Clean Energy Design has over 25 years of experience installing efficient solar photovoltaics (PV) systems on Cape Cod and in the surrounding areas. This includes roof and ground mount, solar trackers, canopies, battery backed systems and solar shingle (BIPV) systems. We are specialists in designing creative solutions and integrating multiple types of energy systems. Given the current tax and state incentives, there has never been a more attractive time to begin your solar PV project.
Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
Solar Electric Photovoltaic (PV) Panels and Power
The solar photovoltaic cell is the building block of the solar PV panel. This direct current power is then safely converted into utility-grade alternating current (AC) power for typical household or commercial use. This conversion is done by a power inverter.
Photovoltaic solar panels are assembled into arrays of panels which can be appropriately sized to meet a variety of household or commercial needs. Solar PV systems can easily be integrated into new and existing construction. The most desirable site feature for this type of system is an unobstructed south-facing roof but not every site has this option available to them. Clean Energy Design has developed successful solutions for wide variety of sites and conditions, both commercial and residential.
Types of Solar Electric Systems
There are three main types of solar electric power systems: grid-tied; grid-tied with battery backup; and off-grid. Each type of solar installation has its own unique benefits and best-use cases.
A grid-tied solar power system is directly connected to the home or business and to the electric utility grid. These systems allow power to be obtained from either the solar system or the utility grid. Switching between the solar system and the grid is seamless.
The prime advantage of this type of system is the ability to balance the system production and the power requirements. When a grid-tied system is producing more power than is being consumed, the excess can be credited back to your utility account or designated to another meter within the same load zone. This practice is known as net metering. When the system is not producing sufficient power, power can be drawn from the utility grid. Grid-tied systems are the lowest cost solar electric systems, due to requiring fewer components.
A grid-tied battery-backup solar power system is also connected to the traditional utility power grid and adds battery-backup to the system. Although this type of system is more complicated and expensive to install, the addition of battery storage enables the system to balance production and demand and protects against power outages.
An off-grid residential system is completely disconnected from the electric power grid. Without a connection to the utility grid, batteries are essential to balance periods of excess production and excess demand.
Our company offers all of these options and more. As a professional design/installation company, we can guide you through the detailed choices of specific systems that best match your needs. For most property owners, a grid-tied system will be the most cost-effective and feasible option, but a grid-tied system paired with energy storage is also a wise choice. As the cost of solar batteries continues to fall, systems with energy storage will become even more cost-effective in the future.
The most common type of solar installations we provide are grid-tied roof mounted systems. When a roof is not oriented for best solar access or large enough to accomodate the soalar capacity needed, we look to alternatives. Examples of creative options are; ground mount, solar trackers, carport/canopy or building integrated alternatives. Dual-axis solar trackers offer 45% more power then a traditional roof or ground mounted system because they follow the sun throughout the day and keep the panels perpendicular to the sun.
Ask us about these innovative solar options for your home, business or farm!!
Roof Mounted Solar
Roof mounted solar systems are the most common however some people don’t want a solar array installed on their roof for any number of reasons. The primary reason could be because of the orientation of the building or shading caused by surrounding trees.
Residential Roof Mounted Solar
Commercial Roof Mounted Solar
Ground Mounted Solar
We are widely known on Cape Cod and Southeastern, MA for our powerful, sturdy, beautiful ground mounts. As some homes or businesses may not have the best orientation or solar exposure but may have land that they want to utilize, ground mounts may be just the righ solution for them. They have become very popular for homeowners with large properties and homes. We have built many ground mounted solr systems, custom designing them for each unique situation.
Dual-Axis Trackers
Clean Energy Design is pleased to collaborate with the Vermont based AllEarth Renewables designing and installing dual-axis solar trackers.
The AllEarth Solar Tracker is a dual-axis solar tracker that uses innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day. This technology produces up to 45 percent more energy than rooftop solar. With its ease-of-use features, high energy performance, and small footprint, the AllEarth Solar Tracker is a ground-mount solution that gives energy independence and the most return on your investment.
The tracker is American-engineered and American-made, with rigorous lifecycle and wear testing to make sure the details are done right. This guarantees that your system will have a long, reliable life. Key features include a wind rating of up to 120 mph with automatic high-wind protection settings, superior snow-shedding capabilities, and a durable design. These features ensure that the tracker can withstand any climate, from desert heat to severe winter conditions. These trackers are ideal for small farms, homes and businesses with ample land to accomodate this type of solar system.
Residential Dual-Axis Trackers
Commercial Dual-Axis Trackers
Carports & Canopies
Solar carports are overhead canopies built to cover parking areas and have many things in common with ground mount solar arrays. The great advantage of solar carports and solar patio covers is that they don’t require additional land. As a result, solar carports offer a more efficient use of space than ground-mounted panels.
The Massachusetts SMART incentive program offers an additional incentive for solar canopy structures. CED offers carports ranging from New England timberframe structures to larger commercial steel structures. PLease ask about our custom options for your home or business. In addition, we provide state of the art charging stations for your electric vehicles! Please ask about our custom options!!
BIPV Roof Shingles
As technology for solar collection improves and more options become available, so does our ability to integrate those solar collectors into a building. They are then referred to as a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV). The most popular way to do this is to replace traditional roof shingles with a solar energy producing shingles.
Cost of Solar PV Systems
The cost of solar system equipment has decreased substantially over the years. Lower equipment costs combined with significant tax and state incentives has essentially eliminated the barrier to entry.
Massachusetts is a leader in rewarding residents and businesses for using renewable energy with tax credits and production based incentives, which significantly reduce the overall cost of installing solar PV systems. The current SMART incentive program enables you earn money by producing clean, renewable energy in Massachusetts. See our SMART Program page for more information on this great program and give us a call if you have questions.
