How do I know which unit is right for my needs and area?

Q: What is the best type of renewable energy system?

A: No one system type is the best. After reviewing your requirements and needs, RES will make recommendations on the proper system and help you understand the benefits and limitations of the selection. RES supports wind, solar, and hybrid systems for both on and off grid applications. This allows us to select the best system for your needs.\

Q: Is there enough wind on my site?

A: The amount of wind at your site is critical since it will determine the amount of energy your turbine will produce. A 10kW turbine installed with an average annual wind speed of 10 miles per hour (4.47 meters per second) produces about 7,700 kWh per year. The same turbine will produce about 12,500 kWh per year if the average annual wind speed is 12 miles per hour (5.36 meters per second). Your site should have an annual average wind speed of at least 10 miles per hour. Wind speeds of 12 miles per hour or more are preferred.
Available wind resource will vary significantly in just a few miles because of local terrain influences on the wind flow. RES will work with you to determine the available wind at your site and how to maximize the energy produced.

Q: How many solar panels does my house need?
A: It is impossible to know how many panels your home will need without some basic information. We need to understand your system goals to help you figure the number of solar panels you will require.

• Capture power for your entire home?
• Capture power for part of your home?
• Sell back to utility?
• Power a battery backup system?

No matter what your reasons are for wanting a solar system is it is important to have all the information you need to make a good decision. RES will help you understand how renewable energy works so YOU can make decision about how many solar panels your house needs. 

How Do I Get Government Rebates?

Q: How can I learn more about Federal and State Programs on Renewable Energy?

A: There is a great deal of information available about renewable energy. There are some excellent web sites that are not trying to sell any one brand or solution. These can be useful. The US Department of Energy web site contains a great deal of information on Federal Programs. The Renewable Energy Project of Alaska (REAP) has information specific to programs and opportunities in Alaska.

Does Alaska have State Rebates?

Q: What Rebates are available in my state?

A: DSIRE is a comprehensive source for information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives as well as policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the NC Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council funded by the US Department of Energy.

Financial Incentives

Q: Can I get financial incentives or rebates that will pay for a portion of my system?

A: Yes, they are available depending on your project and its location. You may be eligible for financial and/or tax incentives from state or local governments, local utility companies and the federal government. Federal information may be found at the US Department of Energyweb site. For state and local incentives and rebates, go to www.dsireusa.org for a comprehensive summary by state.

Additionally, RES is working with the USDA’s Rural Development Group to develop a template allowing most rural business to immediately qualify for a $20,000 grant towards renewable energy (wind or solar) investments.

These incentives can be discussed during the design phase of your project.

What information will you need from me to design the system?

Q: What information will you need from me to design the system?

A: Proper system design begins with a clear understanding of your requirements. It includes understanding the location for the system, the use intended, your budget, and required output of the system. With these requirements clearly identified, RES can make a proposal for your system. Examples of the kind of information required can be found in the System Design section of this web site.

Can I add to my system as my energy needs grow?

Q: Can I add to my system as my energy needs grow?

A: Yes, if a renewable energy system is designed properly you can easily add more capability as it is required. The possibility for expansion can be discussed in the design requirements phase.

Does Renewable Energy Systems provide service support for renewable energy systems?

Q: Does Renewable Energy Systems provide service support for renewable energy systems? 

A: Yes, RES can provide maintenance agreements for on-site support and extended service contracts upon request. Contact us to discuss your current or future needs for support and service.

What can I use a small wind turbine for?

Q: What can I use a small wind turbine for?

A: Small wind systems can be used on-grid (for a cabin, home, farm, or business) or off-grid (for a boat, RV, cabin, home, farm, business, or remote instruments):
Using an on-grid, small wind system can help supplement your grid electricity and reduce your dependency on local utilities. 
Using an off-grid, small wind system can help provide electricity to remote locations for both seasonal or year-round use. Wind systems can help reduce the use of diesel generators, supplement solar systems, and save fuel costs. For remote applications in Alaska, selection of a turbine that is suitable for the weather conditions is critical. RES can help in determing the right turbine for your location and needs.

How many solar panels does my house need?

Q: How many solar panels does my house need?

A: It is impossible to know how many panels your home will need without some basic information. We need to understand your system goals to help you figure the number of solar panels you will require.

What is your end goal for the solar panels? Do you want to: 

• Capture power for your entire home?

• Capture power for part of your home?

• Sell back to utility?

• Power a battery backup system?

No matter what your reasons are for wanting a solar system is it is important to have all the information you need to make a good decision. RES will help you understand how renewable energy works so YOU can make decision about how many solar panels your house needs. 

How long will a solar panel system last?

Q: How long will a photovoltaic system last?

A: Renewable Energy Systems uses PV panels from top of the line suppliers like Sharp, Sanyo, Sunpower, Trina, Unisolar, and others. These products offer limited warranties of up to 20 to 25-years. Although solar panels have a useful life expectancy of more than 40 years, it is normal for panels to slowly degrade as they age, causing some decrease in output. This rate of degradation is typically about 0.5% per year. RES can review the life of each of your systems components (panels, inverters, batteries, generators, etc.) at design time.

Will my system meet building code requirements?

Q: Will my system meet code requirements?

A: Our installations comply with National Electric Code Standards. With an Alaskan bonded and licensed Specialty Contractor, Renewable Energy Systems utilizes administrators and licensed electricians to oversee its installations.

Can I install a solar system myself?

Q: Can I install a solar system myself? 

A: Yes, you can install it yourself, or our experienced installers can install your system. RES will work with to you determine the right system for your present and future needs, making sure everything is working properly and code compliant with the proper permits in place.