Solaris Renewables recently completed a successful solar installation at a ranch home in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The homeowner, motivated by environmental concerns and the addition of a new hot tub, sought to reduce his electricity costs while preparing for the anticipated increase in energy consumption. Working closely with the client, Solaris designed and installed a solar system tailored to meet both current and future energy needs, ensuring that the system would provide long-term savings and sustainability.
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Client’s Needs and Initial Contact
When the homeowner initially reached out to Solaris Renewables, he was primarily concerned about offsetting his rising electricity consumption due to the addition of a hot tub. The client, having a background in environmental efficiency, was familiar with solar technology and wanted a solution that could effectively manage the energy demands of his home, including the hot tub, without relying on battery storage or smart home peripherals.
“The client wanted a solar-only solution and was focused on anticipating the energy usage increase that would come with his new hot tub,” explains Brian Sadler, Vice President at Solaris Renewables. “He knew a bit about solar, having worked in a similar field, and was looking for a reliable, local company to provide a high-quality solar installation.”
Site Conditions and System Design
The property, a single-story ranch home, provided an ideal site for solar installation. With a south-facing roof and no shading, the home was able to maximize its solar energy potential. The client had plenty of roof space to accommodate the necessary solar panels, and the home’s location allowed for optimal energy capture throughout the day.
“We were able to design a system that was bigger than the client’s current needs, accounting for both present usage and the additional energy from the hot tub,” said Sadler. “The goal was to create a buffer, so that the homeowner wouldn’t have to worry about growing energy needs in the future, especially with potential electrification like heat pumps and electric vehicles.”
The final design included a 10.8 kW solar system made up of 27 high-efficiency 400-watt panels connected to a 10-kW inverter. This system was expected to produce approximately 12,670 kWh annually, more than enough to cover the client’s current electricity usage of 11,500 kWh and the expected increase due to the hot tub.
Installation and Challenges
The installation of the solar system went smoothly overall, but there were a few challenges to overcome. One of the main hurdles involved the roof design. The client’s home had a vaulted ceiling and a skylight, which made it difficult to access the attic space for wiring and system management. This also required careful consideration of the roof’s slope as panels had to be installed at varying angles to fit the roof’s structure, which was complicated by the presence of a porch.
“We had to work around the vaulted ceiling and skylight to maintain an aesthetically pleasing and efficient design. Managing the wiring and making sure the system would perform at its best was key,” explained Sadler. “Despite these challenges, we were able to ensure both a visually appealing and efficient installation.”
The project team worked closely with structural engineers to make sure the system could handle the snow load and wind uplift, ensuring that the solar system would perform optimally for years to come.
Results and Benefits
Upon completion, the solar system provided the client with more than just environmental benefits. With an expected $390 savings per month on his electricity bill, the homeowner was able to achieve a significant reduction in energy costs. Furthermore, the client’s solar system will save him over $150,000 in the next 25 years, with a quick payback period of just five years, thanks to the strategic design and incentives like tax rebates and renewable energy credits.
“The client was thrilled with the results,” said Sadler. “He was able to fully offset his electricity usage, cover the energy demand of his hot tub, and set himself up for future energy needs with a solar solution that is both financially and environmentally sustainable.”
Conclusion
This solar installation project in Haverhill, MA, is a prime example of how Solaris Renewables helps homeowners reduce their energy consumption and long-term costs while maximizing the benefits of solar energy. By tailoring the system to the specific needs of the client, Solaris ensured that the homeowner would see both immediate and future savings, all while contributing to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
For more information on solar solutions from Solaris Renewables, visit their website at Solaris Renewables or call 781-270-6555.