Nate's solar-powered house
I recently had a 5kW solar photovoltaic array installed by Alteris Renewables. It was financed by SunRun through a new concept of solar ownership called Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Basically, I paid a $1,000 downpayment and will pay SunRun for the energy generated by the panels at a fixed rate ($0.177) over the next 18 years. During those 18 years, they own the panels, and (yay) maintain the panels. After 18 years, the panels are mine.
The system is grid-tied, meaning there are no batteries … the electric grid acts as my battery! During the day, my meter goes backwards (lowering my electricity bill) and in the evening it goes forwards (adding to my electricity bill).
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