Description:

West-facing, garage mounted; 12 SolarWorld 285W panels; SolarEdge hybrid inverter system. Required $680 worth of electrical main panel work (older house, can be applied towards tax credit) and $100 net metering application feed with utility.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Started with conservation - consumption and cost understanding, DTE Insight app (real-time and historic data), Efergy electricity monitor, Nest thermostat (remote control, auto-scheduling, auto-away, historic usage, etc.), remote controlled lights (Phillips Hue) eliminate stand-by losses, home energy audit (blower door test, infrared imaging, appliance and HVAC inspection). Then efficiency - LEDs, weather stripping, outlet seals, weather stripping, new fridge and dishwasher (needed them anyways), attic insulation and air sealing, insulated hot water pipes (boiler heat), crawlspace encapsulation. Then generation - PV solar.

My Motivation:

http://bit.ly/terawattproblem Make house more comfortable, save money, energy responsibility, security, independence, and sustainability, lower cost of home ownership, reduce GHG emissions from house.

Advice:

Get in touch with an EnergySage solar advisor before, use marketplace to source quotes as well as local installers, compare on important metrics (mainly $/W), research panel and inverter types, warranties, FITC, RECs, and financing options, have top installers come out to inspect and answer questions, consult with solar advisor before selecting.

Experience with Installer:

Installers were happy to help throughout the process, including on-site visits and answering questions. Experience, previous projects, and general helpfulness also considered.

Additional Notes:

Start with energy conservation, then perform cost-effective energy efficiency retrofits, then install appropriate solar for generation (see 'Other efficiency or sustainability improvements' for more details).

Open House Info:

Send me an email - szsherman@gmail.com - if you'd like to come by to check it out and discuss :)

Links: