Halco Installs 5.89 kW Roof-Mounted Solar Array in Cato, NY

Challenge

Cato, NY residents, Lewis and Sally, had been interested in solar for a long time. When they learned about the Solarize CNY initiative that was coming to their area, they were intrigued and wanted to learn more.

Solution

Solarize CNY is a non-profit program that is designed to help people make the switch to clean, sustainable energy. The campaign aims to help residents and business owners overcome the financial hurdles of installing solar through volume purchasing. With a large focus on education, the solarize campaigns bring communities together through implementation of outreach and educational programs that are designed to teach the community the benefits of going green. After attending a Solarize CNY meeting, this Cato, NY couple decided to have Halco perform their free site assessment. Lewis and Sally received a proposal from a Halco Energy Advisor and they decided to move forward with the project.

Halco installed a 5886 W (5.886 kW) grid-connected solar electric system on the customer's barn roof. The array consists of eighteen (18) SunPower E-20 327 Watt Modules and is designed to generate approximately 6,116.6 kWh per year. 

The system is configured electrically as three (3) DC circuits (strings) of six (6) series connected modules through a DC disconnect switch to one (1) SMA 6 kW inverter. This inverter provides grid-synchronous AC output and interfaces to the electric utility. System power production (kW) and energy production (kWh) monitoring is provided by a digital display on the inverter and an electromechanical meter.

During a post-production interview with the homeowner he stated that their new system is expected to account for 70% or more of his current electrical usage. When asked what aspect of the system he was most excited about, the homeowner was quick to confirm his excitement in making a contribution towards emission reduction. We congratulate the couple on taking this major step towards energy independence and reducing their environmental impact!