Kathy's Big Idea
It was Kathy's idea to reduce our footprint on the environment, so we began researching the cost of solar. We came across an article in the Providence Journal about a company called Solarwrights and their owner, Bob Chew. We called Bob, he came over to discuss solar-generated power, and the rest is history.
Building Our Solar Array
That summer, Solarwrights installed our system. The project included 45 Kyocera 187G High-Efficiency Multicrystal PV modules on the main house roof, connected to two FRONIUS IG4000 inverters, plus 10 Kyocera 187G modules on the garage roof connected to a FRONIUS IG2000 inverter.
All components necessary to make it fully operational were included — from the Fronius DatCom monitoring equipment to a new inside residential electric meter and a special utility meter from Narragansett Electric (now National Grid) that reads when the meter spins in reverse.
Complete System Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Roof Panels | 45 × Kyocera 187G High-Efficiency Multicrystal PV Modules |
| Garage Roof Panels | 10 × Kyocera 187G High-Efficiency Multicrystal PV Modules |
| Main Inverters | 2 × FRONIUS IG4000 |
| Garage Inverter | 1 × FRONIUS IG2000 |
| Total DC Capacity | 10.285 kW/DC |
| AC Output | 8.9 kW/AC |
| Estimated Annual Output | ~13,000 kWh/year |
| Panel Warranty | 25 years |
| Utility Connection | National Grid (formerly Narragansett Electric) |
| Installer | Solarwrights (Bob Chew) |
| Installation Date | Summer 2005 |
☀ How Net Metering Works
Our solar inverters connect directly to National Grid. When the sun shines brightly and we generate more electricity than we use, the excess flows back to the grid and our electric meter literally spins backwards — earning us credit toward our bill.
Tracking Our Production
The FRONIUS DatCom monitoring system connected to our inverters lets us track real-time and historical energy production. By March 2013 — just under 8 years after installation — our cumulative meter read 99,560 kWh, bringing us close to the 100,000 kWh milestone.
Winter 2012 was a challenging solar season as snow stayed on the roof longer than expected, temporarily reducing output. But over the long run, the system has performed reliably year after year.