The Hansen family enjoys the financial benefits of combining solar energy sources.
CORTLAND, NY. - Jerri and Richard Hansen of Cortland won’t be paying an expensive propane or electric bill as the weather begins to turn colder thanks to the energy created by the combined efforts of their solar hot water heating system and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The Hansen family was like any other family in central New York up until a few months ago - paying their electric bill every month and watching as the cost of heating their home in the colder months increased with every passing season. Concerned about the yearly increase in the cost of electricity they contacted Alternative Power Solutions of New York, LLC about the possibility of installing a windmill on their property to generate electricity.
When their home was being constructed in 2007, Jerri and Richard had alternative energy in mind. Originally from Alaska, they were no strangers to a cold winter and the benefit of alternative fuels. “We built our home with a south-aligned roof, radiant in-floor heating, a 95% gas efficient furnace and R-23 insulation in the walls.” said Richard. “Adding wind or solar was the next logical step in the process.” he added.
The Hansens met with Owen Pugh, owner of APS to conduct a free energy evaluation on the property to determine which type of alternative power would best suit their needs. After reviewing the results of the evaluation it was recommended that they invest in a solar hot water heating system aimed at covering 100% of the cost of their hot water needs and 85% of their space heating needs.
Alternative Power Solutions installed a Sunmaxx Solar Hot Water System with 120 evacuated tubes which feed a 327 gallon storage tank. The hot water heating system proved to be very successful - “Last winter we saved over 200 gallons of propane because of the efficiency of the solar heating system alone.” Richard commented.
“We are certainly glad that we did our homework on the companies offering energy related services in the area. APS was the best educated, the most responsive and they did a fantastic job. Owen’s crew was right on top of everything at all times. We were very impressed with their professionalism.” added his wife Jerri.
Once the snow melted and the Hansen’s saw how much money they saved on last winters heating bills with the new solar heating system, they contacted APS a second time to determine if they could generate additional electricity with solar panels to reduce their electric bill.
APS made another visit to the Hansen property and recommended placing 20 solar panels (Kyocera 210 modules combined with a Fronius IG4000 inverter and Unirac roof mounting system) on their roof. The goal ... cut the Hansen’s electric bill by as much as 96%.
“During the summer months we get 12-14 hours of free, beautiful sunshine.” said Pugh. “Metering laws exist so that when you install an alternative energy system - your electric company is required by law to come and install a bi-directional meter on your home.” he continued.
A bi-directional electricity meter measures the amount of energy you are generating and compares it to how much energy you’re actually using. If there is a surplus of energy, the meter will actually spin backwards and the electric company credits your account. When colder weather sets in and you start using more energy than you are generating - you don’t pay your electric bill. You simply use the credit that you’ve built up throughout the summer.“The energy units are like cell phone minutes - they roll over and never expire.” commented Pugh.
According to the Hansen family, their summer electric bill used to run them $134 per month. After the solar panels were added they are paying $26 per month ... and that’s with three air-conditioners running at long intervals to cool their home.
Myth : Installation of An Alternative Power Solution Is Expensive
According to the Hansen family the total cost of installation of both projects was about $52,000, but New York State and the federal government offer large tax rebates that help offset these costs. Additionally, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) added a grant of $12,400 to the Hansen’s solar photovoltaic project. In their case the combined out-of-pocket costs of both projects after rebates was $22,000.
“Every new home constructed should be built with cutting fossil fuels in mind. Our society needs to get away from coal and oil. Wind and solar are two great forms of available, renewable, free energy and we can access it right here in central New York” said Jerri.
About Alternative Power Solutions
Alternative Power Solutions was created in 2008 by Owen Pugh of Brewerton, NY. For more information or to schedule a free energy evaluation for your home or small business, contact Mr. Pugh at 315.314.6930 or visit their new web site at www.apsofny.com.
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