Next Project Up...

10/12 pitch metal roof...in November, nuff said. This will be a challenging roof. We're using the S-5! standing seam metal roof clamps to secure the array. You'll soon see 12, 200 watt Sanyo modules gracing the roof of this structure....stay tuned!

New 30% Residential Solar Incentive for 2009!

If you are looking for a positive spin to the so called "bailout bill", here it is. Inserted into the legislation was an 8 year extension of the renewable energy tax credit and.....ready?......a removal of the $2,000 cap on the residential tax credit for photovoltaic systems. This means that when you invest in a (PV) solar energy system for your home, the feds give you a 30% (of total system cost) tax credit at the end of the year. For Seattle, this means you are 10years closer to financial payback. This credit is good for both solar electric (PV) and solar water heating systems. Here is a direct link to the legislation so you can read up on it. Type "solar" into the "find" box in order to make your research easier.

Solar Epiphany is now doing site surveys and pre-installation work for 09'. Feel free to give us a call!

Electrons, Even in the Rain

The system passed final inspection and SCL installed the production meter today. It has been raining pretty good for the last couple of days. Still, the system was producing SOME electricity. Red Cup had a great write up in the westseattleblog as well as a 2.5 minute spot on King 5 News. The community support has been great, people are excited about the array. We are excited to see the performance of the tracking system. I think we will be installing a data collection system for the array sometime soon.

See you tomorrow at Red Cup for the ASES National Tour...

Inspection Challenges

The DPD Electrical Inspector (EI) was new to pv systems. We had to do some educating in order to get everyone on the same page, but in the end, it has worked out. The inspector did, however, request that the tracker motor wiring be totally seperate from the pv wiring (hence the secnd j-box in the photo) Solid Electrical Construction was able to accomadate that request today. Now, we are awaiting final approval tomorrow, 10/2.

Just in time for the ASES tour!!

Solid Electrical Installation (and Construction)

Solar Epiphany chose Solid Electrical Construction as the commercial electric installer for the job. They have a local reputation for good work and are great guys.

All EMT installation means that the wiring system will have the same long life as the solar panels.

Red Cups Owner, Tricia, helps out with the forklift! HAHA. The install was a breeze with this tool.
Here it is: Seattle's first flat-roof-mounted PV tracking array....nice.

Panels and Carousel Transport

The solar panels and racking were easily fit onto this flatbed. We put together a simple, custom crating that made the job easier.

Inverter Mounted

Red Cup wanted the inverter to be visible so that customers can see how much electricity the system is producing. We picked a good spot near the entrance...kind of blends in well with the artwork doesn't it?