This home in SE Portland has turned off their water heater for the summer and used only 1.7 Kw per day (Portland average is closer to 30 Kw per day) for the month of September. A1440 Kw photovoltaic system which ties into the utility grid, was installed on the roof of this Victorian home. When the system produces more electricity than the owner uses, it runs the meter backward. This type of system is called a utility intertie system and has no batteries. The system has resulted in zero net energy use for much of the summer. The 12, 2 x 4 foot Kyocera brand panels are each rated for 120 watts.

Installed by Solar Energy Solutions in 2002, water heating is supplied by two 4 x 6 foot solar panels that sit in the garden area. Insulated pipes lead to the hot water storage tank in the basement. This thermosyphon system has allowed the owner to turn off their primary water heater for the summer. The solar hot water system and the photovoltaic system each qualified for the Oregon Department of Energy Tax Credit of $1,500.

A rainwater catchment system stores 525 gallons of water for gardening use during the summer months. Natural landscaping is used throughout the garden with the aim of developing a permaculture garden that would provide food and also require little additional watering.

System Details

System Type: 1440 KW Photovoltaic Intertie System

SolaHart Solar Water Heating

Rain water catchment

Naturescaping

Solar Dealer: Solar Energy Solutions

Funding: Oregon Department of Energy Tax Credits

Performance

Water Heating: Only solar used during the summer.

Electricity: Provides 100% of electricity needs during the summer.