Solar PV - Save Money & Shrink Carbon Footprint

NeilBlanchard · 03-23-18, 10:32 PM

We have been driving EV's for 3 1/2 years, and we are now using a heat pump for most of heating our house, as well. We got a solar PV system installed yesterday, and it should soon be generating a large amount electricity, to offset our use. The system is Sunpower 327 watt panels (about 20% efficient), and it is warranted for 25 years. The system will pay for itself in just over 5 years, with all the incentives, and in less than 10 years without them.

It is a 10kW system on the AC output, and the estimated annual output is just under 13MWh.

We have expensive electricity here in Massachusetts - we pay between 18¢ and 22¢ total per kWh (both generation and distribution costs); and we also have chosen to pay another 2.4¢ / kWh to support renewable generation. Even with these costs, driving our two EV's (Bolt EV and e-Golf) cost us only about 4.5¢ / mile.

Here's the roof panels, on our reconstructed roof (which is still in process):

And the equipment in the basement:

I am really looking forward to our reduced electric bill, and our reduced carbon footprint.

My brother and I have done all the construction - we stripped the old shingles, demolished the old hip roof framing, used the old rafters to double the floor joists, framed the new 12 pitch gable roof, installed new shingles. We will do windows and siding and wiring and insulation, new stairs, extend the chimney, and new finishes.

03-23-18, 10:32 PM	#1
NeilBlanchard Journeyman EcoRenovator Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maynard, MA Eaarth Posts: 383 Thanks: 78 Thanked 39 Times in 32 Posts	Solar PV - Save Money & Shrink Carbon Footprint We have been driving EV's for 3 1/2 years, and we are now using a heat pump for most of heating our house, as well. We got a solar PV system installed yesterday, and it should soon be generating a large amount electricity, to offset our use. The system is Sunpower 327 watt panels (about 20% efficient), and it is warranted for 25 years. The system will pay for itself in just over 5 years, with all the incentives, and in less than 10 years without them. It is a 10kW system on the AC output, and the estimated annual output is just under 13MWh. We have expensive electricity here in Massachusetts - we pay between 18¢ and 22¢ total per kWh (both generation and distribution costs); and we also have chosen to pay another 2.4¢ / kWh to support renewable generation. Even with these costs, driving our two EV's (Bolt EV and e-Golf) cost us only about 4.5¢ / mile. Here's the roof panels, on our reconstructed roof (which is still in process): And the equipment in the basement: I am really looking forward to our reduced electric bill, and our reduced carbon footprint. My brother and I have done all the construction - we stripped the old shingles, demolished the old hip roof framing, used the old rafters to double the floor joists, framed the new 12 pitch gable roof, installed new shingles. We will do windows and siding and wiring and insulation, new stairs, extend the chimney, and new finishes.