In October 2007,
we have started our so far largest residential project of 8.5kw for in Stockton,
CA. Our client, Dr. Gran is a senior physician with over 30 years
experience, and now leads the
advanced laser skin care and hair removal clinics network. Dr. Gran had just
expanded his house by single-handedly building a remarkable extension.
This new building's roof is tile on the North side and shingles on
the South side.
Dr. Gran figured
out that if he installed a solar system on the South roof, he would be
saving $300 per month on his utility bill and making a significant
contribution towards reducing pollution. Plus he would
be receiving close to $3600 from the government for 5 years, along
with a $2000 one time tax credit. The math was there, so the
next thing was to figure out the best design for the system.
|
Dr. Gran holds
5 degrees in various fields and constructed most of the extension
house himself. |
We designed an 8.5kw solar system with:
1. TTI Flat Jack footings for shingle roofs, which totally prevents
leakage. 2. UniRac Solarmount top clamp system which would give
a great low profile appearance, while also allowing air circulation
under the panels. 3. Forty eight 170W Ningbo panels, which would
give a total of 8.5 kw. 4. A Sunnyboy 7000 inverter, which could
handle all 48 panels. The whole system, including the stainless
steel lag bolts and 8 AWG cables, has cost Dr. Gran only $45,000.
That was before incentives of
$18,000. The final cost is $27,000 and with the electricity
rates going up by %5 every year, the system payback time will be 7
year and it will be free electricity for Dr. Gran from then on!
|
The system looked like
this after the installation was complete. |
|
 |
From the roof,
the panel array looks seamless and slick.. |
Here is a complete list of
items used in the installation:
|
Item |
Quantity |
|
170W Ningbo Panels |
48 |
|
UniRac |
For 8kw |
|
UniRac Splices |
For UniRac |
|
Flat Jack |
For 8kw |
|
Grounding Lug |
24 |
|
DC Disconnect |
1 |
|
MC cables |
8 total |
|
AWG 8 cables |
400 feet |
|
SS Lag Bolts |
48 |
|
Washers |
96 |
|
Junction box |
1 |
|
Junction blocks |
2 |
|
SunnyBoy 7000US |
1 |
|
Grounding clips |
48 |
|
Sealant |
1 |
|
Conduit |
80 feet |
Click here for next system pictures.
