NATIONAL SOLAR TOUR
NATIONAL SOLAR TOUR
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We Thank Our 2023 National Solar Tour Sponsors
The American Solar Energy Society‘s 28th Annual National Solar Tour aims to promote renewable energy awareness and increase the adoption of sustainable living practices. Are you interested in going solar or purchasing a sustainable system? Join in-person or virtual tours to gain insight from current owners!
Although the main weekend is October 6-8, 2023. In-person and virtual tours are happening all throughout the year.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES COLOR KEY:
Curran-Tuskes residence
If you’re interested in a grid=tied, battery backup solar energy (PV = PhotoVoltaic) system, this is the place to visit. There are 3 separate, independently operated systems on site:
1) On the house, a grid-tied battery backup system with a 41kWh flooded lead acid battery;
2) On the barn, a strictly grid-tied system without a battery;
3) On the barn, a grid-tied, battery backup system with a 11.4kWh lithium/iron/phosphate battery.
In the event of a grid outage, all critical loads are backed up, including the barn hydronic heating system, the house well pump and sump pump, hot water heater, refrigerator, a few essential lights and most all electronics (computers, VoIP phones, LAN system, etc.).
We have a net metering agreement with our utility which allows us to sell any excess generation back to them. Typically, this results in no electric bills from May through October each year.
Entire system was self-installed in stages over the period from 2007 to 2019.
We also have various large battery-powered electric equipment including a Chevy Bolt EV, a zero-turn electric mower, an electric push mower, and two e-bikes.