Solar PV at Watkins Heating & Cooling
The sun now fulfills more than half our annual electricity needs.
Springboro, OH (PRWEB) October 03, 2013
This year's Green Energy Ohio Solar Tour is open to the public and will feature Watkins Heating & Cooling, a Dayton area heating contractor. Each year, the solar tour connects energy conscious homeowners with existing solar installations and other green projects. The solar tour promotes the spread of green energy by demonstrating cutting-edge green technology in real-world installations.
In December of 2012, Watkins Heating & Cooling completed installation of an 18kW photovoltaic system on the roof of their main office in Springboro, Ohio. The system utilizes seventy 260-watt LG solar modules creating up to 420 volts of DC power. This DC power is converted to AC by inverters and is then used in the office by lights, air conditioners, computers, etc. During the peak of a typical summer day, this system supplies 300% of the electricity needs of the office and warehouse, sending the excess to the grid to be used in neighboring homes.
Photovoltaic systems work by turning the sun’s rays into electrons and converting the current into a form that is compatible with home appliances (240 volts AC). The wiring is then connected into the existing electrical panel of the home or business. This configuration is known as a "grid-tied" system. When the home needs more power than the solar array can produce, electricity is drawn from the utility company. When solar production exceeds usage, the excess power is pushed out to the grid through a net meter, effectively selling energy back to the power company. Monitor the real-time production of our solar PV system here.
With the help of a 30% energy tax credit, reduced energy bills, and the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), payback on this project will be about 7 years. Each year the cost of solar modules continues to drop and the price of electricity increases. As mass production of solar PV components improves, and Ohio’s coal energy endures greater regulation, the feasibility of home-based solar arrays will greatly improve. The staff at Watkins believe that in the near future, home-based solar energy will be as necessary as air conditioning.
Celebrating 20 years in business, Watkins Heating & Cooling will continue to display strong leadership in sustainability and green energy. While home-based solar energy is not a fit for every home, smart energy conservation can be just as effective. Significant energy savings can be found by installing high efficiency appliances, adding insulation, and maintaining existing equipment. Services provided by Watkins Heating & Cooling include Solar PV design and installation as well as installation and maintenance of residential and light commercial HVAC equipment.
Find out more about our solar installation as well great home comfort tips by visiting our heating blog.