1 KW Tracking Unit - Eight Mitsubishi Photovoltaic Panels

RJ & Sandylee's Tracking Unit                                                                  It's a 1KW solar electric system!  It actually follows (the unit turns by itself) the sun enabling capture of optimum sunlight.  The unit contains eight Mitsubishi panels which can create 125W of electricity per hour each. 125W x 8 panels= 1KW per hour!    The Panels...  These Mitsubishi panels are designed for usage  in environments with extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.  These panels utilize polysilicon technology, are highly reliable, efficient  and have a low environmental impact. They will deliver trouble free electricity for years to come. Plus they are Ecofriendly & lead free!     RJ's system will also permit an upgrade down the road.            On the inside The system consists of a DC disconnect, a Kaco 1501 Inverter and an AC disconnect.  RJ’s estimated average production of 10KW per day will substitute for what they previously purchased from Alliant Energy!  1KW x 10 hours=10KW per day!

Here's an interesting tidbit... Photovoltaic panels work by capturing UV ray (as opposed to just the sunlight.)   What does that really mean? On a cloudy day you can produce electricity! On a cold day you can actually produce more than on a hot day!
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What about Net Metering?
Net Metering

With Net Metering you are signing an agreement with your local utility provider which allows you to be connected to their 'Grid.'  Being connected to the Grid means if you overproduce (produce excess  electricity over actual  used)  it will generate a credit on your electricity bill.   It is important to understand that the utility company will not be purchasing your excess  electricity. Simply put your excess electricity will be stored on their grid (acting as your battery back up) and is then recorded as a credit to your utility account.  When you actually use  this credit, you do so at the same rate (that you stored it at.)  If you don’t overproduce, you are simply creating and using FREE electricity!

US domestic older style electric meters are analog.  During a period of overproduction your electric meter will  actually spin backwards.

New US electric meters are digital and no longer  have a spinning wheel component. The digital readout  displays KW hours used and in the upper left hand corner,  you will find a current read out of 'banked' hours available  (created from over production.)

Choosing the Net Metering system is considerably less initial cost (you won't have the additional equipment cost.)  Also there is basically little or no maintenance once your panels are up and running.  Just remember as we already stated, you will be required by your utility provider, to sign their Net Metering Agreement.  This lengthy agreement is quite detailed but don't worry, when you hire us to install your system, we will assist with completion of this paperwork!

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Net Metering System versus Battery Backup Systems
Battery Backup Systems

When utilizing a battery back up system and overproduction of electricity occurs, you will actually 'store' this excess in your  system for use at a later time. The good news is that these systems are reliable!  In the event of a power failure, it is a seamless switch over to your back up power which will then provide a continuous flow of energy.  The batteries are recharged daily by your  solar array (no fuel, pollution or noise from a gas powered generator!)  However you should know that by using a battery backup system, the batteries are an additional expense, require regular routine maintenance, generally only last about 5-10 years, decrease system efficiency and result in a much more complicated system.  Another option for back up may be a generator.

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Did you know?      The Sun is the ANSWER  to the World's oil depletion! 

       

     

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