Counting to a mWh

We are counting up to our first mWh, we're sitting at 978 kWh, unfortunately it was cloudy today and supposed to be raining some tomorrow....Sat is supposed to be perfectly clear, I've seen 22 kWh on a clear day in the last couple of weeks so I think we might be celebrating a megawatt Saturday!  I'll post again when we do!

So Close!

We're getting so close to our Megawatt of solar power!!!  As of 3:30 PM today (2/3/13) we're sitting at 914 kWh since the system was turned on, we're making close to 20 kWh per day on sunny days, so it might be this week!  Excited!

Half way there!

We finished out 2012 by reaching our half way mark on our goal of a producing a megawatt of power, by the end of the day 12/31/12 we had made just over 500 kWh!  At this rate if we get some sunny days we might hit one megawatt by February, yeah!

Megawatt?

With the solar PV running we wondered how long it would be before we would make a MegaWh of power, we're 30% of the way there!  We're about 300 kWh as of today, I'm guessing sometime 1st quarter next year, just depends on how many sunny days we get.

Green List

We've been asked many times about what we did that's "Green" with the house build....we usually just ramble off some things about the insulation and solar and stuff.....I decided to try and come up with a list of "Green" things, what we consider to be "Green" goes beyond that of just saving energy or money, we also think of things  that are healthy for us, so here's my list in no particular order.  Maybe I can reference it next time someone asks so that I don't just ramble about random "green" things.

• Low E Argon Gas filled Energy Efficient Windows
• Caulk and Foam Seal all studs and joists
• R19 Natural Fiber wall insulation
• R38 Attic Insulation
• 2x6 outer walls
• Bora-Care Green Termite treatment
• Zip System wall boards & sealing system
• Radiant Barrier under Roof
• Insulated Garage Walls and Doors
• Low and No VOC paints, stains, caulks, etc.
• 15 Seer Energy Efficient Heat Pump/AC units
• Fresh Air Exchange System
• Humidity Controlling programmable Thermostats
• Energy Star Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher
• Induction Cook-top (90% efficient verses 65% for regular electric range)
• Velux Thermal Solar Water Heating System
• 6.2 kW 24 panel LG Photovoltaic Solar System
• Carpet, I can't remember what was "green" about it
• Radon release system from basement
• Carbon dioxide detectors
• Low Flow Shower and Faucet Heads
• Dual Flush Toilets
• 96% non-incandescent lights, mostly CFLs, some LED lights placed in strategic locations, maybe I should change out those 5 incandescent lights in the attic space to make it 100%
• Energy Star Ceiling Fans
• Drought Tolerant Warm Season Grass (no irrigation)
• Timers on all Bathroom exhaust fans
• Sealed and Conditioned Basement (eventually to be finished)
• Whole House Water Filtration System (no salt or chemicals)
• Smart Electric Power Strips for TV Systems
• Engineered Deck Boards

I'll update this post periodically as I'm sure I missed something or got something wrong.  If you notice anything I missed feel free to e-mail me.

Making some Power!

We are making power!  Progress Energy installed the net meter this past week and Southern Energy did the final check and turned on the breakers Friday afternoon.
Today (Saturday) I checked around noon and we were making 4.45 kW with a total of 12.5 kWh produced so far today!  So excited!  All 24 panels are showing online.

If the car wasn't charging right now I'd go take a picture of the meter feeding power to the grid...but right now the car charging is sucking up all our power generated, which that's ok because that's kind of like making your own gas for a combustion engine car  ;-)

Updated Time Lapse

I updated the "time lapse" slide show.  I think it's neat seeing it all come together in just a little more than 1 minute!