Tanager Lane 5.4 kw Solar Array
The system was originally planned with a contractor that went bankrupt. We lost $7500 in the process.
I was able to salvage the engineering drawings and the aluminum supporting frame Which had been fabricated by a local metal fabrication shop. I filed the construction and electrical permits, purchased all parts, and subcontracted all work myself.
The federal government provides a 30% roll over tax credit For the solar installation. Each day this solar system produces an average of $2.50 worth of electricity. The system produces an average of 83% of our electricity needs. This includes the house and 2 cars. It is important to note that we are retired and don't do a lot of driving.
I find it ironic that many people who have installed a pool in their backyard tell me they can't afford a solar system. A pool is a liability, a solar system is an asset. Each month the pool costs you money to maintain. Each month the solar system provides income. The same people ask what is the payback period on the solar system. I wonder what the payback period is on a pool.
I get the same question on my electric cars. What is the payback period on your electric car? I wonder what the payback period is on a gas car.
To determine the size solar array required for your needs, take the last 12 months electric bills and determine the number of kilowatt hours use each month. Add these up to determine the number of kilowatt hours used per year.
Use the NREL PV Watts calculator To decide what size solar array you need.
https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php
Most utilities will not allow a residential customer to have a solar array greater than 10 KW. If you install a larger array you may be billed as a commercial customer.
Experiment with the PV watts calculator varying azimuth (compass direction), tilt and array size to find the array size that best meets your needs.
Photos by Al Lococo