Solar array generates power for Anamosa business, home

ANAMOSA -- The owner of an Eastern Iowa "green" energy consulting business believes in using what he recommends, sells and installs.

Jason Gideon, owner of Energy Consultants Group LLC in Anamosa, recently completed the installation of a 6.5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, the third phase of a long-term plan for Gideon's home and business to become net zero.

"The purpose of this project is to become energy independent and control our overhead costs for energy," Gideon said. "As consultants and providing sales and installation of energy efficiency and renewable systems, it is important that we also live the lifestyle."

The second phase of the project was completed in 2010 when new LED lighting, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system, solar-ready water heater, Energy Star-rated roof, radiant barriers, more insulation, new doors, sealing and weatherproofing were installed. Gideon also installed automation controls for lighting and power systems.

The fourth and final phase of the project will add another 6.5-kilowatt photovoltaic system as well as a solar heating and cooling system that  will provide domestic hot water.

"Our photovoltaic array has a nameplate capacity of 6.5 kilowatts, but it will produce about 7.7 kilowatts of renewable energy from the sun," Gideon said. "I chose this particular type of setup and technology for its simplicity, quick return on investment and maintenance-free operation."

Gideon installed 28 Yingli Green Energy 235-watt modules. The 60-cell polycrystalline unit is rated at 14.7 percent efficiency.

The panels are arranged with 28 modules in two rows mounted on racks supported bygalvanized steel posts embedded in concrete. An inverter unit, which is 97 percent efficient, converts the DC voltage generated by the solar panels to AC voltage to power Gideon's home and business.

"The inverter is mounted on the wall next to our existing 200-amp electrical service panel," Gideon said. "When the system is generating power beyond what we need, a special meter installed by Alliant Energy will run backwards indicating that we are selling electricity to the utility grid."

Gideon said his return on investment is projected at five and a half years, saving him about $5,000 in utility costs. Over the 25-year life expectancy of the photovoltaic array, that is expected to generate savings of about $50,000.

"Although the array has a life expectancy of 25 years, energy and efficiency improvements and lower costs likely will mean that I will replace the array modules much sooner," he said. "We tell customers that they likely will want to invest in more energy efficient units long before the 25-year projected life of the modules."

The solar photovoltaic system is exempt from property tax assessment for five years, according to Gideon. He said Iowa's cold weather also is a plus for the array, which generates more energy at lower temperatures.

"The solar panels can get fairly warm, so any snowfall that collects on them at night likely will melt in the daylight," Gideon said. "The software that I'm using monitors all the modules and will text me if there is a drop in voltage. The manufacturer also can do a remote diagnostic, determine which modules are not performing properly, and send me replacements free of charge because the system is under warranty."

Gideon said the system will qualify for federal energy incentives along with an Alliant Energy rebate, offsetting half the cost of the project. He said the project was made possible by funding from the Iowa Energy Center, Collins Community Credit Union and Linda Mangler, a private investor.

Gideon said performance and financial data will be made available at the business, 9635 230th  Ave. in Anamosa, as well as on Energy Consultants Group's web site (www.ecgllp.com)  for live analysis of system.

Energy Consultant Group, which was started by Gideon in late 2008, provides consulting services in energy conservation, sustainability and renewable energy. The company also handles system commissioning, home energy ratings, energy audits and processing appropriate rebates and incentives.

Energy Consultant Group also sells energy efficiency products, green building products, retrofitted energy-saving devices and renewable energy systems.

"We think the project will be promotional for our business as well as providing educational information about green energy for the public," Gideon said.