A Simple Solar Solution

(Page 3 of 3)

August/September 2003
By Laurie Guevara-Stone  
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Both feel that living with solar hasn't dramatically changed their lifestyle. "Conserving energy is not a sacrifice, but more of an awareness," says Chris. Although he and Paula considered themselves "environmentally conscious," they both admit they now are much more aware of the instant payoff of their energy conservation — and the almost instantaneous repercussions of being neglectful: If you leave the lights on, the PV system runs low, the generator goes on and the propane bill goes up.

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Chris and Paula do use their backup generator in the winter more than they would prefer. Two years ago, when they realized they needed more power and had a few extra dollars to invest in their system, they decided to add four 100-watt panels, bringing their entire system's energy production capabilities to 1 kllowatt. Instead of hiring out the job, Chris made a couple of calls to Solar Energy International, a renewable energy education center. With SEI's advice and Ely's previous work, he integrated the four new panels himself.

System Components

• 8 75-watt Siemens photovoltaic (PV) modules
• 4 100-watt Siemens PV modules*
• Ananda Powercenter 3
• Trace 4024 Inverter
• 8 Trojan L- 16 Batteries

System Costs

8 75-watt Siemens modules: $2,400
Mounting: $400
APT Powercenter: $1,700
Trace 4024 Inverter: $3,200
8 Trojan L-16 Batteries: $1,500
Misecellaneous materials: $650
Shipping: $100
Tax: $250
Labor: $850
Total: $11,050

The Power Of PV

A single PV cell is made of highly purified silicon that is doped to create a voltage difference on each side of the cell. Sunlight striking a PV cell knocks electrons loose, which frees them to flow in a current. Metal contact points on the top and bottom of the cell draw the current off for whatever external use is intended. On a bright, sunny day, the sun shines about 1,000 watts of energy per square meter of the Earth's surface; if we can just collect part of that energy economically, we can easily power our homes and offices with sunlight instead of oil. (For more on how solar cells work, click here.)

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