AG Contractors, Inc.

Basics of Solar Power

Solar panels collect sunshine and convert it into a DC electric current. Then DC to AC inverters convert the energy from the solar panel into AC current that can be used to power your home. A home solar power system can actually cause your electric meter to spin backwards as it feeds the electricity it generates into the main power grid and you can earn credit on your electric bill*. (* Defined as Net Metering) Any energy that is not used by your home is then directed onto the power grid, it can be used by someone else and adds to the overall total of kilowatt hours produced by a clean and renewable energy source.

On Grid Systems

This solar energy system is designed to sell power back to the utility company. Since there are no batteries they will only operate when utility power is available. These systems will offset your utility usage. With the correct size system it will earn you a credit during the day that you would consume at night. In metro areas this is the best way to reduce your energy bills and even get a credit from the utility company.

Off-Grid Systems

A basic, 24-volt off grid system is enough to be able to run energy efficient refrigerators, washing machines, computers, table saws, stereos, lights and TVs. With the correct power inverter, you can greatly reduce your dependence on outside sources of power. For a cabin or a second house this is a great option. Don't pay two electric bills, get solar power and free yourself up!

• One Kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
• A 1 Kilowatt Solar System (about 10-12 solar modules) requires about 100 square feet of installation area. A typical high power solar module generates 100 Watts and measures about 2 feet by 4 feet.
• A 1 Kilowatt Peak Solar System will generate around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate.
• A typical sunny location receives approximately 5.5 hours per day of sunlight on average throughout the year. In Nebraska, we have at least 53-74% sunshine days annually*, which means that solar panels will be working efficiently throughout the year.
• The typical components of a solar home system are the solar modules, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller (sometimes known as a regulator), wiring and support structure. A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 20 years with proper maintenance.
  *Info: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Solar Power: For your home or business

AG Contractors can custom design a solar panel array for your home or business. We offer products from the best in the business. Our company will perform as an on-site assessment and determine which products are the best for your home or business. Call us today for more information.

Here are some products that we are currently offering:

• Sharp Solar Panels
• Uni-Solar PVL and Framed Panels
• Evergreen Solar
• Kaneka Amorphous Solar Panels
• Over 50 quality manufacturers to choose from
• Inverters, maximizers, water pumps, hardware and much more!

What is Small Scale Wind Power?

Small-Scale wind power is a wind generation system with the capacity to produce 1 kW to 100 kW of electrical power. Whether you're in an isolated community or living in a metropolitan area, wind power can reduce your energy bills and help the environment at the same time.

Two Types of Wind Turbine Systems

• Grid-connected systems use grid energy storage, displacing "purchased" energy with wind turbine energy production. When the energy grid is down, this system shuts down to prevent the linemen from receiving a shock. This is a popular option for homeowners that are in a city setting with the need for economical and renewable energy.
• Off-Grid systems users can either adapt to intermittent electrical power or use batteries, solar or diesel systems* to supplement the wind turbine. These systems can take you off the grid permanently. This means no more bills to pay! In addition, if your home is in a remote location; power lines are often effected by storms and high winds. This off grid system will allow you to maintain your quality of life with assurance that the power will always be on. *Defined as a Hybrid Energy System

Wind Power For Your Home

As a home owner, you may purchase a 1 kW-50 kW (or larger) system to reduce or eliminate your dependence on grid electricity, reduce your energy bills, provide back up power and reduce your carbon footprint. Small Scale Wind Turbines have been used in the United States to produce household electricity since 1941. Today, this tried and proven technology is a quiet and economical way to save you money. Note: There are special loans, grants and tax incentives that can further reduce the price of installing a wind power system. Ask us for the most current updates!

Commercial Wind Power Systems

We offer businesses, county governments, municipalities, school districts and farms wind turbine systems ranging in size from 5 kW to 100 kW. Here are three benefits to think about:

• Lower overhead through reduced electrical costs for businesses, county governments, municipalities and school districts.
• Tax advantages make solar energy and wind power an even better investment such as: the federal investment tax credit as well as and State and Local tax credits reduce the cost by up to 30%-50%. There are also Special Low Interest Loans (2%-5%) that can cover the cost of installation. Some grants can also be applied to the cost of the installation to further off set the price of the system.
• Wind-powered electricity costs are stable and turbines can last 15-30 years with proper maintenance.

AG Contractors is fully bonded, licensed and insured for all solar and wind installation projects.

Wind Turbine Systems

Fortis Wind Energy: Quality wind turbines for residential and commercial application.

Since 1978, Fortis has been the world leader in design and manufacturing of high performance, stand alone and grid connected wind turbines, ranging from 1000 Watt up to 10 kW.

Fortis has a solid reputation and with over 30 years of experience in providing innovative solutions for the use of the wind energy and installations worldwide, from the Arctic to the deserts of Africa, Fortis is a name you can count on.

Current Products Available

Fortis Montana 5 kW

• Rotor diameter: 5 meters
• Permanent Magnet Generator with NeFeBo Magnets
• Variable speed
• Epoxy Glass Fiber Reinforced rotorblades
• Hinged Tail Vane
• 5 year warranty* (Ask for more details)
• Rated output: 4,200 Watt (Maximum 5.8 kW)
• Average Annual yield at 6 m/s (12.5 mph) is 9.5 MWh
• Quality power for years to come

Fortis Alizé 10 kW

• Rotor diameter: 7 meter
• Permanent Magnet Generator with NeFeBo Magnets
• Variable speed
• Epoxy Glass Fiber Reinforced Rotorblades
• Hinged Tail Vane
• 5 year warranty* (Ask for more details)
• Rated output: 10,000 Watt
• Average Annual yield at 6 m/s (12.5 mph) is 22 MWh
• 25% more power than other competitors in the market

We currently are offering lattice, guyed lattice and mono-poles; depending on cost, system requirements and availability. Contact us for a recommendation and we will be glad to speak with you further.