The first step in designing an efficient Solar PV array is knowing your electrical needs. The best way to understand your needs is to review your past electrical bills, and determine what your average kilowatt hour consumption is. This demand is expressed as your "Load". It is always a good idea when developing a solar energy system to reduce or optimize your energy load by installing new energy efficient appliances or incorporating energy reduction strategies (appliances can be compared at the Energy Star Website).

American Sun Electric now has an Energy Monitoring device that can isolate inefficient appliances or consumption. .Contact American Sun for more details.

The next step is to determine the amount of sun your proposed site will receive. American Sun Electric will come to your location to in order to perform a full analysis. Using a Solar Pathfinder, area solar exposure statistics, and computer software we can calculate and design a system that will meet your needs, allowing us to provide you with an accurate price estimate.

The photos above are a part of the Solar Pathfinder assessment. This photos will be transferred into computer software, and will provide us with a detailed report on the sunlight exposure for the site of your choice. One photo, taken any time of year, can give an accurate depiction of the energy that you can expect your system to generate for every month of the year.

When choosing a Grid-Tie, or Stand-Alone system there are some key factors to consider. Do you have an existing home that is tied to the grid, or are you far from current utility connection? Do you wish to be completely independent from the increasing energy costs, or do you just wish to decrease your monthly bill? If considering a grid-tie system, do you wish to be a "net-zero" home? These are all questions that will help determine the size and output of your array.