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Demand Charges: What Are They?…How can Batteries Help?

AltSys Solar Inc – Blog Post #001
By Daniel Moreno and Eric Sustaita – May 7th, 2019

Your energy bill is not just how much energy you use but the “rate” at which it is used and also “when” you use it: a combination of consumption (energy), demand (power) and Time-of-Use. Demand is defined by Southern California Edison (SCE) as: “The measure of how much electricity is used at a single point in time” and is charged by kW (kilo-watts) vs energy use which is charged by kWh (kilo-watt hours). The utility infrastructure (“the grid”) must be prepared to provide a certain level of power demand, varying on the time of day – PEAK demand occurring around early evening (4pm-9pm). The Utility collects Demand Charges to cover the cost of Grid Upgrades necessary to be capable of providing power up to the level of Peak Demand. Generation and Distribution of Power requires sufficient powerlines, transformers, substation facilities, but most expensive of all Power Plants!

There are two different demand charges billed by the utility: Facilities Demand and Time-Related Demand. According to SCE website, “Facilities Demand Charges apply at all times throughout the year, calculated per kilowatt (kW) according to your highest recorded demand during each billing cycle—no matter what season, day of week, or time of day, while Time-Related Demand Charges only apply during the summer season (June 1 through September 30), when demand reaches its peak and costs are highest. Time-Related Demand Charges are assessed each month during On-Peak hours & also during Mid-Peak hours. Time-Related charges are in addition to and separate from a Facilities-Related Demand Charge.”

Energy Storage for Lower Grid Demands = Happy Solar Consumers!

Energy bills come with so many charges, so what do we do? ADD BATTERIES, of course! Solar combined with Storage allows for saving on not just Energy Consumption costs, but also Power Demand charges – this means Overall Bill is able to be reduced to lowest possible result. Solar generation generally happens during hours that fall within what is called “Off-Peak TOU rate schedule” (8am-4pm) times when value of energy is at its lowest. During the evening times, PV systems are not producing energy and ‘coincidently’ lines up with “On-Peak TOU schedule” (4pm-9pm) – when energy and power costs are at their highest.

With Batteries, energy produced during the day that isn’t immediately consumed can get stored for usage later in the evening to avoid (high cost energy) imports from “The Grid” and reduce Peak Power level that “The Grid” must provide (reduce demand charges). Good for everyone!

Value of Solar Energy MAXIMIZED with addition of BATTERIES!

When you ready to take control of your energy needs and protect yourself against rising electric bills give us a call at (559) 688-2544 to start saving now.

Click the link below to get started…
https://www.altsyssolar.com/quote/
CL#944549 C46 – C10

May 7, 2019/by Eric Sustaita

Solar-Roof Racking

Product Manufacturers- That we prefer:

Solar Rail and Racking Manufacturers

Their main goal is reducing installation time by providing pre-assembled snap-in hardware. They also try reducing installation costs by focusing on keeping features built-in and pre-assembled, so there is no unnecessary products. Installation can be done using a single tool while also providing built-in aesthetics, wire management and grounding/bonding.

California-based company in San Luis Obispo.

Another big name in the Solar Infrastructure market… Widely regarded as having products with some of the fastest install times, this company provides a wide range of products designed for saving time, but also, for saving the roof from unnecessary penetrations making it one of the go-to choices when trying to avoid damage to roof integrity.

USA based company in New Mexico.

One of the Solar Industry leaders for getting solar installed onto many residential rooftops and commercial, alike. Always working closely with solar professionals to keep innovating their product line to make the install easier and faster, while also keeping high quality standards for safety and code-compliance.

California-based company, with over 15-year history growing and even leading it’s market.

International manufacturer for solar racking applications of every scale: from large utility-scale projects all the way down to small residential jobs, they have products that make installations both long-lasting and quick to assemble.

Sacramento-based company, sister branch of German manufacturer.

Get your free SOLAR quote now!

GET STARTED

May 4, 2017/by Daniel Moreno

Solar Modules

May 2, 2017/by Daniel Moreno

Solar Inverters

PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS- THAT WE PREFER:

Solar Power Inverters

The new leader when it comes to module-level power optimization. Consistently innovating their product line for future compatibility and ever higher levels of efficiency, SolarEdge will most often be the system to beat in terms of maximum production capabilities.

Micro-Inverter manufacturer that set the standard for module-level power optimization. When it comes to Name Recognition nowadays, this company is second to almost none…

For Battery Backup, Energy Storage solutions, and other “special” cases, OutBack Power (and ProHarvest) can accommodate a wide range of projects.

So if you’re in the market for a Solar with Storage system, this manufacturer will be your best bet!

One of the largest manufacturers of Solar Inverters and products, with very long history of dependability and quality service.

German manufacturing with excellent performance and appropriate pricing. If you are looking for the “best bang for your buck” then Fronius would be the option with highest quality!

Another German manufacturer with a long-standing history of producing quality products and providing great service. There is no other Brand with more recognition and history when it comes to string inverters… Priced as the premium product that it is.

Get your free SOLAR quote now!

GET STARTED

May 2, 2017/by Daniel Moreno

Submit Your Testimonial

Submit your testimonial

February 3, 2017/by visaliaweb

Customer Testimonials

February 3, 2017/by visaliaweb

Drone Videos

Photos & Cinematography -With Camera Drone

As a means of creating a visual portfolio of our installations, we have begun capturing aerial shots of completed projects with our camera-equipped drone for all to enjoy.

Click on one below to see some great examples of past projects.

Get your free quote now!

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Visalia Vantage

Designed to fit around obstructions like the pieces of a puzzle, this installation was destined to turn heads.

Tulare Taper

Tapering off at the end, this design is a great example of how many different ways panels can be placed, even on one roof, and still look fantastic.

Strathmore Solar

Drawing their water from the earth using the power of the sun, this family powers their well pump with a beautifully simple ground mount on the edge of their property.

Porterville Precision

Specifically designed to accommodate solar, this family built a garage/storage shed and wasted no space by using the roof to power it AND their home!

Tulare Transition

Located behind this family’s home, passerby have no clue that this family is actively reducing carbon emissions.

Visalia Visage

Sometimes the simplest designs can make the biggest impact, as with this average sized home in Visalia, CA.

Gorgeous Ground Mount

Located by the foothills on a spacious property, this family was able to place their system out of sight and out of mind.

Visalia Vantage by HHP

Tulare Tableau by HHP

Tulare Tract by HHP

Hitchhiker Pictures Compilation

Farmer’s Facets

What does a farmer need but sun and water? Plenty of solar to account for it’s expense!

Virtual Validation in Visalia by HHP

Editing by Hitchhiker Pictures

Fresno Fill

An average sized home with an appetite for kWh, this install proves just how much solar a 3 bedroom can attain when the conditions are right.

Porterville Property

A beautiful install on the outskirts of Porterville. This is a prime example of a job well done!

January 18, 2017/by visaliaweb

SCE and PG&E Rate Schedules

One question we here at AltSys Solar Inc. like to ask our customers is why they chose the utility company that provides the electricity to their home. The answer is that you never had a choice in the first place, and we don’t think that’s fair. Everyone should have the option to choose how and where they get their power.

To help the general community to better educate themselves, we have added below the links to the respective utility’s rate schedule (which have been continuously changed to combat the ever growing solar engine.) They are, in short, getting while the getting is good by hiking their rates and increasing their prices before solar eventually takes over as the primary means for power in the U.S.

Get your free quote now!

GET STARTED

Resources

January 18, 2017/by visaliaweb

Battery Back-Up

As time goes by, as with many other aspects of life, things change. Technologies advance, people become more educated and environmentally aware, and AltSys Solar Inc. adapts to better serve our community. One such change is the off grid option that, although not everyone can afford it, allows one to completely detach from the monopoly of the utility companies.

This is most common in sparsely populated areas without access to the grid. The process is lengthier and more difficult since it is even more specially tailored to the consumer in order to avoid expensive and unnecessary add-ons. With your provided information, AltSys Solar Inc. will take this complicated process and turn it into a hassle free and enjoyable experience. After all, is it not everyone’s dream to have a self-sustainable home?

Get your free quote now!

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Resources

Outback Power

January 18, 2017/by visaliaweb

Installation

AltSys Solar Inc.’s crews consist of a three person, certified, photovoltaic installation roof crew and one certified electrician. They are all very courteous, professional and efficient. On an average sized home of three bedrooms and two bathrooms with normal usage they can complete the job in one day, with every component ready for the city inspector to examine. Once the inspector passes the work as safe and up to code, the utility company will issue a PTO, or permission to operate, and flip the switch.

From that point forward the system is fully functional and silently working to provide your family with the energy it requires to live in comfort. Our techs install a system that can be monitored from any computer or smart device to view production versus usage, allowing system owners to know when they are using too much energy and in danger of pulling from the power grid, resulting in a bill from the utility company.

To learn more about the products AltSys Solar Inc. uses, as well as information about monitoring, warranties and longevity, please see the product links below.

Get your free quote now!

GET STARTED

Preferred Products- by Top Manufacturers

January 18, 2017/by visaliaweb

Pages

Battery Storage, Solar

Demand Charges: What Are They?…How can Batteries Help?

AltSys Solar Inc.

AltSys Solar Inc – Blog Post #001
By Daniel Moreno and Eric Sustaita – May 7th, 2019

Energy Storage for Lower Grid Demands = Happy Solar Consumers!

Value of Solar Energy MAXIMIZED with addition of BATTERIES!

May 7, 2019/by Eric Sustaita

Solar-Roof Racking

Product Manufacturers- That we prefer:

Solar Rail and Racking Manufacturers

California-based company in San Luis Obispo.

USA based company in New Mexico.

California-based company, with over 15-year history growing and even leading it’s market.

Sacramento-based company, sister branch of German manufacturer.

Get your free SOLAR quote now!

GET STARTED

May 4, 2017/by Daniel Moreno

Solar Modules

May 2, 2017/by Daniel Moreno

Solar Inverters

PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS- THAT WE PREFER:

Solar Power Inverters

Micro-Inverter manufacturer that set the standard for module-level power optimization. When it comes to Name Recognition nowadays, this company is second to almost none…

For Battery Backup, Energy Storage solutions, and other “special” cases, OutBack Power (and ProHarvest) can accommodate a wide range of projects.

So if you’re in the market for a Solar with Storage system, this manufacturer will be your best bet!

One of the largest manufacturers of Solar Inverters and products, with very long history of dependability and quality service.

German manufacturing with excellent performance and appropriate pricing. If you are looking for the “best bang for your buck” then Fronius would be the option with highest quality!

Get your free SOLAR quote now!

GET STARTED

May 2, 2017/by Daniel Moreno