Project Overview
In 2022, Solaris Renewables executed a sophisticated solar project on a Colonial home in Medford, Massachusetts. The homeowners, who had already benefited from a previous solar installation, faced rising energy costs due to the addition of heat pumps that spiked their winter electricity usage. With concerns over both their high electric bills and the impact of roof penetrations for solar mounting, the client sought a comprehensive upgrade that included a new roof, an integrated battery backup, and advanced energy management.
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Design & Planning
During the initial consultation, the client’s priorities were clear: reduce soaring energy expenses and ensure that their home remained resilient during outages. The existing roof, just over 20 years old, was due for replacement, so the homeowners opted for a new roof installation before proceeding with solar enhancements.
Solaris Renewables conducted a detailed site assessment, addressing both the structural and electrical requirements. The final design featured 31 Solaria 400-watt panels connected to a 10-kilowatt inverter, complemented by two 10-kilowatt-hour SolarEdge batteries. To further optimize energy management, the design incorporated a SPAN smart panel—an advanced service panel that monitors and controls each circuit, provides real-time data, and automatically sheds non-essential loads during outages.
Installation
The retrofit installation was executed seamlessly in an environment with an accessible unfinished attic and basement, allowing for discreet cable routing and optimal placement of components. Solaris coordinated closely with the client’s roofing contractor to ensure that the new roof and solar mounting systems integrated flawlessly.
The installation team efficiently managed the pre-wiring phase and navigated the challenges typical of a retrofit, ensuring that all equipment was installed with precision and minimal disruption to the home’s aesthetics.
Results
Before going solar, the client’s average electric bill was approximately $293 per month, with an annual consumption of around 13,000 kilowatt-hours at a rate of 27 cents per kilowatt-hour. Following the installation, and with current rates at 38 cents per kilowatt-hour, the upgraded system now offsets 100% of the household’s energy needs, saving roughly $443 each month. Over a 25-year period, these savings are projected to exceed $140,000, demonstrating the significant economic and environmental benefits of the system.
Conclusion
This Medford solar installation exemplifies Solaris Renewables’ ability to deliver an integrated energy solution that addresses both immediate and long-term customer needs. By combining a new roof, an expanded solar array, a robust battery backup, and the innovative SPAN smart panel, Solaris provided the client with a turnkey system that not only reduces energy costs but also enhances home resilience and sustainability.
For more information about Solaris Renewables and their cutting-edge solar solutions, please visit SolarisRenewables.com or call (781) 270-6555.