On 11/10/2011 06:49 AM, Casper wrote:
Solar City finished the install today (minus two roof tiles). It's a
6.5KW 28 panel system.

Now waiting for APS (local power utility) to install a bi-directional
meter and give the go ahead to power up.

More to come after a few months usage...

- Doug


Nice job Doug. I've been pondering that very idea when it comes time
to replace our roof. I've been eyeing up those new shigles with the
panels built-in. Only thing I'm not certain of is how well it would do
here in Ohio. Let us know how it turns out for you.

`Casper

Solar makes a lot of sense here in the Arizona desert where we get 300+
days a year of sunshine. I grew up in Washington State where solar
wouldn't be a very good option because of the 300 days of gloom.

Solar City did get the two roof tiles replaced. Solar City and APS (our
power utility) will be here Monday to put the system through its paces
and put it online.

Part of the system includes online internet monitoring that updates
every 15 minutes. Their website allows you to see almost real time
statistics.

I was thinking that I wouldn't be affected by daytime power outages, but
they explained that when the inverter senses a power loss on the grid,
it shuts down also - wouldn't want to try to power the whole grid or zap
a technician working on it. I suppose if there was an automatic
transfer switch or such to isolate the system...

- Doug


--
"A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to
blame somebody else." -John Burroughs