Wilmington North Carolina Solar

Wilmington, NC is an excellent location for solar electric and solar hot water installations. Please Contact us at (910) 423-7283 to schedule a free site survey.

Alternative Energy Concepts is a North Carolina based solar installation company. We carry our unlimited electrical, plumbing, North Carolina general contractors, and hydronic heating licenses. We are also NABCEP certified solar PV and hot water installers. WWW.NABCEP.ORG

Alternative Energy Concepts is also approved Progress Energy installers for the SunSense solar program.
Alternative Energy Concepts has also been featured in several TV shows including the ABC hit shot Extreme Make Over: Home Edition.

Our Local Wilmington number is (910) 368-9761

Alternative Energy Conepts is a North Carolina based solar company. Please contact our Joe Sheffield in Wilmington, NC for a free solar site survey. (910) 368-9761

Couple sees solar panels as way to do more for environment
Comments 6 | Recommend 3
August 23, 2009 11:55 PM
Laura Oleniacz
New Bern residents Ralph and Beverlee Redding were the second to have a solar energy-generating system installed at their home locally to sell their homemade energy back to the grid.

The system went up last week at their home at 5019 Clubhouse Drive, installed by the Fayetteville company Alternative Energy Concepts.

“We believe we have to do more for our environment than we’re doing,” Beverlee Redding said. “We’re just one tiny speck, but still we’re going to do the best we can with our speck.”

The couple was excited to see the work get started, as it took more than three months and six or seven meetings to get approval for the system from their homeowner’s association.

“We’ve had hurdles to overcome,” Beverlee said, in making sure their neighbors were comfortable with the 5.8-kilowatt system, made up of 27 photovoltaic panels, installed on the South-facing side of their roof. Dr. Ralph Redding, a retired specialist in pulmonary and sleep medicine, said they needed an 11-0 vote from the association, so they had an Alternative Energy Concepts representative attend a meeting to answer neighbors’ questions.

Beverlee said that one question was, “why do you want to do this if there’s only one other in town?”

But once the work started, “we’ve had neighbors come around and look,” Beverlee said, adding that one neighbor came by each day.

“I was so excited about starting this.” Ralph said, adding that he’s wanted a system for a long time.

Part of their motivation came from their son, Sandy Wiggins, who is chairman of the Board of Directors for the e3Bank, a financial institution starting up to support sustainability that would commit 10 percent of its corporate profits to support the “green economy,” according to the Web site www.e3bank.com.

Wiggins was also the past chair of the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit that works for sustainable building design and construction.

“He’s kind of inspired all of us,” Ralph said. “Whenever we get together, I hear about it. He sounds a little like a preacher at times.”

The Reddings heard about Alternative Energy Concepts from the first local resident to install solar power. The company started several years ago as a branch of the electrical company Intelect Inc., said Jim Wood, the green group’s energy auditor and spokesman. Recently, they’ve seen an increase in installations.

“We’re doing one of these about every week now,” Wood said. “Because of the tax incentives that are available now, that’s really why solar is financially making sense to more people.”

Wood said there is a 30 percent federal tax credit available, and a 35 percent state tax credit that is capped at $10,500. The cost of the Reddings’ system was about $43,000, and Ralph said he sees the remainder of the cost as an investment.

“What I’m doing is investing upstairs on the roof for a return of about 8 to 10 percent on my (certificate of deposit),” he said, explaining that he pays 14 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity, but he will be paid 19 cents per kilowatt-hour once the system is connected to the power grid.

Redding said he will be paid a premium for the energy he produces with the solar system by his electrical utility company and by N.C. Green Power, a program organized to encourage the use of renewable energy in the state, according to the Web site www.ncgreenpower.org.

But this is not the first time the couple have used renewable energy in their home.

The couple heated their pool with solar power when they lived in Tulsa, Okla. This spring, they installed more insulation in their attic to save energy, and convinced the owners of the 14 town homes in their neighborhood, except one, to do the same.

“Everybody tells us all down the block how less expensive their electrical heating is,” Ralph said.

The two were pleased with the solar installation company. Beverlee even said she had begun to see them as family.

“We’ve enjoyed them all immensely,” she said. “I think that’s unusual. You can get a job done, but we feel like a family. I’m going to miss them.”

North Carolina Solar Payback…Does it pay?

Does It Pay?
Figuring the financial value of a solar or wind energy system.

By Andy Black
Published: Get Started 2010 issue

How long will it take for a new solar or wind electric system to pay for itself? That depends on your local climate, utility rates and incentives. In sunny or windy states or places with expensive electricity, the payback is faster than in calm or cloudy states or where power is relatively cheap.

The most important factors for making solar an attractive investment include high electric rates, financial incentives, net-metering poli­cies and good sunlight (almost all of the con­tinental United States is within plus-or-minus 20 percent of Miami’s sunlight level).

Where net-metering laws exist (42 states), solar energy offsets the retail cost of the elec­tricity generated. In some regions, solar sys­tems are allowed to operate on a time-of-use rate schedule that enables users to sell elec­tricity back to the utility at peak rates, which can be even more valuable. Time-of-use rates vary electricity price by time of day. The set-up allows generators to receive higher rates from the utility during times of power shortage (for instance, when air-conditioning loads are high). These higher electric rate periods often occur in the heat of the day, when solar systems are most productive.

Direct incentives can include tax benefits such as credits or depreciation. The most cel­ebrated recent incentive is the federal tax credit for solar systems that was expanded on Jan. 1, 2009. The credit covers 30 percent of the system cost and can be coupled with state, local and utility incentives. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (dsireusa.org) lists state and federal incentives around the country for all types of renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects.

Some states have rebates of up to $4.50 per watt (up to 50 percent of system cost), cutting the upfront expense. Others have performance-based incentives (PBIs) that pay from 10 to 40 cents per kilowatt-hour for power produced over three to 10 years. Some states also use solar renewable energy credits (SRECs, also called green tags), which are similar to PBIs in that they produce value based on system performance.

SRECs represent the bundle of legal rights to the green part of each kilowatt-hour pro­duced by a solar system. SRECs are valuable to utilities in certain states, such as New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and 11 others, because those utilities must comply with renewable portfolio standards that require a certain per­centage of the electricity they sell to come from solar sources. New Jersey SRECs are currently the most valuable and have recently traded in their auction market for as high as 65 cents per kilowatt-hour, thus earning five times the price of the electricity savings they are also pro­ducing. In most other states, SREC values are much more modest.

A feed-in tariff (FIT) is yet another type of performance-related incentive, but one that foregoes the net-metering benefit. The customer continues to pay the regular electric bill but gets paid for all electricity fed back to the grid. Gainesville, Fla., has an FIT of 32 cents per kilowatt-hour for 20 years, but the program is so popular, it’s currently sold out.

Ontario, Canada, may soon restore its FIT pro­gram, with payments between 44 and 80 cents (Canadian) per kilowatt-hour for 20 years, depending on system size and mounting type.

Please consult a certified tax advisor to check the applicability and taxability of incen­tives for a particular situation.

Rising Electric Rates Increase Savings

Another factor in renewable energy econom­ics is escalation in electric rates. Solar and wind are escalation-protected investments because they offset electricity costs at the cur­rent prevailing rate. As rates rise, the owner saves even more.

Several useful ways to measure the econom­ic value of a generating system are compound annual rate of return, increase in property resale value and cash flow, if the purchase is financed. In strong economic cases, the annual returns are more than 10 percent, the cash flow positive and the increase in resale value greater than system cost.

Compound annual rate of return, or CARR, is another term for interest-rate yield — a met­ric for comparing one investment to another. For example, a savings account might pay 1 percent interest, and the long-term stock market has paid about 8 percent (including dividend reinvestment). In several states, the results for solar can be substantially better than the long-term stock market.

A theoretical increase in property resale value occurs in homes with generating systems because of the reduced utility operating costs. According to a 1998 Appraisal Journal article by Rick Nevin and Gregory Watson, a home’s value should increase $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from ener­gy efficiency. The rationale is that the money from the reduction in utility bills can be spent on a larger mortgage with no net change in the monthly cost of ownership. Nevin and Watson calculate that historic mortgage costs have an average after-tax effective rate of about 5 per­cent. If $1,000 of reduced operating costs is put toward debt service at 5 percent, the hom­eowner can support an additional $20,000 of debt. The borrower (homeowner) pays the bank the amount he or she saved on the utility bill, so the total monthly cost of home owner­ship is identical.

Solar systems appreciate over time, rather than depreciate as they age. This is because of the increasing annual savings solar systems afford as electric rates rise. All the calculations in this article assume that electric rate esca­lation will be 5 percent. If so, the generating system will save 5 percent more value each suc­cessive year, and thus gain from the 20:1 multi­plier effect. The property resale value will then increase 5 percent per year compounded.

This appreciation cannot continue forever, as the increase in resale value runs into the sec­ond limit, which relates to the system’s remain­ing life. PV modules are warranted at 25 years to work at 80 percent of their new capability. Calculations of long-term resale value should take this into account.

Various Financing Mechanisms Are Available

Financing the system is important to many buyers. For many homeowners who finance their solar systems using home equity loans, the cash flow will be positive, either immediately or within a few years. The cash-flow calculation compares the estimated savings on the electric bill to the cost of the loan. Monthly loan cost is the principal plus interest payment required to pay off the loan, less any tax savings.

Home equity loans are often excellent sourc­es of funds because the payment terms can be long, the interest rates on real estate-secured loans are relatively low and the interest is usual­ly tax deductible, so the net monthly payments are often quite low. As stated, in many cases, the net loan payment will be less than the savings the solar system will generate.

Over time, electric rates usually rise, so the savings increase. But the loan cost generally stays relatively constant, so the situation gets better and better for the system owner, even as the savings from the system are paying off the loan. Once the loan is paid off, all the savings go to the owner.

Those who don’t have equity available can explore other options, such as community financing, whereby a city can arrange a loan for a solar system and allow it to be collater­alized and paid back on the property tax bill. The program was pioneered in Berkeley, Calif., and is now available in several cities and may soon appear in other states. See dsireusa.org for more information on community loans.

Two other options for homeowners are com­mercial financial products applied to residential situations, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases. PPAs are agreements for one party to sell power to another at agreed-upon terms. The sale is for kilowatt-hours of energy only. Solar leases are rentals, where a customer leases a solar system from another party. In both cases, the parties owning the systems are under­written by investors who can use the tax credits and depreciation benefits.

It is important to compare renewable energy investments to other investments on an even basis. For a fair assessment, critical analysis should look at compound annual rate of return, cash flow and resale value. For much more detail on the variables that affect the results, the methods of financial analysis and example results for many states, please see the article at ongrid.net/papers/PaybackOnSolarSERG.pdf.

Solar makes economic sense for many, but only a hard look at the numbers will tell if it makes sense for your property. Check it out. Run the numbers, get evaluations and propos­als from at least three solar providers and take the estimates to a CPA to check them out. That way, the smile on your wallet can be as big as the smile on your face!

Snowing on your Solar Panels

As regions across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are facing longer and unexpected periods of snow cover, owners of solar energy installations are wondering how the snow will affect their energy output.

Snowy conditions have both negative and positive implications for energy output. The negative side is that when snow builds up on solar panels, energy production sharply declines, even with only partial snow cover. The snow will not damage solar panels, as they are built to handle snow and even hail.

The positive side to snowy and cold climates is that solar panels themselves function better at lower temperatures. Also, snow’s reflective qualities can result in more sunlight reaching the solar panels, as long as the panels themselves are clear of snow.

Returning to the problem at hand; how to remove the snow from the solar panels. One solution is to use a snow roof rake (available at Sears and most hardware stores;). Using a roof rake is an effective solution to the problem, even if the snow can only be partially cleared. On a sunny day, the partially exposed surface will heat up and a current will form, not only producing some energy but more importantly heating up the rest of the panels, causing the snow to melt. After a few hours of sunlight, most of the snow should melt.

When using a snow roof rake, it is important to be aware of mini-avalanches of snow falling from the roof. Also, ensure that the roof rake does not have sharp edges that could potentially damage the panels. If the rake has sharp edges, a simple solution is to attach a soft, absorbing object to the end of the rake (such as a sponge, squeegee, or soft cloth). Lastly, be careful when using ladders in icy conditions.

If your system was damaged in any way during the storms, feel free to contact one of our installer partners to help get your system running at peak performance for the upcoming sunny spring days.

Energy Management in Southern NC

Alternative Energy Concepts is a North Carolina based solar installation company dedicated to delivering the best possible service before and after installation of your system. The AEC team has extensive experience in solar and electrical installation, and our team undergoes continuing education yearly. Our knowledge and industry qualifications allow us to handle projects of any scope and size. We carry an unlimited electrical contractor’s license, North Carolina general contractor’s license, and are NABCEP-certified Solar Installers.

Individual energy choices have a measurable and direct effect on our environment. AEC believes that the environmental impact of energy production is an emerging concern facing business owners and consumers. We are committed to doing our part to reduce those impacts with solar power and wind systems. We strive to reduce the effects of environmental degradation by enabling the mass market to obtain clean solar energy in an economically viable way. We seek to provide sound financial and environmental advice to anyone interested in purchasing a solar or wind system for their residence, business, or non-profit.

Our mission is to make solar power the smart financial and environmental choice, and we intend to accomplish that one installation at a time. AEC is committed to installing cost-effective solar solutions for many applications, from a single-family home to commercial property.

AEC makes it easy to switch to solar!

Alternative Energy Concepts works in New Bern, NC to install solar systems. Please contact us for a quote for solar hot water and solar PV. We carry both a plumbing, and unlimited electrical license. We are also NABCEP certified solar installers. (910) 423-7283

Solar Power

The sun supplies a tremendous amount of free energy. We can help you take advantage of this free, infinite source of power through technologies such as solar photovoltaics, solar pumping, solar thermal, and solar lighting. No matter what your energy demands, we can professionally design and install a system that is reliable, safe and that makes good financial sense.

Solar Water Heaters

The Carbon Dioxide used in Conventional Water Heaters on an annual basis in North America is just about equal to the Carbon Dioxide produced by all of the cars and light trucks in Canada and the United States combined. Solar Hot Water Heaters not only eliminate more than half of that Carbon Dioxide emission, but they also save home and business owners money on utilities.

Wilmington, North Carolina builders looking for Energy Star certification please contact Alternative Energy Concepts. Alternative Energy Concepts is a turn key solar installation company and Energy Star Partner servicing Wilmington, Southport, and other areas of NC. Please visit www.AlternativeEnergyNC.com or call us at (910) 423-7283

1-14 of 14 Facilities. Labeled Buildings represent 544,650 square feet.

Map data ©2010 Google – Terms of UseMapSatelliteHybrid 00742-Wilmington, NC
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
1319 Military Cutoff, Wilmington, NC
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00909-Wilmington, NC
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
6400-1 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington, NC
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01193-Wilmington, NC
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
45 Soth Kerr Ave., Wilmington, NC
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01404-Wilmington, NC
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
3905-a Independence Blvd, Wilmington, NC
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01406-Wilmington, NC
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
200-a Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington, NC
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FL 0221
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
3600 South College Rd., Wilmington, NC
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FL# 1212
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
2601-a Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington, NC
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FL# 1327
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
3211 Enterprise Drive, Wilmington, NC
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FL# 1388
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
8207 Market St., Wilmington, NC
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Food Lion Store # 1392
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
2432 South 17th St., Wilmington, NC
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HT# 0102
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
6840 N Market St, Wilmington, NC
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HT# 0162
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
3501 Oleander Drive #18, Wilmington, NC
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Lowes Foods Store No. 186
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
805 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington, NC
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Lowes Foods Store No. 199
Facility Type: Supermarket/Grocery
5309 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC
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Progress Energy offers $1,000 for solar water heater volunteers

By Jim Brumm
StarNews correspondent

Published: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:04 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:04 a.m.
Progress Energy wants to know more about solar water heating and is willing to pay up to 150 homeowners $1,000 each to help gather the information.

The utility said it is now accepting applications from customers for its SunSenseSM Solar Water Heating research study, which will test the energy-saving potential of solar water heating systems in the Carolinas.

Cape Fear region homeowners eligible to participate in the pilot program are those living in New Hanover County, along with the nearly 12,000 Progress Energy customers in Brunswick County and some 15,000 in Pender County.

Others in Pender and Brunswick counties are not Progress Energy customers. They buy electricity from cooperatives – Four-County EMC and Brunswick EMC, respectively, while Southport is supplied by a municipal system.

The $1,000 incentive is in addition to the state of North Carolina’s 35 percent tax credit for solar hot water systems, Progress Energy spokesman Scott Sutton said.

The incentive is offered because the utility is seeking data on electricity use both before and after the solar hot water equipment is installed, Sutton explained.

Progress Energy Carolinas will use the data gleaned through the program to help determine regional energy-saving capabilities for larger-scale programs, the company said in a news release.

It said applications will be reviewed in order of the postmark dates on the envelope. For more information and to download the application form, Progress Energy asks that you click on www.progress-energy.com/swh.

It was a great weekend at the Eno River Festival in Durham, NC. I spent the weekend volunteering at the NC Green Power Booth sharing how NC Green Power works and how it also creates jobs here in North Carolina.
I had several opportunities to share with people exactly how we install solar, and what makes solar work in North Carolina.
Today I am back in the office finishing up my monthly “going green article” that I write for a local news paper.
The team is installing a 6kw system here in Fayetteville that is ground mounted. I am headed out there shortly and you can expect to see some photos by this weekend on that installation.
If anyone would like to see some photos of solar installations, and learn more about solar please drop me a line anytime.
I can be reached 24/7 at jim@AlternativeEnergyNC.com