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The solar energy revolution is upon us and I’m thankful for companies like Unbound Solar that enable homeowners and DIYers to install an advanced system safely and affordably.

Steven Sherman of Sherman Farms recently installed a 20-module, 7.8 kW DC solar array.

Sherman Farms is a small hobby farm north of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Their system is paired with a state-of-the-art Sol-Ark 12K DC-coupled transformer-less multi-mode inverter. This system offers a new paradigm for energy affordability, reliability, and independence (especially once paired with a battery). Steven went with the Heliene 390 W, black/black panels, offering a clean low-profile look. The Sol-Ark has too many features to elaborate on but offers – DC coupling of solar PV and battery, a grid-independent critical load output, a smart load output for higher self-consumption via ‘solar spilling’, and CT sensors to keep solar behind the utility overlords’ meter and jurisdiction. It was designed to prioritize solar PV as the primary energy source, with the grid eventually serving <10% of electricity needs during non-solar-friendly conditions and seasons.

An addition of a small wind generator is not far behind. (The vintage Aermotor windmill pictured is aesthetic / pumps water). Additional features coming soon include an advanced, safe LFP storage battery for 1+ day back-up power and a re-purposed electro-mechanical utility meter that will serve as a solar export meter — who doesn’t like watching a meter spin backwards? Comparing this system to the local utility, it offers ~7 c/kWh electricity vs 18.5 c/kWh, is immune from grid power outages, and has 0 exhaust or carbon emissions from day one. 

Steven says, “The solar energy revolution is upon us and I’m thankful for companies like Unbound Solar that enable homeowners and DIYers to install an advanced system safely and affordably.”

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George D.’s Solar Installation

I was really surprised how easy and fast it was to install. The ridgeline racking is super simple and the Sol-Ark inverter made it a plug and play install.
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Paul W.’s Solar Installation

It was very satisfying seeing the meter provide electricity into the grid instead of into the house. Also, I was relieved that the inverter commissioning process went smoothly as I had no experience with this aspect of the project.
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Install of the Month – March 2017

  • System Size: 8.16 kW
  • Yearly System Output: 13,556 kWh per year
  • Federal Tax Incentive: Qualifies for $3,544.80 Federal tax credit
  • Utility Rates: 13 cents/kWh
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