Cooper Garrod Solar Power Winery Save money and the environment while you enjoy energy independence Akeena Solar designed and installed a 17.75 kW solar energy system for Cooper-Garrod Farm and Winery in Saratoga, California. This system included 96 Sharp 185watt modules and 6 SMA 2500 UL-SBD inverters. Peak power generating capability is 17,760 watts (based on manufacturer output ratings). This system provides about 22,690 kWh per year -- after taking into account various real-world efficiency losses. Annual utility electric expenses were reduced by approximately 83.4%. Total costs of the solar energy system were $120,506, including all equipment, permits and installation on this flat metal roof (specialized mounting method was required). The customer received: $47,156 rebate from the California Energy Commission $4,951 in state tax credits $7,335 in federal tax credits Net costs to the owner were therefore $61,064. In addition there is a depreciation tax benefit (MACRS) of $27,479. The solar power system will reach an economic breakeven point in 4.2 years. Based on current commercial electric rates and an assumed 5% average annual rate increase, the system will produce $296,396 in energy cost savings over its 30-year design life. For a cash purchase, this results in an 18.3% pre-tax rate of return. If this investment were financed with a 30-year mortgage, the monthly savings would be $144 per month more than the increase after taxes in the monthly mortgage payment, i.e. there would be a positive cash flow from the first month onward. According to the Appraisal Institute, energy saving improvements increases your property's value by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual energy usage. In this case the value of the building was increased by $89,220 in current dollars -- more than the net cost of the solar energy system itself! On a cash basis, this customer's electric bill went down by $372 per month in the first year. Solar Energy System Design and Energy Bill Analysis Our recommendation to install this particular solar energy system was based on a detailed analysis of the customer's energy bill, roof condition, orientation, electrical system, local weather conditions, environmental interests, financial goals and aesthetic preferences. This analysis was summarized in a detailed, 50-page report that we presented to the customer. The two bar charts below highlight the results of our before and after energy bill analysis. Environmental and Financial Benefits The following two tables summarize the environmental and financial benefits that the solar energy system will provide over its 30+-year lifespan.    PV System Investment Summary 96 Modules Total Price     $120,506.00 Renewable Buydown Rebate -$47,156.00 Price Net of Rebate   $73,350.00 Less Refundable Audit Fee $0.00 State Solar Tax Credit   -$4,951.00 Federal Solar Tax Credit (pending) $0.00 10% Federal Tax Credit (business) -$7,335.00 Net Price     $61,064.00         Depreciation Tax Benefit (MACRS) -$27,479.00         PV System Savings Summary Scenario A Peak Power Output (DC watts) 17760 Annual Energy Output (kwh/yr) 22692 First Year Energy Savings $4,461.00 Total Energy Savings (30 yr life) $296,396.00 Avoided CO2 (tons) (30 yr life) 684 Avoided NOx (pounds) (30 yr life) 444 Avoided SO2 (pounds) (30 yr life) - Locked In Net Cost/kwh (30 yr life) $0.09 Tax Free Rate of Return   18.30% Net Present Value   $73,335.00 These savings do not take into account several important factors: Distributed solar energy power is a renewable energy resource and very kind to the environment. Renewable solar energy system improvements add significantly to the value of your property without any increase in the assessed value in most municipalities. Cash flow savings are likely to be hundreds of dollars per month if you were to install a solar energy system in conjunction with other energy saving devices - and then refinance the entire package at a lower interest rate.