BeUtilityFree is now 100% solar powered!
 Our array is finished and producing all the energy we use - and then some! In fact, it's producing above expectations.
With 28 panels at 180 watts each, the array's nominal output is just over 5 kW, but you can never expect to get the nominal output from a PV system because of losses at the inverters, at long wire runs, and in other ways.
PV Watts' website makes predictions as to array performance and so far we've exceeded those predictions by over 20%! July was 810 kWh vs 661 predicted. Today we even reached 5 kW instantaneous output! It was a cold bright day and lots of snow around to reflect the light - perfect conditions for solar.
We think a large portion of the extra output comes from using Enphase microinverters, which can really increase efficiency over string inverters.
We used a Professional Solar Products GroundTrac to mount it. It was fairly easy to use, especially since the sandy soil made it possible to do some of our digging with a shop vac!
We're very happy with this array and expect to get 30 years of daily electricity from it.
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We'd like to welcome Charles Martin to the BeUtilityFree family! He brings his sales skills and an eagerness to help more people become Utility Free. We expect great things to come with him as a part of our staff.
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We Are Now a Vertical-Axis Wind Generator Distributor |
We're very excited to have a distributorship with Urban Green Energy to sell and install their vertical-axis wind generators!
V-A generators are a real solution for people who want wind power, but live in an urban setting with wind tower height restrictions and no yard to speak of. That describes a lot of people living in towns and cities!
The big advantage of this type of wind turbine is that it deals with the turbulence you get a roof-height very well. It won't need to turn to face the wind or slow down when the wind changes direction. It doesn't take a lot of wind to get them going, either. Only 7 mph to start and they don't cut out til 56 mph.
And with the new incentives passed by Congress in October of 2008, wind is getting even more financially attractive. A 30% tax credit (up to $4,000) is nothing to sneeze at!
Talk to us if this looks like the right solution to your renewable energy needs! |
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We've got a new look! With help from the guys at Smiz.Biz, Brett has comletely redesigned the BeUtilityFree website. Same great information--new look! |
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