power, grid tie
solar power, and
many more.
| Sunwize GTS brochure (pdf) (Grid Tie Solar) |
| Consider this when thinking about installing a solar electric system on your home. A home with an electric billing of only $150 monthly will pay the electric utility $27,000 over the next fifteen years for electricity if electric Kwh prices do not change (and they likely will increase). If you invested this $27,000 in solar electric for your home, your system would pay for itself in fifteen years and provide clean energy for your home that cannot increase in price. Your property value will increase, but your property taxes won't (State of Texas). You will be eligible for thousands of dollars in federal income tax credits, and you have done your part to reduce our demand on petroleum based energy and protect our environment. |
| If you are the first person to install solar power in your area, you may be eligible for a discount from EFG. Call 325-690-1801 for details. |
| Interested in grid-tie solar? Let us handle your electric utility. We have the experience to cut through the utilities "red tape." |
| Financing now available for Solar GTS systems |
| Please call for an exact quote. These prices are general. |
| Please call 325-690-1801 or email sales@efgmechanical.com for a current price for your solar electric system. Prices change according to area. We also offer great monthly specials! |
