greenHILLhome: Solar Panels Investigated, Part 2

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In Part 1 of the Solar Panels Investigated series, I discussed the general set-up of a photovoltaic energy system, tossed around some pros and cons, and provided some resources for homeowners to help fund an installation.  Part 2 will narrow the focus of the conversation to solar energy on the Hill.

Since 2008 the Capitol Hill Energy Cooperative has been providing Hill homeowners with resources on renewable energy and many other environmental issues.  Back in November 2009 THIH wrote about the Co-op’s Solar Panel Project, the group’s push to assist Hill residents in procuring the PV panels needed for a solar energy system as well as the funding to pay for it.  The Co-op even testified before the City Council when the DC Incentive Program was in danger of being slashed from the coming year’s budget.

I spoke with Michael Barrette, the director of the Solar Panel Project for the Co-op and one of the program’s first participants.  His original goal was to supply half his home’s power use requirements through solar energy.  Michael was happy to note that eight Hill homes have completed installation of their solar energy systems.  Four of the homes are tracking their energy production on the internet for all to see, and those results can be found on the Project website.

All eight of the solar homes are currently producing more energy than the homes need, and are net-metering the surplus energy back to Pepco.  The returned energy comes back to the owners in the form of a credit on their energy bills.  This works to the homeowner’s advantage, since most owners will size the solar energy system for the average monthly need of the home.  Some months more energy will be needed than others, so when peak energy is needed the “rollover” credits can be applied.  DC law prohibits homeowners from being paid for excess energy that is returned to “the grid” (the power company) so sizing the system appropriately is important.

As for cost, Michael noted that in the year or so he’s been investigating the system for his home the cost dropped about 35%.  He was able to install a system with greater capacity for about the same amount he intended to spend initially.  Michael also noted it took a little less than a year for him to receive his rebate check from the DC incentive program.  He noted that since funding for the DC program is reviewed annually as part of the city budget, anyone considering installing a PV system should start the application and get on the waiting list to ensure a better chance of receiving the rebate.

Michael Barrette is anxiously awaiting his first electricity bill from Pepco since completing his installation, and hopefully he’ll share some of the positive results with us after a couple months of data analysis.

In the meantime, we can keep up with Michael and the Co-op on their blog and we can mark our calendars for the first Solar Homes Tour on the Hill on October 16.  Any Hill homeowner or business that has some green technologies to show off can apply to participate, and volunteers are needed.  Interested parties can fill out a form on the Co-op’s website.