solar power

I commissioned this modest PV installation in april 2007.

Installation is dead simple, the panels connect to an invertor. The invertor is connected to an existing circuit for the central heating via a meter.

Today is a sunny day, the picture is from this morning. The shadow of the building reveals the position of the sun.
You may argue that 861W is not much but still, the utility meter runs backwards. How is yours?




specifications

power: 1464 Wp
invertor: fronius IG15
estimated yearly production: 1244 kWh

Below is the financial picture, values in euro.

total installation cost	10490
grant	-1083
tax deduction	-3380
certificates until now	-900	2 * 450
production	-360	2400wh * 15cent
not yet earned back	4767
maintenance	0

evolution of power consumption (updated 01/2011)

2006: 4800 kWh (0% PV)
2007: 4100 kWh
2008: 3030 kWh (100% PV )
2009: 2060 kWh
2010: 2020 kWh

The savings are not entirely due to the PV installation. There are a couple of things I did:

• turn off unused lights
• remove wall transformers when not needed
• replace desktop computers with portables
• disconnected little used old fridge
  

And yes, believe me, it makes a difference! (something like 500 kWh)

the bill

I have a dual meter so I have the added advantage to sell some power at peak tariff and buy back at offpeak tariff. The 3030kWh cost me 374 euro all in (taxes, meter hire and so on).

• invoiced: 374 euro
• theoretical income from certificates per year: 1.2 * 450 = 540 euro
• theoretical cost of ownership over 20 years: (10490-1083-3380)/20 = 301.35 euro

The income from the certificates is contractually fixed at 450 euro for 20 years. The burden of paying for the certificates is shared by all the subscribers.

installer: atv