Childs-Dickinson Residence - 2009

SM05	Childs-Dickinson Residence - 2009 Please login or register to view address information

The Childs-Dickinson home, built in 1911, got a solar face-lift in 2007. Providing the equivalent of almost exactly 100% of the building's electrical needs in its first year and 114% in its second (with backup power purchased at night and on cloudy days through Xcel's Windsource program), this 3 kW system has the support of many energy conservation choices made prior to installation of the PV. As longtime energy and climate activists, the owners say "the opportunity to generate our own clean power was irresistible. And the chance to help other people understand the opportunity, and the issues, by making our system available as a learning tool, has been equally important. Those -- and the fact the whole thing has been fun! -- are the important 'payback' for us."

System Components

36 (used) Solarex MSX 83 PV panels, 3 kW system
Fronius IG-4000 inverter

Additional Measures

Additional Solarex MSX-30 lite panel used as an educational aid and/or to power an item such as a fan to improve heat circulation between rooms and/or to charge a battery for emergency backup power
Small gas stove installed in living room (minimizes use of old furnace and provides up to half of primary heat)
Fiber cement siding installed, with house wrap and insulation top-up
Side attic (winter) waste heat recapture via thermostatically controlled small fan and ducting to first floor (w/manual override)
Foam insulation board added to side attic wall and floor
Excess summer heat vented via solar attic fan
Energy Star refrigerator and room air conditioner units
Compact fluorescent bulbs installed in most light fixtures
LEDs used for decorative exterior lighting

System Designer: Mario Monesterio, Best Power Int'l (now Westwood Renewables)
System Engineer: Mario Monesterio, Best Power Int'l (now Westwood Renewables)
System Installer: Mario Monesterio, Best Power Int'l (now Westwood Renewables)

Date of Installation Completion: June 2007

System Cost, Payback, and Financial Incentives Utilized

Net cost $18,000 after $2,000 federal tax credit; owners regard cost as a capital investment yielding approximately 2% interest, in the form of avoided cost of power.

Anticipated Energy Delivery When Purchased

We hoped to get close to matching our usage, which conservation had brought down below 9 kWh/day.

Actual Energy Delivered When Installed

8.75 kWh/day 6/12/07 to 6/12/08; higher production of 9.5 kWh/day 6/12/08 to 6/12/09

Percentage of Total Energy Needs Delivered:

Our PV system supplied the equivalent of 99.7% of our total electrical usage in its first year of operation, and 114% in its second year.