This was the first project completed by Power Trip Energy once Steve joined the company, we incorporated, and became electrical contractors. This was also our first installation utilizing the S-5 clamps on a standing seam metal roof.
This project is very dear to our hearts, since Wildberry Farm is the home of the Cochrane Family. We completed this array the day before the 2004 Solar Home Tour, commencing a tradition of last-minute installations at our own property in order to use them as examples and educational tools. In this picture Holly is 1 year old and already preparing for her second Solar Home Tour. This barn is dates back to the 1920’s when this land was originally split off from Yep Suey’s Dairy and became a separate farm. It had been sinking and settling into the ground and in 2003 we had raised the barn and poured a slab underneath. The southern wing is newly rebuilt stalls, and the first grid-tied pv array is 6 Sharp 165 watt pv modules, on a SunnyBoy 1800. Humble beginnings – the old garage seen to the right has been demo’d and a new addition to the home occupies that present space. See subsequent solar installations at Wildberry Farm here.
Port Townsend’s first tracker, this was also a battery-based system using a Xantrex SW-2548 and the special GTI interface to make it grid-interactive. Architect Chris Stafford was a leader in implementing many ecological building technologies.
This home also had several other great energy efficient characteristics, beautiful finish work inside, and a sweet view of Sequim Bay. Of note, this was the final Power Trip Energy installation performed by Puget Sound Solar. After this project, Steve and Graham Carr joined the company, and we became electrical contractors performing all aspects of the installations. This project was also during our initial phase wherein we sold the equipment at our wholesale cost, choosing to promote the technology and learn about the equipment without a profit on our first 5 installations (which became the first 8.) Tragically Dr Meyers, who loved fishing, was lost at sea shortly after this project. In 2014, we heard from the current occupants of the house that the system was not working. The 10 year old inverter had failed, and we were able to install another previously owned SunnyBoy 2500 to get the system performing again. Inverter replacement after 10 years for project that was sold at cost – free of charge. Making clean power from the sun – priceless.
This home had many cutting edge energy efficient aspects in addition to the grid-tied pv system.
Andy and Steve beginning to have confidence this crazy idea is going to work.