Page 3 - 2018_026_MVU_Residential Winter Newsletter 4

SOLAR Educate yourself on solar technology and industry trends

SEGMENT of change. Legislation and discussion about utility rates, net
Across the nation, the utility and solar industries are in a state
metering and the ‘value of solar’ are prevalent. Use Google
and other websites to learn more about these trends or
contact MVU for assistance.
INTERESTED IN GOING SOLAR?
Consult with family, friends, and neighbors who have already
installed solar to get advice on selecting a contractor,
The City of Moreno Valley is committed to empowering a available financing options, and the impact of installing solar
healthy, thriving, sustainable community for our residents. As on your home’s value. MVU recommends getting at least
your trusted energy provider, we want to ensure your energy three quotes from reputable solar installers.
needs are met in the most beneficial and cost effective way
possible. If you are thinking about installing solar please Consider the investment
contact MVU (951.413.3511) for the latest industry trends and
to obtain detailed information about the interconnection Although the prices of solar panels have dropped over the
process.
last few years, purchasing and installing solar is a long-term
commitment – usually 20+ years.
Start by taking the following steps:
Review your electric bill and understand your There are many financing options to choose from that
vary from a traditional purchase to leases, Power Purchase
energy usage
Agreements (PPAs), and even the newer PACE programs. Be
aware that these financing vehicles have a different value
Your monthly utility bill can tell you much more than simply proposition based on your unique economic situation.
how much you owe. Energy usage is measured in kilowatt
hours (kWh) - one kilowatt hour is the equivalent of using a Once installed you’ll want to understand metering, monitoring,
100w lamp for ten hours.
and maintenance of your new solar system. Monitoring your
solar energy production is important for verifying that you’re
Moreno Valley is a summer-peaking utility so summer usage getting your expected value from solar.
is generally much greater than the other months of the year.
To understand your annual energy footprint, you will need Give us a call
12-months of billing data. Contact MVU at 1.844.341.6469 to Have questions? We are here to help. Call us at 951.413.3500,
obtain a 12-month energy usage report.
or visit our website at www.moval.org/mvutility, to get
Make your home more energy efficient complete information regarding solar and other energy
saving tips!
Before investing in a solar system, consider installing all
cost-effective energy efficiency measures such as a
programmable thermostat, LED lighting, Energy Star products
and a whole house fan to help reduce energy costs.

Contact MVU to schedule a free energy survey or conduct a
self-audit using a web-based tool to see exactly where your
energy is being consumed.

MVU SPONSORS UCR STUDENT’S voltage current across electrodes rooted in a layer of glass.
Generating the repulsion force can be powered completely
RESEARCH PROJECT by the panels themselves and is strong enough to repel dirt
and grime stuck on the surface of the panels.
Moreno Valley Utility (MVU) is a member of the American
Public Power Association (APPA) and has recently sponsored For more information, contact MVU or visit APPA’s DEED website
a one of its programs, a Demonstration of Energy Efficient at https://www.publicpower.org/deed-funding-students
Developments (DEED) scholarship. Under this program, a
UCR student has been awarded a $5,000 student research
grant scholarship that has been approved to work on the
project “Investigation Of Inducing Electrostatic Bias As
Practical Method Of Soiling Prevention On PV Panels” with
Moreno Valley Electric Utility (MVU)!

Over time and specifically in a dry and arid climate solar
panels get dirty and performance is reduced. This project
chosen is to explore the effectiveness of an electrostatic
soiling machine used to clean solar panels. The machine
generates an electrostatic force by applying a high