Clark Island Solar Home

Residential - February 2013

Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) home with high efficiency radiant heat (Rinnai combo boiler), Fujitsu mini-split heat pump, 7.5kW Solar. No electric bills, minimal propane costs. Even without the heating/heat pump, home stays cool in summer and warm in winter.

Quick Facts

Average Annual Savings

$1,800

Energy Needs Met

100%

or more of electricity

Net Investment

$8,500

Return on Investment

21.2%

Property

Owner:: Steve Seekins
Type:: Residential
Address:: 18 Tyler Lane, Spruce Head, ME 04859
Size:: 3,000 sq ft
Energy need met:: 100% or more of electricity
Event Participation:: NESEA Green Buildings Open House 2013 Host

Technology

Type:: Solar PV
Installed:: February 2013
Size of System:: 7.5 kW
Purposes:: To generate electricity

Financial Details

Gross Cost of System:: $15,000
Value of Rebates:: $2,000
Value of Tax Credits:: $4,500
Net Cost of System:: $8,500
Annual Savings:: $1,800
Own or Lease:: Cash Purchase
Additional Financial Notes:: Currently making more power than using, awaiting installation of 9kBtu Mini-split Fujitsu heat pump.

Professionals & Suppliers

Products:: SMA America; Canadian Solar Inc.; Fujitsu Heat Pump; Rinnai; CREE LED Lighting; BuildBlock ICF; Garaga Garage Doors
Installers:: ReVision Energy; Evergreen Home Performance, LLC
Financing:: Efficiency Maine Trust Rebate; Federal Tax Credit
Architects:: N/A
Builders:: N/A
Energy Auditors:: Evergreen Home Performance, LLC, Rockland, ME

What You Need to Know

Description:

System is 30 Canadian Solar mono silicon 250W panels fed through 6kW SMA grid tied inverter. Inverter was converted from a Windy Boy unit that I previously used with a 10kW wind generator on an 80' tower that I used for several years.

Maintenance Requirements:

None

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

Insulaterd concrete form house extremely tight and very well insulated and quiet. 96% efficient propane Rinnai boiler is silent and provides plenty of comfortable radiant heat and unlimited domestic hot waer. Fujitsu 9kBtu mini-split heat pump provides second floor heat, A/C, and most important summer dehumidification (coastal home).

My Motivation:

Desire for minimal utility costs, energy efficiency, clean energy.

Advice:

Having used a wind generator, I found that it worked well, but required a lot of attention, resulted in some noise - especially when wind > 25mph, concerns when potential for wind >75mph. Some neighbors complained, some thought it wonderful, permitting can be hassle. Solar is pretty much install and forget, is now cheaper than wind due to cost reductions of panels, and in my case makes no sound, invisible from the street, and more dependable.

Experience with Installer:

Absolutely the best. 2-day install, site clean, minimal intrusion, professional. Would use them again and highly recommend them.

Open House Info:

Visitors welcome on tour dates. Others may contact at steve@evergreenyourhome.com. Parking available.

View Other Case Studies

Search for Other Case Studies

The EnergySage Marketplace

Get the best deal on solar.

Get Started