Solaris Renewables successfully completed a comprehensive solar installation for a large, renovated New England farmhouse in Lincoln, Massachusetts. This unique project integrated solar energy with advanced backup systems and smart home technology, designed to meet the client’s substantial energy needs and environmental goals. The project included a solar panel system, battery backups, and an automated generator system, all connected to ensure that the homeowner would have a fully integrated energy solution capable of providing power even in the most extreme scenarios.
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ensuring that the system would provide long-term savings and sustainability.
Client’s Needs and Initial Contact
The client, who was running a tech and smart home-based company, reached out to Solaris with ambitious energy goals. Motivated by a desire for redundancy and reliability, the homeowner was looking for a way to ensure his home’s energy needs were met, even in the event of a power outage. In addition to high energy consumption, the client also planned on expanding his needs by adding a server, a smart home system, and an entire home generator. He sought a solution that would integrate solar energy with backup battery storage and automation for seamless energy control.
“We were looking to create a system where our home would function even during power outages, and that included not just solar panels, but also backup batteries and a generator,” the client explained. “It was a big, complex job, but we trusted Solaris to bring everything together.”
Site Conditions and System Design
When Solaris visited the property, it was still under construction, which meant the design and installation needed to be closely coordinated with the ongoing work. The home had several roof surfaces to work with, including areas with different pitches and angles. This required careful planning to ensure that the solar panels could be positioned for optimal energy capture, even across eight separate roof sections.
The design plan called for a large, 27-kilowatt solar system spread across 68 panels. This system would be paired with two separate inverters and six Tesla Powerwall batteries—split into two systems—to provide redundancy and ensure a reliable energy source during outages. With over 24,000 kilowatt hours expected annually, the system was designed to cover not just the home’s current energy needs but also accommodate future demands as the homeowner added new appliances and systems.
Installation Challenges and Execution
The installation was complex, as the home featured vaulted ceilings and a standing seam roof, which made it challenging to run wiring to the solar panels. The team at Solaris needed to pre-wire the house during construction, ensuring that the wiring would be properly integrated into the home’s design without compromising the aesthetics or functionality. Additionally, coordinating with the construction team required ongoing site visits to address changes in the home’s layout.
“The complexity came from the sheer scale of the system and the need to integrate two separate solar systems, two battery setups, and a generator,” said Brian Sadler, Vice President at Solaris Renewables. “We also had to work around existing features like the vaulted ceiling and standing seam roof, which added to the intricacy of the installation.”
Results and Benefits
The installation was a resounding success. The solar system now generates just under 23,000 kWh annually, offsetting approximately 90% of the home’s electricity needs. With savings of over $700 per month on electricity costs, the homeowner will save nearly $500,000 over the next 25 years. The integration of the solar system with Tesla Powerwall batteries and an automated generator ensures that the home remains powered even during extended outages, providing peace of mind to the client.
By using smart panels and a backup generator system that automatically kicks in when the batteries are depleted, the system is able to seamlessly manage energy distribution. The homeowner can also control the system remotely via an app, adding another layer of convenience.
“It’s exactly what we were hoping for,” the client said. “We’re saving money, reducing our environmental impact, and most importantly, we have reliable energy backup, no matter what happens.”
Conclusion
The Lincoln farmhouse installation demonstrates the potential of integrating solar energy with cutting-edge battery storage and smart home technology. Solaris Renewables was able to meet the client’s complex energy needs with a customized, reliable solution that ensures long-term savings and security. With a quick payback period and the ability to support future growth, this project serves as a model for how solar energy systems can work seamlessly within a modern, tech-driven home.
For more information on how Solaris Renewables can help you achieve your energy goals, visit Solaris Renewables or call 781-270-6555.