solar power

As I mentioned in my previous post, I met with Gordon to inspect the site.  We did, and the results were not as good as I had hoped.  After using his instruments he determined that we were eligible for about a 6.2 kilowatt (kW) system. I was hoping for an 8 kW system.  Currently my house uses about 6.6 kW.  Factor in a larger house (1000 square feet), add the geothermal piece, which is powered by an electric pump and electric water heater, I figured that I was going to need more juice.  I estimated about 8kW system would cover 100% of my electrical bills.

This is how you figure how much power you are using here is the tip that I found somewhere on the web:

Take your current electric bill.  On it you should find a listing of kilowatt hours (kwh) in my case it was 772.
divide the kwh by the number of days billed.  My last bill was for 29 days. That comes to 26.62 .  Lastly, multiply the 26.62 by .25.  This number (6.65) is approximately the kilowatt system that you would need to get 100% performance. There are other variables, but this can give you a rough estimate.

Changing the subject-  I went to Coventry town hall today where I had a meeting with the wetlands commisioner, Mr. Penny.  It looks pretty good and we might not even have to get a permit to build, since we are fairly far (more than 75 feet) from where we estimate the wetlands end.

I also stopped off at Sanford and Hollie, a building materials contractor, to drop our plans off for an estimate for building costs.  They are going estimate to "shell" status, or weatherproof.  This will not include any interior items, cabinets and such, but will give a good feel for where we are.

Our plan is that we demolish the existing house, crush the existing septic, and start building by the beginning- to mid April.  I am getting very nervous but it is a good nervous.  :)

Thanks for reading.