Adding Storage to Solar—another step closer to a sustainable culture

This presentation was recorded and can be viewed on the MAREA YouTube Channel or by clicking the play button above. To view the slides, use the link below.

Solar electric doesn’t work when the sun isn’t shining.  We’ll look at what it took to change a 10-year-old, rural, grid-tied Photovoltaic (PV) system into a flexible setup that can well-serve both its owners and the community.

Energy storage is the keystone for the changeover to 100 percent renewables and we’ll look at how, as individuals, we can work towards that goal by investing our time and money.

The upgraded Solar Electric (PV) system is designed to provide power during extended outages and charge an electric vehicle. Renewable excess electricity can be provided to neighboring homes and through net-metering, the system will offset the annual electrical usage of the home. The setup includes two Sol-Ark 12 kilowatt inverters, eight SimpliPhi Lithium-ion batteries, 76 solar modules and a 15 kilowatt propane-powered generator as backup to the backup.

Presented by Bill Hennessy and Bruce Hankins. Bill is one of MAREA’s earliest organizers, early and longtime solar and renewable energy pioneer, NABCEP-certified installer (now retired), teacher and advocate. Bruce Hankins is a retired master electrician, veteran solar contractor, and Bill’s long time work partner. Bill, Bruce and Vera Cole have taught many solar workshops at universities and community colleges across the state and as part of many home installs. Many solar installers in Pennsylvania and neighboring states gained their initial training from Bill, Bruce and Vera.