Power Up

As of around mid-day Monday (5/24/10) the two pole solar array system is generating electrical power.

Very Cool!

A Pleasant Day

Attented the spring luncheon of retired Phelps-Clifton Springs Faculty members held at the Clifton Spring Country Club yesterday. I decided to walk to and from the luncheon as it was a bright, mild May day. Walking along the Canandaigua outlet I was able to talk to a fisherman casting in the stream. You can not do that while motoring by in a car or peddling a bicycle. After an enjoyable time with former colleagues, I continued the loop towards home by walking the old RxR bed, exiting by Midlakes High School where I crossed the road into a plantation of trees my biology classes had planted in years past. Although some trees are growing, the area is fast being overtaken by a succession of honey suckle and multifloral rose. At the edge of Flint Creek where my biology classes had completed stream monitoring surveys, I checked a few remaining salamander boards and noting several little 'red backs'. To cross the creek; I removed my hiking boots and walked in with the backwater well above my knees. I could then get onto the Ontario County Pathway which rejoined Rt 96 and then Rt 88. The last three miles of the day's 19.5 mile hike, was along the northern most segment of the Ontario County Pathway, animated by bird vocalizations and splotchy sunlight ... a pleasant day.

Solar Array Set Up - Day 8

We are in TEST MODE!

Our outside meter is running backwards as surplus electrons flow back into the grid.

Various views of the system.

Solar Array Set Up - Day 7

Electric panel work today in the basement.

The inverter (big box) converts Direct Curent into Alternating Current, which is compatible with the grid. The meter (right side) will digitally display the flow of generated solar electricity. The web box in the upper right corner of the panel will be our system's direct link with the internet, enabling myself and HALCO to graphically observe the output of our panels at any time from our/their online computer monitor.

Tomorrow we will "flip the switch" and do the first trial run of the system.

Stay tuned.

Solar Array Set Up - Day 6

Monday was a busy day electrically wiring the 32 solar panels into a unit and mounting the inverter box in the basement.

Electricians wire panels into a single unit.

Using a landscaping rake to restored the recently disturbed backyard.

Tomorrow will be a day of wiring in our basement.

Wednesday is the schedule trial run date.

Check back again tomorrow.

Solar Array Set Up - Day 5

As you will see in the photos below, the Photovoltaic System really took shape today.

The final wiring of the system will take place on Monday.

Dan (HALCO) feeds six wires and a ground wire into the conduit as Ralph (HALCO) pulls them through, 265 ft away. A lubricant made the pulling a little easier.

Workers attach and align the solar panels to the rack.

A backside view.

Melissa (HALCO) checks & adjusts the N-S orientation of the towers' solar panels for maximum E-W solar exposure. The steep angle would be the racks' position during the dead of winter when the sun's apparent position is lower in the winter sky.

All great 'Earth Science stuff', were I still in the education business.

The two towers in the upcoming summer position when the sun is higher in the sky.

Can you see the tower as you walk out our basement door to the garden or garage?

The system blends in nicely with the surroundings.