products and services

Solar Power

Solar Basics
Photovoltaic (PV) is the technology of converting solar radiation or light energy into electricity. PV panels, made of specially processed silicon, convert sunlight into electricity to power an electrical load. PV panels come in standard voltages and wattages and when combined make up a solar array. PV arrays produce direct current (DC) that is then transformed into alternating current (AC) by an inverter. Most homes and appliances are wired for AC, so most systems use an inverter. Some systems have a few loads that use DC, as well as the AC loads. And some systems are strictly DC and do not require an inverter. DC systems require special lighting, appliances and equipment that is made for DC electricity.

Components to a typical PV system differ slightly whether on-grid or off-grid

On-Grid – Connected to the utility

• PV panels (array)
• Grid Tied Inverter
• Optional: Batteries
• Balance of System – includes wiring, disconnects, array mounts, utility room mounts, etc

Off-Grid – Stand alone or independent system

• PV panels (array)
• Inverter
• Charge Controller
• Batteries
• Balance of System - includes wiring, disconnects, array mounts, utility room mounts, etc

Check out our pricing on solar electric systems.

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Wind Power

Wind Power Basics
Third Sun primarily sells Bergey Windpower Company wind generators. Bergey is the oldest in the nation and their generators are designed and built for performance and reliability. They also have the longest warranty in the industry, at 5 years. Using painted, galvanized heavy steel construction, this company designs and tests their machines in the harsh conditions of the “tornado alley” of Oklahoma. Combined with a specifically engineered tower, these units can perform well for many years. If you have a potential wind site, you should consider this resource! Good wind provides much more energy per $ than solar, and can augment any photovoltaic system, especially during the winter.

There are many other models and brands of wind generators available, and we have experience with many of them. If you are interested in another type of wind generator, talk to us and we will be able to work with you to determine the best machine for your system and one which best fits your needs.

Wind generators or turbines are another way to generate electricity in your renewable energy system. They are mounted on a tower to capture the most consistent winds. At 100 feet (30 meters) or more above ground, they can take advantage of the faster and less turbulent wind. Turbines catch the wind's energy with their propeller-like blades, causing the rotors to spin. This spinning generates electricity, which can then be used in the home or stored in batteries.

Components to a typical wind system differ whether on-grid or off-grid. Not all wind generators can be connected to the grid. Please ask for specifics.

On-Grid – Connected to the utility

• Wind Generator and Tower
• Grid Tied Inverter
• Optional: Batteries
• Balance of System – includes wiring, disconnects, utility room mounts, etc

Off-Grid – Stand alone or independent system

• Wind Generator and Tower
• Inverter
• Charge Controller
• Batteries
• Optional: Solar panels
• Balance of System - includes wiring, disconnects, utility room mounts, etc

Third Sun sells Bergey Windpower Company wind generators. They are the oldest in the nation and are designed and built for performance and RELIABILITY! Using painted, galvanized heavy steel construction, this company designs and tests their machines in the harsh conditions of the “tornado alley” of Oklahoma.
Combined with a specifically engineered tower, these units can perform well for years and years. If you have a potential wind site, you should consider this resource! Good wind provides much more energy per $ than solar, and can augment any photovoltaic system, especially during the winter.

If you are interested in another type of wind generator, talk to us about your needs and we will be able to work with you to determine the best machine for your system.

Pricing
Check out our pricing on Wind Power Systems

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Hybrid Systems

A hybrid system is simply a combination of photovotaics and a wind generator. Each performs best in opposite seasons – wind in the winter months and solar in the summer months – so they complement each other to provide more consistent power to your building.

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Net Metered Systems

Net Metering Basics
Source: NREL

Ohio net metering laws now permit individuals and businesses to be their own power producers and sell back to the utility!

Grid-Tied or Net Metered systems are solar or wind generating systems that feed power to the building and to the utility. The building remains tied to the utility grid, eliminating the need for a bank of batteries. Essentially, the grid acts as your battery. There are two sources of energy input in this system– panels or wind generator and the utility line. The solar or wind electric goes through a special grid compatible inverter and either powers the electric loads in the house, or goes back through meter to grid. Some of our customers produce a % of their power, and we have even seen some residences spinning their meters backwards!

There are many options for putting the free and clean energy of the sun to work for you. This section lists some of the options available for projects with access to the utility electric lines and who wish to “net meter” with the utility. The first decision is whether or not to include batteries. The basic (battery free) systems cost less, are easier to install and have better performance. If battery back up is important because of frequent blackouts or critical applications, look at our systems with back up battery banks.

Sizing a system
With the flexibility of net-metering, you can size a system based on your energy production goals (percentage of electricity to supply), your available roof space or your budget. Every 10 watts of solar takes up about 1 square foot, and 1000 watts of solar will produce between 80-170 Kwh per month depending on site and conditions. Battery back up systems can be sized to run specific critical loads for a certain amount of time. We can help you find a solar solution based on your specific situation – let us help you with a tailor made system, or start with the options listed on our pricing page.

Pricing
Check out our pricing on Net Metering Systems

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Installation Services
Third Sun can work with you in any capacity, from providing technical support to full service, “turn-key” installation. Installation costs vary depending on site, location, system type and size, but typically run between $1-4/watt (or less). With Third Sun providing technical assistance, installations can also be performed by a skilled homeowner, your general contractor, or your local electrician. Contact us for a quote!

What next?
Contact Third Sun to order your system or for more information. If you are unsure of your site's solar potential or need a detailed installation estimate, ask about our site analysis service.