Born Residence

Born Residence

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The garage at the Born residence has an ideal solar incidence facing south just north of Highway 55. The system has produced over 20,000 kWh of power since it was installed in October 2003. The Born residence has several energy-saving features including a wood-burning stove for heat and energy-efficient appliances. The 4.1 kW PV system was increased to 5.9 kW in Fall 2007 to power an electric vehicle. Electric conversion of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup is in progress. The photo at right shows two electric vehicles stopping by for a solar recharge. The one on the left is a 1981 Jet ElectraVan. The one on the right is The Spirit of DC, a plug-in hybrid Prius on a national tour promoting the use of electric vehicles.

System Components

5.9 kW grid inter-tie solar PV array (increased from 4.1 kW in Fall 2007)
22 Sharp 185 panels; 9 Kyocera 200 panels
2 Sunny Boy 2500u inverters; 1 Sunny Boy 1800u inverter
1 Solarway 6000 Solar Panel Space Heater
Ideal solar access

Additional Measures

Wood-fired boiler in basement to heat house
Energy Star refrigerator and washer
770-gallon rain barrel capacity
Biodiesel, E85, and electric vehicles

System Designer: Ralph Jacobson, Innovative Power Systems
System Engineer: Ralph Jacobson, Innovative Power Systems
System Installer: Chris Born and Innovative Power Systems

Date of Installation Completion: Phase 1: October 2003, Phase 2: October 2007, Phase 3: September 2008

System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives Utilized

Phase 1: $35,000, minus $8000 state rebate
Phase 2: $15,000, minus $3600 state rebate and $2000 federal tax credit
Phase 3: Not yet available

Anticipated Energy Delivery When Purchased

Phase 1: 4,000 kWh/year
Phase 2: 6,000 kWh/year

Actual Energy Delivered When Installed

Close to projections

Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered:

Phase 1: 85%
Phase 2: About 120% (excess for electric vehicle)