Veterans Day 2014 Solar Deal

Scotts Contracting is a Show-Me Heroes Employer!

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Thank You-Military Brothers and Sisters Veterans Day 2014.  

I'm sharing the prices of these SunPower E Series  Solar Panel Pricing to show you an example of how you can become energy independent at an affordable price.  This price is so low that the $2 per watt incentive from Ameren UE is not needed.

World's Highest Efficiency Ever Attained! 20.4% Efficiency All Modules Are E-Series Grade-*B Item Warranty Price SUNPOWER 435W Modules 25 Years $.64/W SUNPOWER 435W Laminates 20 Years $.29/W SUNPOWER 327W Laminates 20 Years $.29/W Grade-**C Item Warranty Price SUNPOWER 435W Laminates 20 Years $.18/W SUNPOWER 327W Laminates 20 Years $.18/W

* Grade-B Modules are brand new. They come with frames, junction boxes, and MC2 connectors. They have been tested and each panel is full power. Estimated lifetime is 30-40 years.

These modules may have small cosmetic blemishes that are practically invisible to the eye, and may include a few discolored cells, and scratches on the frames, glass, and tedlar.

**Grade-C Modules are the same as Grade-B but they have more cosmetic blemishes.

435w Laminates $.29 per watt

435w Laminates $.18 per watt

 For those of you who have been following the Ameren UE Solar Rebate Legal Battle over the $2 per watt incentive from Ameren

The prices of these panels make going solar cheap and inexpensive enough that the Solar Rebate from Ameren is just an afterthought (in case they sway and lobby the Missouri Legislators from eliminating the Solar Rebate in Missouri).


Example for 4,000 K system using simple math and a 435 w solar panel

Solar Panels

4,000w divided by 435=9.19 round to 10

• 435w x $.29=126.15  x 10 = $1,261.50 Grade B
• 435w x $.18=78.30    x 10 = $783.00 Grade C

Solar Racking

• 4,000w x $.35= $1,400 Mid
• 4,000w x $.25= $1,000 Low 

Solar Inverter

• Large Format Micro Inverters 10 x $152= $1,520
• Central Inverter                      1 x $1,000= $1,000

Solar Installation

• 4,000w x $1.00= $4,000
• 4,000w x $.75= $3,000

Using the above example you can have become energy independent for between $8,181.5-$5783.00.  

Solar System Break Even Point using .09/watt cost of electricity (not including the electric price increases of 5% per year)

• low 64,256 Months or 5 1/3 years
• high 90,945 Months or 7 1/2 years

Between the 5th or 7th year your Solar System has paid for itself!

• Per Manufacturer's Warranty you will have 18 and 25 more years of guaranteed electricity for free from your solar system.

As an Independent Solar Provider in StLouis I can't bring you a better deal on Solar than this.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources from Scotty-St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Eliminating Solar Panel Fires from Wire Faults

What could have stopped the solar panel fire on the Webster Grooves School in StLouis MO?

 Solar Panels that utilize the M215 MicroInverters made by Enphase Energy could have stopped the Solar Panel fire before the fire started.

I realize that is a rather boastful statement made by someone who promotes, sells, and installs Solar PV systems for the StLouis Region and chooses to utilize Green Building in all their Construction Activities.

But the Great Minds behind [The Next Generation of Microinverter] the Enphase M215 MicroInverters that provide 96% CEC efficiency equals more energy production also built the M215 MicroInverter with a GFI [Ground Fault {Detection} Interrupt] shut off.  Similar to GFI Electrical Outlets pictured in the photo below.

Must Have For Safety  GFI Electrical Plugs are required by all USA building codes and are located in your Kitchen, Bath, and Laundry Rooms and other areas close to water sources- Scotty, Scotts Contracting

All M215 MicroInverters will shut off if there is a fault detected. inside of every microinverter is a GFI (Ground fault {detection} interrupt) switch and if there is a fault, it will stop exporting power within 30 milliseconds per UL1741standards.

• {Scotty Adds-

• Just Like the GFI electrical plug in your Bathroom and Kitchen works!
• I had to look up 30 milliseconds to see how fast it was and here's what wiki supplied: 

• 20 milliseconds — cycle time for European 50 Hz AC electricity or mains grid
• 24 milliseconds — minimum ignition time for a U.S. Rockets company solid rocket motor
• 31.25 milliseconds - a hundred twenty-eighth note at MM = 60
• 33.3 milliseconds — the amount of time one frame lasts in 30fps video
• 41.708 milliseconds — the amount of time one frame lasts in 24fps video or film (actually 23.976fps for most films)
• 50 milliseconds — cycle time for the lowest audible tone, 20 Hz}

Enphase Energy M215 MicroInverter

Overview

The Enphase M215 is the world’s most efficient microinverter.

Based on Enphase’s third generation technology, the M215 incorporates the latest innovations in power electronics and custom microchips to deliver 96% CEC efficiency and a range of patented performance features that maximize the performance of 60-cell solar modules.

In addition, the M215 is light weight and offers a “single-bolt” mounting bracket that makes installation easier than any other inverter on the market. 

{Scotty-Faster, Safer, and Requires Less Labor on the Installation-Translates into saving for the Client on the  Installation and produces more Clean Energy ! }

General Features other than the 25 year limited warranty (PDF)

• Integrates with Enphase Engage Cable

• CSA listed per UL 1741/IEE1547

• Works with 60-cell modules ONLY

• M215 Metrics

• 96% CEC efficiency

• Output power: 215W

• Recommended max input power: 270W

• MPPT Range: 22-36V

• Low-voltage operation capability

  Learn more about the Great Product at the following Links

• Enphase Brochure – System Overview Download
  
• Enphase Certification – M215 Microinverter CSA Certificate Download
  
• Enphase Certification – M215 Microinverter VDE License (Part 1) Download
  
• Enphase Certification – M215 Microinverter VDE License (Part 2) Download
  
• Enphase Datasheet – Engage Cable Download
  
• Enphase Datasheet – M215 Microinverter Download
  
• Enphase Installation and Operations Manual – Engage Cable Download
  
• Enphase Installation & Operations Manual – M215 Microinverter  Download
  
• Enphase Quick Install Guide – M215 Microinverter Download
  

Here's my conversation with the Good People of Enphase Energy and links to the Articles about the Solar Fire

Scotty:

“Recently in St Louis, MO a solar panel supposedly caught on fire on the roof of a local school...it hasn't made much news other than deemed solar fire on school. Could one of your Innovative MicroInverters215 sensed the ground fault and stopped the production of electricity and thus eliminated the fire since it would have stopped creating electricity? There is a few local builders who have been considering adding solar but have raised questions in re. Thank you for your time and assistance. Scotty”

Enphase Energy 1st response:

Hello Scotty,
Thank you for contacting Enphase Energy!
That's a scary situation! Sorry to hear that it happened!
Safety is one of the aspects of our system that we are very proud of. The old style of solar array uses solar panels in series, which ends up with High Voltage DC wiring. Our Microinverters converter the DC to AC right at each panel, which is inherently safer. Here is a link to our informational page that speaks to our safety, which also has a link to PDF:
http://enphase.com/explore/enphase-technology/safe/
Here also is a link to a video demonstration on our YouTube channel, which shows the difference between a DC and AC arc fault:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKtmPMjrbVA
Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Rob Tierney
Inside Sales
Enphase Energy

Scotty:

Thank you for responding to my question.  I'm already a fan of the M215.  Can the M215 sense a ground fault and stop producing electricity?

 "Could one of your Innovative MicroInverters215 sensed the ground fault and stopped the production of electricity and thus eliminated the fire since it would have stopped creating electricity?"

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Scotty 

Enphase Energy (2nd Answer):

Yes! Our Microinverters do detect ground faults and halt production. 

Please let me know if you have any other questions, or if there is anything else I can do to assist. 

Thanks,

Rob Tierney

Enphase Energy (3rd Answer from Contact Form on their website):

Hi Scotty, 

The inverter will shut off if there is a fault detected. inside of every microinverter is a GFI (Ground fault detection interrupt) switch and if there is a fault, it will stop exporting power within 30milliseconds per UL1741 standards. 

If you'd like to watch the recorded session of the webinar feel free to use the link below. That link will take you to all of the recorded sessions that we have. 

https://enphasetraining.webex.com/ec0606l/eventcenter/recording/recordAction.do?siteurl=enphasetraining&theAction=archive

Jarett

Enphase Energy (4th Answer via a Twitter Post)

Enphase Energy ‏@Enphase

If a phase line drops, units stop producing immediately @stlhandyman @chjch I was just on their site and;@Enphase  and asked the same question.

• Contact Enphase via Twitter: Enphase Energy ‏ @Enphase

• By Email
  
• 
  

  Rob TierneyInside SalesPhone: (877) 797-4743, ext 8128RTierney@EnphaseEnergy.com
  

  
  

  Jarett Skeffington 
  

Solar Panel Fire Articles

• . @StLHandyMan See this? Solar panel fire: MT @ksdknews: Webster HS- Damage minimal. Finals week NOT in jeopardy. pic.twitter.com/cEM0udKqYv
  

  • 
    Webster Groves School District May 18

Solar panels on the roof of Webster Groves High School caught fire today. The fire, which was contained, caused no interior damage. Some water used to put out the fire seeped into a classroom.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The High School will have classes on Monday.

Like I wrote earlier the Great Minds at Enphase have already factored this safety feature into the Design and Construction of their Innovative MicroInverter the M215. Couple that with the great and timely feedback from their Websites, Twitter Accounts, and Email Correspondence-

Whats not to Love about the Dynamic and Innovative Products at Enphase Energy!

Scotty writes on June 5th 2013-2 Typos were corrected-GDFI-to GFI.

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

StLouis Made In America Solar Systems Now Available

Authorized Installation and Sales
Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy 

Made in the USA

What does it really mean to be made in America?

For SolarWorld, being made in America means more than simply assembling foreign components in the USA, which does little to benefit the economy. By carrying out the entire value chain in the USA , we are creating American manufacturing jobs not only at our factories but at our suppliers’ factories as well.

We purchase our supplies and services right here in the U.S.

American components and materials

• Raw silicon
• Tempered glass
• Aluminum module frames
• Back sheets and embedding
• Other direct and indirect materials

American manufacturing

• Crystal growing and wafering in Hillsboro, OR
• Cell manufacturing and solar panel assembly in Hillsboro, OR
• Sales, marketing & customer service in Camarillo, CA

Why made in America is important to our customers

• Highest quality products
• Reliable delivery schedules
• Local warranty and product support
• Real energy independence vs importing
• Meets and exceeds Buy America requirements
• Avoids environmental costs of overseas shipping
• Money spent stimulates the US economy and creates US jobs
• Processes meet stringent US labor and environmental policies

SolarWorld is investing over $500 million to expand US-based manufacturing, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year for American workers, goods and services.

Related Links

What is'Made in America'? 
[PDF 1.8MB]

Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy offers the Following Services for Home and Business 

Specializing in Green, Eco Friendly and Sustainable Building Projects with Energy Reducing Resources for Home Improvement Projects and Energy Conservation 

for the St Louis Region

Contact: 

Find and Contact Scotts Contracting at these Social Network Sites

Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy

Email Scotts Contracting Here

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 Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog