Linda and Larry Eccard home - passive solar home, active PV array
Directions: Enter Eldorado on Ave. Vista Grande. Turn LEFT immediately before the school onto Ave. Torreon. Then take the 2nd RIGHT onto Monte Alto Road. Take the 2nd LEFT onto Altura Road. Last house on the left, #35 Altura Road.
Linda & Larry built a passive solar home in New Hampshire in 1977. They heated the house with wood harvested from their own woodlot and domestic water was heated with active solar hot water panels. In 1994 they moved to Eldorado and built another passive solar home. No wood this time but they did what they could to conserve energy with sun blocking awnings, UV film on windows, and CFL light bulbs when they became available.
In the fall of 2009 they installed a solar (PV) array on the ground in their ‘yard’. There are 24 Sanyo “N” series 210w panels (rated at 210 watts per) and 24 M210 micro inverters by Enphase. The micro inverter concept was appealing for several reasons. If any panel fails, the output of the succeeding panels will not be affected. There is an option to connect one’s system to the Enphase website, which enables the homeowner to log in and see exactly how their system is currently operating as well as its operational history. Enphase continually monitors the array and alerts the homeowner if there is a problem. Additionally, Enphase emails the owner a monthly statement of energy production. Very cool!
Since the array went online in late November, 2009, the Eccards have had $0 electric bills and have received a monthly check from PNM ranging from $48 to $138. Average is about $100/month.
