A typical “State-of-the-Art” Solar Energy System on Martha’s Vineyard

Typical State of Art Solar System 980x735 1

Harvest Sun Solar designs and installs state-of-the-art systems incorporating module level electronics and full monitoring of each module/panel in real time. 

At the click of a button you will be able to see that every module/panel is producing at optimal performance. Our systems are extremely durable with an expected life of over 40-years. We incorporate DC-optimizers which provide the highest mediation possible for transient shade throughout the day. We build these premium systems with price points, durability and manufacturers customer service history in mind. 

 

Some highlights from the executive summary page of an average solar system on Martha’s Vineyard: 

You are looking at an expected rate of return of 22.2% which translates into a payoff time of 4.6 years, (which is expected to increase on the MA SMART Program) after which you would be operating on basically free electricity for a further 35 years minimum. 

 

Furthermore, the system is estimated to raise the property value $117,000 from the moment it is turned on. This added property value is nontaxable for 20 years and is equivalent to procuring the land and planting over 12,000 trees and raising them to maturity. That is quite a contribution while making a sound and risk-free investment in your future. 

 

A little bit about what we mean by “state-of-the-art” solar systems 

The solar modules themselves have an STC (Standard Test Conditions) rating of 18.82%. This kind of efficiency in a solar module/panel, while remaining at a reasonable price point, is exceptional. Many people are basing their business on “premium” panels… Whereas you gain possibly as much as 2-1/2% efficiency while paying about 160% more. We have different ideas about what “premium” is. We choose to install with high-efficiency panels at a reasonable price point with proven durability and strong company track record. Furthermore, we look for low – time and exposure degradation rates, over strong frames and glass, and low light conditions performance. 

 

The electronics which handle all this power are also “state-of-the-art.”. Our go-to choice is DC-optimizers, (PV-optimizers). Under each panel are one of these durable little boxes which through solid-state electronics and some simple computing directly control the power-point curves of the panel they are connected to. 

 

Every time you are using electricity, you are using watts. Watts are simply amps multiplied by volts. Sometimes it’s more advantageous to have more amps and less volts and the obverse. That is what these PV-optimizers are doing. They tracked the power-point curve to find the point where it will produce the maximum power and then they adjust the amps and volts to reach this immediately and consistently. 

 

Most companies are using micro-inverters, which were state-of-the-art a few years ago. They are using them for the same reasons that we use PV/DC optimizers… For maximum power-point tracking and shade mediation. However, in the case of micro-inverters your dealing with the piece of equipment is composed of about 50% more small parts. 

 

Also, as the name implies each one of these is an inverter. They’re doing the conversion on the roof from DC to AC power. There is an appreciable loss of efficiency by using all the small inverters rather than one large base inverter which is situated in a more environmentally friendly area. 

 

It is hot on that roof! 

 

Concerning material supplier’s reputations 

Our most common supplier is CivicSolar. They, and their reputation, is easily searchable. They are not just a supplier but a technical asset also. They strongly vet every brand which they offer. JinkoCertainTeedHanwhaJA Solar & more, are just some of the brand name premium solar panels they provide. We also tend to use SolarEdge inverters/micro-inverters due to the company’s proven track record and quality of their products. 

 

In closing, we would like to impress upon you that this is soup to nuts. We take care of everything from beginning to end. Until you are fully functional and signed up for all your incentives in a fully-automated way. We do just about absolutely everything except file your taxes and set up your bank account to receive checks from the state of Massachusetts. 

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll to Top