Cloudy days

We ran the generator yesterday evening for a couple of hours to charge the battery bank – the first time we had run it since early January. The culprit was a combination of a string of cloudy days with little solar exposure, and a number of power-hungry appliances that had to be operated, like the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, and gas oven. That, combined with a light table for starting seeds and an incubator for starting chicks, caused the batteries to get quite low. However, if I had known today was going to be as sunny as it was, I may not have run the generator. But, you just never know what tomorrow will bring. At least we are set for a few more days.

PV or SHW?

Which is a better option – solar electric (PV) or solar hot water (SHW)? Well, it really depends on your situation. If you want to recoup your investment quickly, SHW is a better option, as you can save enough in hot water heating costs to pay for your system in three to five years. If you want a long term investment, PV is a better way of making a decent return on your money. The cost of electricity will likely only increase, and the electricity you generate will always be fairly constant year after year. Considering any incentives that may be available, your investment begins to pay immediately.

So which is a better option? You decide, and give us a call to see how we can help you.

Solar Installation Season

With the advent of spring weather in New England comes the beginning of the solar installation season for us. With a few jobs on the books, we are kicking off the 2011 season, and hope to have a really great year of helping people meet their renewable energy goals. If you are thinking about starting your renewable energy journey, now is the time. Give us a call to see how we can help!