Description:

Grid Tied PV Natural gas water heater, Rheem 40 gal. Natural gas boiler, Monitor MP-25, ultra-high efficiency condensing, supplying forced hot-water Baseboard heat. Hydronic Radiant heating added Jan 2009 on top of existing slab in ground-floor family room. Plumbed into existing gas-fired hydronic (forced-hot-water baseboard) heating system. Solar feature is grid-interactive 2.4kW PV array, House is typical late-60s split-entry raised ranch. Besides PV array, the only energy improvements are new double-pane windows upstairs, extra insulation in attic, and high-efficiency boiler upgrade. Hydronic Radiant heating added Jan 2009 on top of existing slab in ground-floor family room. This building was a recipient of a design and construction grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Renewable Energy Trust. Installation was performed by Solar Works. SolarWorks merged into Alteris, Alteris merged into Real Goods Solar in 2011

Maintenance Requirements:

none I change the array angle to the sun twice a year at the equinox In the winter I remove snow that slides off the array so there is room for more snow to slide off

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Batt/Blanket Fiberglass guess R-9 in walls?, R-30 in attic?, Hydronic radiant floor heating retrofit on slab in family room

My Motivation:

desire to reduce fossil fuel consumption, support solar industries

Advice:

system prices keep coming down, energy prices keep going up. Do the math, but don't forget the intangibles

Experience with Installer:

No complaints; however, after more than 7 years, no longer relevant

Open House Info:

128 to Rt. 3 North. From Rt. 3 take first exit #26. At end of ramp, left onto Rt. 62 West. Go 1/2 mile to first left. Hard left onto Old Burlington Rd. Go 1/4 mile to first right. Right onto Wilson Rd. Go 100 feet to first left. Left onto Ledgewood Dr. Go downhill, then uphill on Ledgewood. Number 13 is a grey house on the right near the top of the hill. Please park only on the odd-numbered side of the street (too narrow for cars parked on both sides).

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