February 20: Let There Be Sun

Thirteen modules comprise our solar array,
which is generating lots of power even on cloudy days.

The wireless readout keeps us informed about all the details.
This screen shows we were generating 2.42 kilowatts at about 2pm yesterday.

The solar panels started to produce energy this week! Our hookup to the grid is complete and even on cloudy and drizzly days, the panels were collecting solar energy. During the past three days, there was bright sunshine and the panels pumped out lots of power - a stellar performance for February days when the sun is low, and much better than we anticipated.

Most fascinating is the wireless gizmo that tells us many things regarding our power generation, including how much we are making, what we are saving in pounds of CO2, and how much energy we are using vs. supplying to the grid.

February 12: Doors and Floors

Here is one set of doors made for the window openings in the loft.

A stained closet door waits to be hung downstairs.

Taking a break with Beau.

Taping the edges of the dyed concrete floor before etching.

Removing all the tape from the floor in my office after etching.

Harry and Erik apply the penetrating sealer.

The interior doors arrived and were treated with an environmentally friendly wood stain, a light oiled finish. A special set of doors was made for the loft windows - so we can open and close them as needed, like shutters.

But before the doors are installed on the lower level, we needed to etch and use a penetrating sealer on the dyed concrete. This involved a few days of taping edges, etching, and three coats of sealant. Good to have that job done!

February 6: Solar Panels Ready to Power Up

The solar array's 13 modules will generate 3 megawatts of electricity.

The solar panels will be on line any day now. The system was installed in late fall by Rainshadow Solar, and it's passed a series of inspections. We're going through the application process to connect to Orcas Power and Electric Co. (OPALCO).

The panels will generate 3 megawatts of power and the system is expandable to 6 megawatts. We'll generate our own electricity when the sun shines, and sell any additional power to OPALCO. The goal is to break even, taking power from the grid on most wintertime days, and selling excess power to OPALCO in the summertime, when days are long and the sun is strong.