Under revision - added 5KW more capacity

Our solar electric system started generating power on 8/01/08 . The solar panels  have a capacity of 5.4KW,  are mounted on 2 poles and track the sun. See pictures below. Because our system tracks the sun, we generate up to 40% more power than the same solar panels mounted in a fixed position on the roof. From 8/1/08 until 7/31/09 we have generated 13,313 KWH.  When we generate more power than we are using, our electric meter runs backward!  In the Winter, when we are not using air conditioning, the meter runs backward most of the day while the sun is up.  Considering the reduced power we draw from PNM and the PNM incentive payments, the value of that 13,313 KWH is $3062.  Our PNM bill for our first 12 months of solar system installation was -$335.

We have wanted to do this for some time.  We hoped that advances in technology would reduce the costs.  There have been some improvements but not enough to make the financial case compelling.  Even when you consider the 30% tax credits and assume increases in the future cost of electricity, we are looking at more than 10 years to break even.  What has tipped the scale for us is our growing concern for our planet, our children, our grand children and our large carbon footprint. It’s also a really cool technology. (For more information on your carbon footprint, please check the following sites - www.carbonfootprint.coM  and www.climaterealityproject.org.) 

Our small installation won’t make much of an impact on the amount of coal burned at the huge Four Corners generating plant.  Nor will it significantly reduce the load on our stressed power distribution network.  It’s a very small step, but as more folks share our concerns and take similar steps, the impact could be very significant. There are currently (10/08) only 33 grid tied solar electric systems installed in Corrales.

 For those of you who are interested in solar power, more information is available at www.NMSOLAR.OrG. 

5.4 KW solar electric sun tracking system.  Granddaughter is waving.

Tracking mechanism provides full 2 axis tracking with automatic return to the East after sun set.