Jim Groves shares the reasoning behind his decision to power his home using solar electricity. This presentation was given December 4, 2009 at the Solar Energy Focus Conference: Fall 2009 hosted by the Maryland, DC, Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) in Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more please visit: www.mdvseia.camp7.org

1. WHO ARE YOU?
Jim Groves -- City of Hyattsville, MD
National Education Association – HR Dept.
*Green Building Committee
*Alternative Gift Fair Coordinator
*EAFCU Credit Union Board Member
City of Hyattsville
*Moderator and Founding Member of Hyattsville
Organization
for a Positive Environment (HOPE)
-520 Person Listserve
*Chair, Hyattsville Environmental Committee
Save our Sky Home Heating Cooperative – Takoma Park and
Mt. Rainier Corn Bin Manager

2. WHY SOLAR
Environmental Activist
Cost!
Upfront
Payback time
Time & Effort
Look for cheaper alternatives first
CFL’s
New Windows
Corn Stove
New Thermostat
Contacted CitizenRe
Like model, but legit?

3. WHY CLEAN CURRENTS?
Clean Currents Wind Energy user for several
years
Summer ‘09 contacted regarding Solar Program
from Clean Currents
Why Clean Currents and not others?
1. Trusted
2. Paperwork and Filing – Rebates/Permits
3. Money back for purchase
4. Purchase of Solar REC’s
5. Same as Cash Loan
Solar Purchase payback in 5 to 7 years!

4. MY SYSTEM
3.69 kW System
Issues: Shading
Need for MicroInverter
A little story:
City of Hyattsville
One year electricity usage of over
1,000,000kWh/year
1,000,000/3.69 = 271,002/8,760 hrs/year = 30 (ish)
To produce enough to offset the City of
Hyattsville I would need 30 years of sun 24/7
Does my little system make a difference?

5. DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Need Incentives/Grants/Lower “Payback” Times
Government Rebates
No Interest Loans
Cost added to Homeowner Property Taxes
More Efficiency
More Help – make it easy for homeowner
Company purchase – Homeowner lease
Is it worth it? Why bother?

6. Yes!