Paloma Solar Power Vineyard Save Money and the Environment While You Enjoy Energy Independence Akeena Solar designed a 18 kW solar power energy system for Paloma Vineyard in St. Helena, California. This system included 108 Kyocera 167 and 3 Fronius 5100 (240 Volt) inverters.   Peak power generating capability is 18,036 watts  (based on manufacturer output ratings). This system provides about 21,118 kWh per year -- after taking into account various real-world efficiency losses. Annual utility electric expenses were reduced by approximately 82.4%. Total costs of the solar power energy system were $140,982, including all equipment, permits and installation on this concrete tile roof (flashed standoffs were used to prevent leakage). The customer received a $42,072 rebate from the California Energy Commission and a combined $16,567 in federal and state tax credits. Net costs to the owner were therefore $82,343. The solar power system will reach an economic breakeven point in 6.4 years Based on current commercial electric rates and an assumed 5% average annual rate increases, the system will produce $265,968 in energy cost savings over its 30-year design life. For a cash purchase, this results in a 22.5% pre-tax rate of return. 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 $87,559 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 $364 per month in the first year. Solar Power System Design and Energy Bill Analysis Our recommendation to install this particular solar energy system was based on a detailed analysis of the business' energy bills, roof condition, shading and orientation, electrical system, local weather conditions, environmental interests, financial goals, economic parameters 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.                                                              These savings do not take into account several important factors about solar power: This is a renewable energy resource and very kind to the environment. A solar power system significantly increases the value of your property without any increase in the assessed value in most municipalities. The cash flow savings are likely to be hundreds of dollars per month if you were to install a solar power system in conjunction with other energy saving devices - and then refinance the entire package at a lower interest rate.