Page 67 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

Ways to go SOLAR PRO TIP:

Lease or Own? The rise of solar Make Ready. Even if you don’t
leasing programs is putting solar
arrays on more rooftops. A leased plan to install solar electric panels
system must be grid-tied; if you
own your system, you will have to or solar hot water now, if you pre-
weigh the pros and cons of being
tied to the grid or not. wire and pre-plumb, you can save

thousands on a later installation.

Meter

Photovoltaic Wind Controller Grid-Tie
panel Turbine Inverter

THE ARC HOUSE SPONSOR Different Approaches to Solar at Home

SMA Sunny Boy Storage Creating electricity with either photovoltaic panels or wind turbines typically
Battery Inverter begins with production of direct current (DC) electricity. That current then
passes through a transformer to become the typical alternating current (AC)
The Sunny Boy Storage transformerless used in almost all homes (aside from some RVs and boats). Most modern
battery inverter converts electricity from systems do not include battery storage, simply because battery technology
high-voltage battery to the grid, and vice has not matured enough to warrant the expense and environmental impacts.
versa. The inverter, which was first introduced That may change in the next few years, but for now, the best bet is a grid-
in Europe, is lightweight, affordable and connected system that can later be reconfigured for advanced batteries.
efficient, and it is compatible with high-
voltage batteries from several manufacturers. RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ARRAY BY NRG HOME SOLAR
The SMA Sunny Boy Storage battery inverter WWW.NRGHOMESOLAR.COM
can be used in both retrofits and new PV installations. It will be available in
3.8- and 6.0-kW models. www.sma-america.com