Peter Talmage - Northfield - MA: Solar PV

Single-Family Residence - January 2008

More electricity than we use

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$1,020

Energy Needs Met

100%

or more of electricity

Net Investment

$5,800

Return on Investment

17.6%

Property

Owner:: Peter Talmage
Type:: Single-Family Residence
Address:: 31 East Street, Northfield, MA 01360
Size:: 1,500 sq ft
Energy need met:: 100% or more of electricity
Designations:: Deep energy retrofit; Zero net energy
Event Participation:: NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2012 Host; NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: January 2008
Size of System:: 5.4 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $12,000
Value of Rebates:: $2,500
Value of Tax Credits:: $3,700
Net Cost of System:: $5,800
Annual Savings:: $1,020
Additional Financial Notes:: Electricity Use: negative zero, received check for $640 last year.

Professionals & Suppliers

Builders:: Peter Talmage, Eric Brazeau

What You Need to Know

Description:

Grid Tied PV 5.4 Kw PV system currently supplies excess electricity. A 35 square foot hot air collector helps heat the house. Walls are being improved to R-30+ with exterior insulation. Open house plan allows daylighting that eliminates any daytime need of electric lights. Window Quilts are used during all seasons to keep the house comfortable, warm in winter and cool in summer. Interior thermopane inserts are being added to raise the insulating value of windows to R 4.85. The renovation of this 200 year old cape included moving it to a new insulated foundation, installing a new high efficiency heating system, replacing the windows and doors, adding insulation and Window Quilts, a heat recovery ventilator, installing a PV array and a solar hot water system. The overall energy consumption was reduced by over 50%. An ongoing project is adding foam insulation to the exterior to further decrease the heat loss. Our PV array is now up to 5.4 kW which supplies all of the electricity to run the house as well the the electricity to heat the house with a mini split heat pump. We currently have a pesky $700 credit with our utility.

Other Benefits:

PV system also heats house and backs up solar hot water system

Maintenance Requirements:

Not much. I did just replace an Enphase inverter on warranty

My Motivation:

Reducing my environmental impact

Advice:

Just do it for the environment. Basing every energy decision solely on economics when you don't count the huge hidden costs of burning fossil fuel is not too bright.

Experience with Installer:

I have done my own work

Open House Info:

Going North from Rt 63 and Rt 10 intersection 1/4 mile and take a right on Maple St. Go 1/4 mile and take a left on East St. House is 1/4 mile on Right with white picket fence. Going South on Rt. 10-63, turn Left onto Maple St. and follow directions above.

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