Sequim may be the best location for solar west of the Cascades – that Olympic rainshadow really keeps the sun shining. Solar power systems in Sequim work extremely well. The area averages around 3.5 hours of full sun per day. Believe it or not, that is about 70% of the sun resources of southern California. This makes grid-tied solar installations a wise investment for homeowners in Sequim. Power Trip Energy has installed many solar PV systems in Sequim over the years; here are a few of our latest projects:
By this time, we began to suspect that fixed pole mount arrays were preferable to the trackers. This system was utilizing Shell 175 watt pv modules. Shell Solar was a division of the global oil company jointly producing pv modules with Solar World and would eventually be spun-off and purchased completely by Solar World.
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.
Stuart and Pat MacRobbie asked us to install the first grid-tied pv system in Clallam County in April of 2003. The system was composed of 18 Sharp 165 watt pv modules, 12 of which were on a tracker in the front yard. This tracker would eventually find a home back here at Power Trip Energy after Pat asked us to increase the size of the system and move it to the new home’s roof.
Solar World 260 modules on both south and east-facing roofs feed into two PowerOne PVI inverters. This design works well because of the PVI’s multiple MPPT inputs and the array produces 9.62KW of power. We also installed a Level II EV charger that the business uses to encourage visitors with electric vehicles. This has proven an effective way to meet new clients and build strong relationships. We also loved their Toyota RAV4 EV and so leased one ourselves, which has proven to be a great light duty work vehicle.
We learned about the Toyota RAV4 EV’s the owners of WildBirds Unlimited in Gardiner.
Residence in Sequim, WA.
April 2013
SiE 195 modules feed into two SiE 5.3 inverters. This array produces 5.07KW of power.