Mark Bauer,
Bauer Power

Bauer Power has been a provider of renewable energy solutions for residential and commercial applications since 2002. Bauer Power specializes in solar electricity, wind electricity, solar water heating, and solar pool heating. Based in western Michigan, Bauer Power has done installations across the Midwest.

As an active nature lover, Mark Bauer, owner and president of Bauer Power and educator for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, has always had an interest in reducing the impact we have on the environment. He is motivated by the very fact that it "has to be done," Mark explains.

Although the alternative energy revolution has already begun, there are still those who are unaware of the effectiveness of solar and wind power. Part of owner Mark Bauer's passion includes educating consumers and businesses about the value, both financial and environmental, of using renewable forms of energy.

Bauer Power believes renewable energy is critical in the preservation of our earth and economy not only for today, but for the generations to follow. By installing wind and solar energy systems we are changing the way Americans make energy, one system at a time! Our knowledge and passion prove that we believe in energy, naturally!

Find out more at bauerpower.com

What are the requirements for solar electric?

Most important and required is a 180 degree, due south exposure to the sun. The panels typically have to be at a tilt of 30 to 50 degrees, depending on different issues but mostly for performance. Hot water panels need to be as close as possible to the existing hot water system, but PVt can be much further away, remembering the farther between your house and the panel the more copper wire you need to purchase and more power transmission loss to deal with. Within a couple hundred feet is preferred to tie into a sub panel at your location.

How much power can be made with solar energy?

When we look at Illinois and its four & ½ hours of daily insulation, we need to make as much as we can in that four & ½ hours we have. So having said that, it's a question of how many panels will it take to make X amount of power. Let's consider a 2000 watt system, or as the renewable energy world calls it a 2K system and a 4K (4000watt) system. Two things we will assume: exposure to the southern sun and a fixed array (trackers have increased performance). Annually speaking a 2K array will give 250-270KWH of power every month in one year, a 4K array about 500-540KWH a month. It's simple; more panels, more voltage, more KWH made. It all depends on how much you want to make.

Will I need batteries & grid-tied systems?

Batteries are not required for PVt systems, unless you want to have back-up power when the power grid is down. Modern PVt systems are tied into your home's existing power system, and can feed any extra power back out into the grid system. If the grid goes down, the inverter automatically shuts down to protect utility workers.

If you choose to install a battery system, you can still stay connected to the power grid, but have a reliable power source when the grid is off. The battery back-up system also automatically stops serving power to the grid in the case of a shutdown to protect utility workers.

Are there incentives for homeowners to install solar panels?

30% of the cost of an installed solar system, with a maximum federal tax credit is $2,000. The amount comes off any tax liability you have at the end of the tax year. Plus an Illinois rebate of 30% capped @ $10,000.

Are there incentives for business owners to install solar panels?

The government offers a 30% tax credit for business owners who install a solar system, with no limit. Plus an Illinois rebate of 30% up to $10,000.

How much hot water can be made with solar energy?

With two collectors facing south, an 80 gallon tank for storage should make about 77% of a four-person family's hot water needs, including showers, baths, laundry and dish washing.

Three collectors and a 120 gallon solar storage tank will meet 65% of the water needs of a family of five or six.

Typical systems take 55-degree ground water and use electricity to bring that water up to 120-140 degrees. Solar hot water systems divert that water through solar panels that heat the water to 90-140 degrees prior to storage, thereby keeping the existing hot water heating system requirements to a minimum.

What maintenance is required for solar panels?

For the solar panels themselves, maintenance is never needed. There are no moving parts and nothing to wear out. Safe, clean, no bi-product emitted energy...what a concept! The system's collector loop fluid should be checked for performance and pressure every 10 to 20 years. This is typically about a $200 fee.

What are the basic requirements for wind electricity?

Whether your site is REALLY windy or not (a professional should make that analysis) a tall tower is almost always required, the higher the better, especially for inland wind installations. You need the head to be 30' or more over top of any buildings or trees within three hundred feet of the wind towers location, and we need a sub-panel to tie into close by, within five hundred feet for lower cost and limited transmission loss.

How much space is needed for wind power?

Usually a couple of acres or more works fine. Set-back laws and neighbors may be an issue with installs on smaller lots especially in urban settings. Most towers even 100' in the air, with guide wires need only an 84' diameter footprint to place the tower and its wires within. Some towers have no guide wires to deal with!

How much power can be generated with wind?

Wind machines are rated by peak power output but be careful when reading the marketing info. You will see it say it's a 1K (1000watt) wind machine, but what that really means it makes that much power at its prime wind target speed, which is often 19-25MPH. That means it has to blow that fast to make that much power (1000 watts in 20 mph winds for one hour). Having said this, a tall wind installation in a windy site can produce a lot of energy, you just need a good site and get it up in the clear air! 100KWH to 1500KWH a month annually are common numbers here in Illinois, depending on your site.

What sort of maintenance is required by wind electric machines?

Have a trained eye look at the machine once every three to four years, checking blades, bearings, and wear and tear of the unit. Inspect the tower and its anchoring system for integrity.

Are there incentives for homeowners to install wind electric machines?

Grants are available for non-profits and farmers. For homeowners the only other incentive at this time is in knowing you are lowering your energy needs when the wind blows!

Are there incentives for business owners to install wind electric machines?

If you're a farmer or small business owner, grants and loan programs are available to assist in the purchase. The other incentive at this time is the peace of mind you will feel knowing the origins of your energy!

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