Solar Electricity in Suburban Home

Residential - April 2003

Going solar has helped me align my lifestyle with my values.

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$600

Energy Needs Met

50% to 74%

of electricity

Net Investment

$11,000

Return on Investment

5.5%

Property

Owner:: Christian Grieco
Type:: Residential
Address:: 71 Henderson Rd., Glenmont, NY 12077
Size:: 2,100 sq ft
Energy need met:: 50% to 74% of electricity
Event Participation:: NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: April 2003
Size of System:: 4.7 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $31,000
Value of Rebates:: $16,000
Value of Tax Credits:: $4,000
Net Cost of System:: $11,000
Annual Savings:: $600
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase
Additional Financial Notes:: Used home equity financing. Upgraded 3.6kW to 4.7 in 2007.

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: SMA America; BP solar USA
Financing:: Citizens Bank

What You Need to Know

Description:

originally 24 BP Solar panels. Added 7 panels in 2007 for total of 31 panels. Use (3) SMA Sunny Boy 1800 watt inverters

Other Benefits:

peace of mind that a good portion of our electricity use is offset by solar

Maintenance Requirements:

none. However, it was recently determined that the electrical conduit is somehow letting water in the electrical pipe that comes down from the roof. Investigating the situation has led to the realization that the leak has been around for some time. Still in process of figuring out where the water is getting into the electrical conduit.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

solar hot water on demand water heater passive solar renovation super high efficiency south face windows blown foam insulation Asko dishwasher and other energy star appliances plug in hybrid vehicles that go 20+ miles in EV mode

My Motivation:

living my values freedom and independence by generating my own power

Advice:

get quotes from multiple providers talk to references do your own research- sales people are sales people and many will tell you want to want to hear

Experience with Installer:

authenticity of the people I dealt with was paramount when an installer talks to me about overall energy efficiency that resonates installers that talk about natural gas backup generators demotivates

Open House Info:

Please pardon the renovations taking place in the kitchen

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