3.6kW solar PV system from Canadian Solar

A family in Edwardsville, Illinois decided they wanted to “green up” their home by adding solar PV on their roof.  They also wanted a backup system so that, in the event of a power failure, their primary appliances, such as refrigerator, computer, lighting and gas appliances can continue to function.  So they invited The Energy Savings Store to install a grid-tied solar PV system with a battery backup.

These trendsetters are only the second home in Madison County to install solar. Their relatively new home already uses passive solar heating, and the owners had implemented a number of energy conservation and efficiency measures. As a result, their home uses only about 15,000 kWh of power a year.  The 3.6kW system uses 18 Canadian Solar PV panels installed on the south facing roof in the rear of their home.  The system produces about 4,500kWh of energy per year, or about 30% of their total usage.  The Outback battery backup system keeps eight batteries fully charged so the key appliances in the home can continue running for a day or two on backup power.

The owners were able to take advantage of both federal and Illinois state tax credits to reduce their final costs on the system.  Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy to find out what financial incentives are available for you!