In 2022, Solaris Renewables completed a solar installation for a family in Westford, Massachusetts, on their recently renovated ranch home. The installation was part of a project to provide the family with a sustainable energy solution, while meeting their aesthetic preferences and future energy needs. The home featured an expanded two-story addition, providing additional roof space for solar panel placement. Despite challenges with roof orientation and shading, the system was designed to maximize energy production while addressing the client’s growing energy needs.
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Client’s Goals and Initial Consultation
The family was motivated by environmental concerns and aimed to reduce their electricity costs while preparing for future electrification. They were particularly focused on aesthetics, as the solar panels were to be installed on the front of their home, which faced east-west. Though the roof had good sun exposure, the client was concerned about the panels’ visual impact. Solaris worked with them to find the optimal solution, explaining how placing the panels on the back would reduce efficiency due to shading from nearby trees. After a detailed discussion about the trade-offs, the client decided to proceed with a layout that balanced energy production and visual appeal.
Site Conditions and System Design
The roof had some challenges, including shading from mature oak trees and the positioning of skylights. Despite these factors, the roof still had ample sunlight, especially on the front-facing surface. With this in mind, Solaris designed a system that would fit 35 high-efficiency 400-watt panels, combined with a 10-kilowatt inverter. Given the home’s roof orientation and the shading from trees, the system was designed to offset 107% of the family’s previous electricity consumption, amounting to about 12,500 kilowatt hours annually. This system size would also allow for future energy needs, including the addition of heat pumps and electric vehicles.
Installation Process and Challenges
The installation process presented some challenges, particularly with the home’s electrical setup. The client had a generator with an automatic transfer switch, which had to be carefully integrated with the solar system to ensure the two systems didn’t interfere with one another. Special attention was required to adhere to electrical codes and safety standards, especially since the generator could potentially backfeed into the solar system. This required meticulous wiring to ensure everything was correctly connected and safe.
Another challenge was the home’s small attic space, which made wire management difficult. Despite these obstacles, the Solaris team used their expertise to route wires discreetly and ensure the system’s integration with the rest of the home’s electrical infrastructure. The team also needed to use a 40-foot ladder to reach the higher roof surface of the new addition. This added complexity was addressed efficiently, and the final installation met the client’s expectations.
Results and Benefits
Before the installation, the family’s annual electricity usage was approximately 12,500 kilowatt hours, resulting in an average monthly electric bill of around $377. With the new solar system, the family’s energy usage is now offset by 107%, producing just over 13,000 kilowatt hours annually. This has led to a significant reduction in their energy costs, with expected savings of approximately $198 per month on their utility bill.
The family also benefited from various financial incentives, including tax credits and renewable energy credits (RECs), which further enhanced the value of the system. The solar system is projected to pay for itself in under seven years, making it a highly cost-effective solution for the family. Over the next 25 years, the system is expected to save the family nearly $150,000 in energy costs.
Conclusion
This solar installation in Westford is an excellent example of how a customized solar solution can meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Despite challenges with shading, roof orientation, and existing electrical systems, Solaris Renewables successfully designed and installed a system that exceeded the family’s energy goals. The project not only reduces their environmental impact but also provides significant long-term savings, demonstrating the value of investing in solar energy for both financial and environmental benefits.
For more information about solar energy solutions, visit Solaris Renewables or call 781-270-6555.