Enphase Grid-Tie Installation

Glenn and Nancy contacted me about installing a grid-tie system for their home in Michigan, but Glenn had a specific need to fulfill. He already had two 4" schedule 40 steel pipes that he wanted to use for the pole-top mounts, and it took a bit of research to find the right mounting structure that would fit his pipes and still support the sort of array that he was hoping for.  A Unirac 500315 was chosen to fit the 4" steel poles, each rack holding four Sharp NDU230F3 modules.  These quality US made modules offer maximum yield for the Enphase M190-72 grid-tie inverters (one for each solar panel) even under less-than-ideal light conditions.  The Enphase Envoy unit was also installed so that the system can be monitored via the internet.

Glenn and Nancy live an energy-conservative lifestyle, and they report that during early Springtime weather conditions their power production generally exceeds their usage during daylight hours, meaning that the electric meter reads about the same in the evening as it did in the morning, sometimes sending some power back into the grid. We're anticipating a greater daily energy harvest as the year moves toward Summer.

Nancy was kind enough to shoot some photographs of the project to share with us.  A friend with electrical experience assisted with the installation.  Glenn is the self-described "Old Hippie" in the photos, occasionally mistaken for a member of ZZ Top.  The photographs of the utility meter are from the day that the system was connected to the utility grid.  You can see the meter reset at zero, then beginning to count backward as the grid-tie system begins to feed electricity into the utility grid... to the delight of all those present.  In one photo you can see the rectangular Enphase Inverters mounted under each solar panel.  I'll leave the rest of the photographs to speak for themselves, then a short commentary sent to me by Glenn and Nancy.

"Glenn and I have been interested in alternative energy for years. We (Glenn) built our home, barn, tractor shed, honey house, and shop. Our house is heated with wood harvested from our property,  We have a large vegetable garden and can or freeze a large part of the produce. We have chickens for eggs and meat. Glenn takes a venison or two every fall.  We have Bees for honey.  I have always used a 'solar' clothes drier and wooden racks upstairs to dry our clothes.  Producing our own power is a natural extension of our life style.    The decision to get a system in 2010 was driven by a sense of those that can do something NOW should.  Solar is possible and the tax advantages did influence our decision.  Years of talk was replaced by planning and research.  Our neighbor, a retired Master Electrician, volunteered to help with the project.  He was excited to work on a solar project and to do a presentation to 'his' community of electrical inspectors.  Having his help was key plus Glenn has always been a 'putter' sorta man (living in an owner built home plus outbuildings).   The talk of a financial pay back period or return was not key to doing what was right but the cost was a factor.

 We visited an off-grid home and were impressed by the systems and 'normal' home.  Glenn spoke with people that suggested waiting a few years as technology was improving fast and there would be new innovations  in a few years.  We were grateful for the honest advice.  A site visit and more research determined that a wind system would not be suitable here.   Again, the wind person was truthful in their reporting results that our area did not have needed winds.  (I am glad that Glenn will not be dealing with towers and maintance of a wind system.)

Computer research and attending and supporting the Energy Fair at Onekama, Michigan lead to grand ideas and good contacts.  The variety of possible conservation  and system ideas was educational and reinforced the possibilities of remodeling and replacing to decrease energy uses.  The local electrical co-op had presentations which pushed Energy Star and their partners in alternative heating and cooling.  We did want to purchase Michigan or USA-made if possible but knew other countries have been ahead in actual product production. 

 Glenn wanted to purchase components and do the labor himself but one bid was only interested in a total package. Another contractor was offended and got upset when we talked to him about buying the components as he wanted to do the "engineering"  The bid for the support and cement pad was so large we were suspecious of the entire package.  Phone conversations were negative and it was back to research for people that understood and had experience working with do-it-your-self people.

The support pads (five feet deep and 30 inches wide) and the 18 inch deep ditch for the conduit from the site to our home was done in the fall of year one.  Glenn had the steel posts (stored here for 35 years )  He cleaned and painted the posts. 

After several phone contacts, Glenn chose "VOODOO SOLAR" and Don Clark.  This proved to be a wise choice.  Don was always helpful and encouraging.  The solar panels,  micro-inverters. and panel racks arrived.   We were ready.  The winter left and we started work on our new "Solar System"

There are photos of each step.  Basically you need some skills and having an electrician that will follow the CODE is important.  The local electrical company was supportive and had to supply net metering thanks to Michigan law.   Zoning was not an issue.

The "system" was activated on April 1, 2010.  The meter ran backwards.  We are producing some of our own electricity!"