What is it?
The SanCap Solar Connect program is a “Solarize” program modeled after several successful community solar programs. The intent is to band together neighbors to drive down the price of solar electricity system installations through a volume purchase performed by a single selected contractor.
Who is behind SanCap Solar Connect?
SanCap Solar Connect, LLC and the non-profit Ding Darling Wildlife Society are coordinating the program. The selected contractor is Urban Solar Group. Florida Solar Design Group is performing site analysis, customer outreach, and sales for Urban Solar, who will ultimately be responsible for installation of all systems.
How was the contractor selected?
The SanCap Solar Connect committee along with various advisors put out a request for proposal. The bidding contractors and the products proposed were vetted and a winning bidder was selected after an extensive objective selection process. The criteria included selecting quality products, overall cost, and ability of the contractor to serve customers and perform the work on schedule.
How much does it cost?
The SanCap Solar Connect program has pre-negotiated pricing that applies to all buyers. Whether you are purchasing 20 or 200 panels, you will get the same price per panel. There are some pricing factors that may affect the price for your home or business, like roof height, roof type, number of roofs, proximity to existing electrical system, etc. All pricing includes complete installation and permitting for a turnkey solar energy system. On average you can expect the following costs and savings per panel*:
* The system production estimates and financial analysis above contains an array of assumptions. Contact us for details on the assumptions used. Production data calculated for typical Sanibel/Captiva location using National Renewable Energy Labs’ PVWATTS v5 API.
| Out-of-Pocket | After Tax Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Price | $655 | $459 |
| Typical Price with Recommended Options: | $801 | $561 |
| Maximum Price Per Panel for Complex Installation: | $889 | $622 |
| Poor Orientation | Good Orientation | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Initial Annual Kilowatt-Hours Produced | 371kWh | 444kWh |
| Average Annual Electricity Savings (First Year) | $41 | $49 |
| Average Annual Electricity Savings (25-Year Life) | $56 | $67 |
How do determine the number of panels needed?
Initially we will look at your home or business and determine how many solar panels can fit on suitable roofs, after taking into account obstructions, shading, and orientation of your roof. This will determine the maximum number of solar panels possible.
There are two ways to look at the number of solar panels you need.
- Back into a budget. Since you get the same price per panel regardless of how many you purchase, we can look at how many solar panels your budget will allow. Your electricity savings and investmetn return are proportional to the number of panels you purchase.
- Offset a percentage of your electricity bill. We can look at your electric bill and tell you how many solar panels you need to offset 100% of your bill, compare this to the maximum number of panels that will fit, and tell you what the investment will be. You can offset any percentage of your bill, but we do not recommend going over 100% unless there is expected increase in demand in the future.
Can my condo participate?
Condominiums present some challenges for solar electric systems. Individual condo owners typically do not “own” their roofs, and are not permitted to install solar panels unless authorized by the condominium, which is exceedingly rare. Condos may not be able to take advantage of tax credits that provide a lucrative incentive for solar panel installations (although there may be some pass-through benefit to condo owners — consult your accountant). The best use of solar energy for condos is typically to cover (house loads) like outdoor lighting, common area electrical, and pool operation and heating. Finally, approval for solar panels takes strong buy-in from the community and significant time and effort to orchestrate.
Experience has shown us that condominiums are not prime targets for solar electricity, but if your community has a strong interest, we will evaluate your property for suitability under the SanCap Solar Connect program.
