Project - Solar Power :: PathtoFreedom.com ::

Switching to solar energy was a smart move and quite a learning experience for us this year in our journey towards self-sufficiency. Over the Fall, we had a chance (thanks to the PWP rebate program) to install photovoltaic solar panels on our garage roof that will produce enough, if not all, of our household's energy needs.

Our electricity bill has dropped considerably from previous years. In 2000 we were using an average of 10.6 kilowatt hours per day and now we average 6.5 kilowatt hours. Decreasing our electricity usage has been a high priority for us, over the past couple years. We have replaced old appliances, computers, TV, etc., with new Energy Star rated ones,

In the meantime, we intend to kill even more watts, by conserving more and using less. Limiting our consumption is one more step toward reducing the strain on our limited resources and follow the sun.

AVERAGE HOME PASADENA

Daily 20 kwh

Monthly 600 kwh

Annual 7200 kwh

DERVAES HOUSEHOLD 2003

Daily 6.5 kwh

Monthly 195 kwh

Annual 2340 kwh

HOW MUCH POWER DOES YOUR SYSTEM GENERATE?

12 x 165 W SHARP PV panels solar array system 1.98 kw

Daily kwh supplied (conservative estimate) 7.2 kwh

Annual kwh supplied 3600 kwh

(PWP estimates that a 2kw solar array produces about 3600 kwh annually)

Estimated surplus of 1260 kwh

OFF GRID Vs. NET METERED?

Producing our power means having the potential to be more energy independent while still being able to use the grid for backup. This allows us to "run the meter backwards" during the summer, and then use that excess power we have accumulated for use in the evenings and at other times when the sun is not shining. Over the course of a year, all our production and usages are averaged. We pay only for the "net usage." With grid-tied net metering we have the best of both worlds. This system is more efficient and less expensive than systems that use batteries for backup power.

However, remote property owners have found that it pays to be "off the grid" because of the savings resulting from the cost of land away from the grid are considerable.

HOW MUCH DID YOUR SYSTEM COST?

Roughly $11,500. PWP rebated us 2/3rds of the cost ( $5 per watt, which equals $8,125). By doing it ourselves, we saved an estimated $4,000 on labor costs and the system should pay for itself in about 4 years.

Have more questions? Please check out FAQ

DIY SOLAR POWER

	Photo One: After the garage was re-roofed Unistrut� racks were placed horizontal to the rafters. This solved the problem of our uneven rafters which would have made our solar panels "wavy." Now the Unirac � solar panel mounts could be made level.
	Photo Two: The Unirac � solar panel mounts are attached to Unistruts� and are parallel to the rafters. The Unirac � will hold the solar panels.
	Photo Three: Progress! JD, JC and JM putting up the first pv panel on the Unirac's � after spending the morning leveling them. Level Unirac � are vital for the appearance of the solar panels
	Photo Four: Attaching the panel wires together. The progress was slow at first, but after the first three we all got the hang of the progress and it was pretty easy after that.
	Photo Five: Towards early evening, JM and JC put up the last pv panel. In a few days the electrical wires will be attached to AC and DC disconnect outlets,
	Photo Six: COMPLETED! 12 x 165 W SHARP PV panels mounted on garage roof supplying our energy needs. Just need to flip the SMA 1800 Sunny Boy Inverter switch. Thanks to Alan from Energy Efficiency for coaching us and Robert for his help in wiring.

Power to the people!

Recommended References

� California Solar Center - Grants and rebate listing.

� Home Power - Hands on journal for homemade power.