Honey Electric Solar | Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) Systems

Serving the solar energy community of North Carolina since 1994

Honey Electric Solar is a licensed and
bonded North Carolina contractor.

Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) Systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use energy from the sun to generate electricity for your home or business. With over fifteen years of solar experience, Honey Electric Solar has the industry knowledge to design and install the highest quality, most reliable and efficient solar electric (PV) systems in North Carolina.

Custom Design – Whether for residential or commercial applications, we design and deliver high-performance PV systems (from 2kW to 30kW) that are customized to your site and needs.

Service – We specialize in grid-tied PV systems, and will act as your liaison for interconnection paperwork. We also handle all electric permits and inspections. We provide you with excellent service before, during, and after installation.

Education – We help you understand the benefits and possibilities of solar power, without overestimating returns or underestimating costs.

Grid-Tied
Solar Electric (PV) System

Grid-tied solar electric (PV) systems produce power and put it back on the utility grid – offsetting some of your electrical costs.

These are the least expensive (less than $10/watt installed) and easiest solar electric systems to install.

They are also the most popular PV systems for green-minded consumers.

Grid-Tied
with Battery Back-Up
Solar Electric (PV) System

Grid-tied solar electric (PV) systems with battery back-up produce power to not only put on the utility grid but to also keep a battery bank charged to use in the event of a commercial power failure.

Grid-tied systems with battery back-up cost more than straight grid-tied systems ($11/watt installed) but batteries can last for 10 or more years if kept fully charged.

Off-Grid (Remote)
Solar Electric (PV) System

Off-grid solar electric (PV) systems are completely stand-alone.

These are good options for remote locations where traditional utility lines are not available or are not practical to access.

They are the most expensive PV systems to install but they can work anywhere.

SNAPSHOT:

Photovoltaic electricity is used on-site or fed through a meter into the utility grid

Grid-tied solar electric (PV) systems are the least expensive PV systems to install but they shut down when there is a commercial power failure

Permission is required from local utility to interconnect with the utility grid and the system must meet their safety and power-quality requirements

Requires GreenPower credits to be more cost-effective

Your approximate investment is $7-$10/watt, with larger PV system installs costing less. Example: 1,500 Watts at $15,000 while 10,000 Watts are at $70,000

System components include:
- Solar panel array
- Inverter to convert DC power
into AC power
- Circuit protection and utility
disconnect switch

SNAPSHOT:

Photovoltaic electricity is used to charge backup battery bank and power household loads. Excess PV energy is sold back to the utility grid

During utility power failures, battery back-up can power critical loads

Typical back-up loads include most household appliances and light (but not major electric heat producing appliances).
List of recommendations

Permission is required from local utility to interconnect with the utility grid and the system must meet their safety and power-quality requirements

Requires GreenPower credits to be more cost-effective

Your approximate investment is $9-$14/watt, with larger PV system installs costing less. Example: 1,500 Watts at $21,000 while 4,000 Watts are at $36,000

System components:
- Solar panel array
- Bi-modal (battery charging)
inverter
- Circuit protection and utility
disconnect switch
- Small battery bank
- Battery charge control

SNAPSHOT:

Photovoltaic electricity is primary source for electricity

Propane or natural gas is
generally used for hot water, cooking & space heating, but a separate solar water heating system is also a great option for off-grid homes

Installing high efficiency lighting, refrigeration and water pumping is recommended to be more cost-effective

Requires battery bank for 3-7 days of back-up

Requires generator for high power appliances & supplemental battery charging

Prices generally range from $20,000 to $60,000

System Components
- Solar panel array
- Bi-modal (battery charging)
inverter
- Circuit protection and utility
disconnect switch
- Battery bank
- Battery charge control

We serve the solar communities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Pittsboro • Hillsborough, Mebane, Graham, Burlington • Oxford, Mount Airy, Reidsville •
Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem • Mocksville, Lexington, Troy, Vass, Lillington • Wilkesboro, Moravian Falls, Yadkinville