Workers installing the panel mounting rails on the roof.
 

We chose Advanced Energy Systems after obtaining quotes from three solar contractors in the area.
AES had a competitive quote, was a smaller local company.
 Dave easily discussed design considerations directly with Brian the  president and designer.  That's Brian on the roof looking over the final mechanical adjustments. AES website

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Installing the East panels

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Installing the South panels.
All DC wiring went through the attic.

Electrician Paul installing the exterior disconnect and separate meter.

6000 Watt Inverter Installation on interior garage wall
spec sheet

East array (12) 310 Watt panels
Canadian Solar  spec sheet
 

South array (8)  310 Watt panels

Dave had to decide if he wanted to heat the pool water with the sun (the panel on the left) or generate electricity from the sun (the panel on the right and another panel on the other side).
He got both!

 

Everything in the garage ready to go. Install took most of one day.

2014 home power use chart
This 6.2kW system is expected to generate 1000 kWh/month. Note the 1000 kWh line.
The house first uses what the panels generate (Important: The pool pump which has to run 8 hr/365 will now run for "free") Any extra power is bought back by the electric co. for .05/kWh and all generated kWh go into a "bank" which you get back needed kwh for free. The bank never expires. And 30% fed tax rebate. I calculate ROI in 6 yrs. Almost a no brainer, and excites Dave because it involves science and electricity and we are doing some small part for the planet.

Return to Arizona Winter 15

2/9/15