Location: Inn Serendipity Woods Cabin, Hillsboro, Wisconsin
Rated Output of PV System: 2,228 watts PV system (or 2.28 kW)
Commissioned: April 11, 2011
System Design: Twelve MAGE 190-watt modules mounted on a standing seam metal roof of the cabin, connected to a Fronious IG 2000 Inverter which was then connected to a circuit breaker box connected to the rest of the house service. The inverter converts Direct Current (DC) generated from the modules to Alternating Current (AC) which can readily be used for electricity needs on the property or, in the case of surplus generation, "stored" or "banked" back on the grid through "net metering." On average, about 2,000 kWhs of surplus electricity are generated each year with this PV system.
Type of PV System:Grid intertie with Vernon Electric Cooperative which offers net metering, in essence allowing owners to sell excess electricity production back to the electric utility. No battery storage is employed.
Annual Net Electricity Output (surplus): 2,124 kWhs in 2012.
Project Designers: Thomas Raye with Solar Rayes Services (formerly Building Energy Controls, Elroy, Wisconsin).
Renewable Energy Systems Dealer: Solar Rayes Services, Kurtistown, Hawaii
System Installer: Thomas Raye with Solar Rayes Services (formerly Building Energy Controls, Elroy, Wisconsin).
Ecological Impacts: Over the expected 25 year lifespan of the 2.28 kW PV system, approximately 63,025 kWh of electricity should be generated from the sunlight to exceed the electricity needs at the Inn Serendipity Woods Cabin and help offset carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 is among the most common emissions from coal-fired electricity generation plants. Excessive CO2 emissions is the leading contributor to global warming. Source: Energy Center of Wisconsin.
Use of Electricity: Because the electricity is originating at the cabin, it is likely that fans and pumps in the active, closed loop, solar thermal system as well as lighting and other electric appiances will use all the electricity generated, with the surplus to be sold to Vernon Electric Cooperative.
Eco-nomics (Cost of 2.28 kW PV System):
* In 2011, there was the opportunity to take advantage of the 100-percent bonus depreciation on the net total cost of this system.
Site Integration: Integration of PV system to meet all the electricity needs of this small business.
PV System Funding Support: The 2.28 kW PV system is supported, in part, from funding from the Wisconsin Focus on Energy and USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) programs.
For reservations, call or write to:
Inn Serendipity B & B
7843 County P
Browntown WI 53522
Tel: 608-329-7056
E-mail: info (at) innserendipity (dot) com
Website: www.innserendipity.com