What is Renewable Energy?
What is PV or Photovoltaic?
What is the process for a residential renewable energy installation?
How big of a system should I install?
How long does a typical system last?
Do I have to buy a system or can I lease to own?
What are the benefits of installing a solar hot water heater?
Can I install a wind turbine for residential use?
What are some other ways that I can do to reduce my energy usage?


What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is a class of energy resources that are replaced rapidly by natural processes. The resources include solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and biomass energy.

What is PV or Photovoltaic?
Photovoltaics is a solar energy technology that uses the unique properties of certain materials to directly convert solar radiation into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) systems use an electrical system consisting of a PV module array and other electrical components needed to convert solar energy into usable electricity. Although the initial discovery of this technology was in the 1883, the space race and Bell Laboratories really propelled this technology into a usable format. There are many formats for leveraging solar energy, including passive solar technologies and technically all wind harvesting tools, since wind is a direct result of solar influence plus earth rotation.

What is the process for a residential renewable energy installation?
• We will take the time to understand the best renewable energy solution based on your needs.
• We will ask you for your address and using satellite photography, evaluate the possibility of solutions for your home.
• We will ask you for your utility bills from the last year.
• We will make a site visit to evaluate your potential sun and wind resources.
• We will present you with a proposal that includes system size, financial benefits (including cash flow and return of investment details),
  environmental benefits and system cost.
• After our mutual agreement on the system details, we will take care of all of the federal, state and utility and local permitting paperwork
  needed to install the system. This turn key solution could be yours in less than 60 days.

How big of a system should I install?
If you are considering a PV system for energy generation for your home or business, you should consider purchasing the largest system possible that works for the available area and your budget. This is because you will installation costs are generally the same no matter the system size. Secondly, the inverter, the critical component of the PV solution that converts the AC to DC energy, is usually sized to 5kW, so the closer your system is to 5kW, the more cost effective your inverter purchase.

How long does a typical system last?
The warranty for most solar arrays is for 25 years. Invertors associated with these solutions have a varied but shorter lifespan, generally around 15 years. (Wind turbines will need repairs or replacement around 10 years, but the pole's life should last much longer.) Solar hot water heating systems will perform well for 30-40 years depending on the type of system and how well it is maintained.

Do I have to buy a system or can I lease to own?
There are opportunities to get loans and leases for residential systems. However, in a true lease arrangement you are no longer able to take advantage of the tax credits. Some loan arrangements might allow you to take an additional benefit of tax deductible interest. Talk with Waldt Renewables to discuss your best alternatives.

What are the benefits of installing a solar hot water heater?
Right now there are aggressive Federal and North Carolina state tax credits. For renewable energy solutions, there is a 30% tax credit that is not capped. In North Carolina, the State Tax Incentive is up to 35% of the solutions cost up to $10,500. A normal hot water heater, if maintained should perform for 30-40 years and will provide a 10-15% average annual return on investment over the life of the system depending on the size of the system and your charges for gas or electricity.

Can I install a wind turbine for residential use?
There are only a hand full of established wind ordinances in north eastern North Carolina - including Currituck, Tyrrell and Hyde County and the towns of Duck, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. You may learn more about these ordinances by visiting the go to website for renewable energy policies.

The reason why there are wind ordinances by town or county is because of the height of the tower needed to maximize the production of energy using a turbine. Most manufacturers have indicated that for a 10kW system, especially in eastern North Caroline, the tower should be 120ft high. North Carolina's State Legislature considered two bill aimed at permitting wind turbine facilities (HB809/SB1068). The bills were not ratified in 2009, but will be considered next year.

The Windspire vertical access wind turbine at its standard height of 30' is well under most height restrictions and will be permitted under most wind ordinances. Waldt Renewables follows the permitting and planning review for wind ordinances in North Eastern North Carolina. In fact, we consider it part of our mission to provide community education about wind turbines. We will work with you to help you understand whether the installation of a wind turbine is possible.

What are some other ways that I can do to reduce my energy usage?
There are other ways to reduce energy efficiency. Some simple home improvements might make a big difference. For example, seal all leaky ductwork or possible areas where air may be getting in and out of your home. Purchase energy efficient appliances and understand how much energy your home or business use by using the Energy Star website. We believe that successful renewable energy solutions begin with energy efficiency. We would be happy to discuss alternative for determining energy efficiency solutions for you or your business.