Resources for Solar Power

Solar and photovoltaic power supplies are comprised of solar panels that collect solar energy, a deep cycle battery or bank of batteries to store the energy for measured use in both light and dark, a charge controller to allow a charge to the batteries and to prevent overcharging and a back-up generator or connection to the local electrical grid for emergency and back-up power.

The solar and photovoltaic power supply associated with a solar power system are the batteries, battery banks, the back-up generators that provide power storage and emergency power for when the solar energy is depleted. Determine your needs based on solid criteria:

1. Get a needs assessment from a reputable contractor in the photovoltaic and solar electric specialties.

2. Tap into local, state and federal solar power equipment incentives to cut costs.

3. Locate reputable distributors of photovoltaic power supplies.

Get a specialist to tell you what solar power supplies work for the system at your site

The benefits to using solar power are two-fold: help the environment with clean, "green" energy and save yourself money on electricity. Be clear about these goals with the contractor you choose to perform an assessment so he recommends only power supplies that contribute to both of these goals in the most cost-effective way.

Research available photovoltaic power government incentives and subsidies

Local, state and federal government often offer incentives and subsidies for installing and using solar power supplies. Sometimes the benefits are for the solar supplies and solar power equipment itself. Research what price and tax breaks are available to make the cost of installing solar power equipment at your business more affordable.

Locate reputable distributors of photovoltaic power supplies

Once you have your business outfitted with a solar energy system, it's time to order the solar power supply and integrate it into the system. Look for reputable distributors who know their business, know their product, and offer warranties and service after the sale.

• Deep cycle batteries for solar and photovoltaic power supplies need enough amp-per-hour capacity to supply power during the longest possible "no sun" period. Lead-acid batteries need to have 20% more amps even than this. Battery bank size is calculated based on storage capacity required, max discharge rate, max charge rate and minimum temperature for battery usage. If the system includes a back-up generator, or is connected to a grid, these requirements are relaxed.