We decided to install a 7.5kW grid-tie solar electric power plant at the house. Today was the beginning of the installation process. We will be installing 4 dual-axis tracking units, each with 8 solar panels. By using the trackers, output is enhanced by about 30% over a fixed array. This meant we could get by with 7.5kW vs. 10kW. So in a sense this will be our "sunflower patch". Once the trackers are placed, the panels will be installed, the necessary metering, disconnects and inverters will be placed in or on the garage, near the existing power meter.
The installation should be completed this month, but due to some major tax law changes regarding renewable energy, we will not "commission" the power plant until after 1/1/09. The change takes the tax deduction from 30% of cost with a $2000 cap to a 30% with no cap. This is big $$$, so waiting is the right thing to do.
Keep watching for progress photos.
First photo is of the trenching for the conduits that will go to each of the four arrays. This portion of the trench is from the power panel to a point near the first array. Only about another 75 feet to go to reach the fourth array! Our installation company is Arizona Solar Power, and the equipment is manufactured by SunPower Corporation, an industry leader.
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Use a fuse puller to remove and replace fuses. Consider shutting off the power to the fuse box at the main disconnect.Power Install
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