Residential 1.3 kW Grid-Tied Solar System
Goshen Indiana, March 2006
This 1.3 kW solar system has solar panels mounted in the backyard on a
Wattsun solar tracker. Eight Sharp 170 photovoltaic panels are mounted on a 16 ½" pole in their backyard. The direct current flows to four Lifeline batteries that can power computers and servers for the homeowners' Web business. If the batteries are charged, an inverter turns it into alternating current that they can use or can flow back onto the grid. The
direct current is converted by an OutBack PS1 battery grid-tie inverter into 120VAC alternating
current. An OutBack PSPV Combiner Box was used for
circuit breakers and disconnects at the pole. An OutBack MATE systems display and controller installed in their kitchen shows energy usage and whether the system is buying or "selling" electricity to the utility company.
They have taken many other steps in energy efficiency, including replacing light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescents, purchasing a more efficient refrigerator and washer and turning down their thermostat. In the process of purchasing their solar system, they started conserving even more power and cutting electrical usage. The system could pay for itself in 15 to 20 years, but their reasons for installing it aren't only economic. "I always say it's not to save money, it's to save the world," said the homeowner. "I want to live in better harmony with the environment."
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