Project Spotlight: Solar canopy + Tesla Powerwalls provide everyday power and backup power for Brentwood homeowner
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Three days before the May 3 derecho caused widespread damage and power outages in Middle Tennessee, LightWave Solar turned on a solar + Tesla Powerwall system for homeowner, David Shupe, in Brentwood. Fortunately, the storm didn't cause any damage to David's home or new system, and he was unaware he had lost grid power until he heard the neighbor's generator running. Tesla batteries took over automatically and provided seamless power until the grid was restored 22 hours later.
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"During the outage, we took in frozen perishables from my daughter's household and two neighbors until we had no more freezer space," David says. "We were so pleased with the timing and that we could run everything we needed," he adds.
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David can see each time the power goes out on the Tesla app, but otherwise he does not even notice. Lengthy power outages happen infrequently, so David's primary reasons for adding a solar + Tesla Powerwall system go beyond a desire to have automatic backup power.
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"We liked the idea of powering most of our home with solar, and we wanted to claim the federal tax credit before it dropped," David explains.
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LightWave Solar installed 18 rooftop solar panels (4.5kW) for the Shupes back in 2012, and David had wanted solar for environmental reasons, mainly to reduce coal consumption. He had seen firsthand the damage from coal mining and coal burning in east TN through his work with TN State Parks years ago.
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This year LightWave installed a 5.4kW solar canopy and two Tesla Powerwall batteries, allowing the Shupes to rely much less on the grid and to use more of their own clean electricity.
"So far with the new system, our home is 92% powered by solar and batteries, and that includes charging up our electric Chevy Bolt," David explains.
The Shupe's latest NES electric bill dropped 95% compared to their April bill. In May they used only 30kWh from the grid which cost them $2.78!
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Tesla's mobile app shows battery status and reserve amount as well as home energy usage (blue) and energy source (yellow for solar, green for Powerwall and white for grid):
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In addition to energy savings, the Shupes wanted to improve their backyard. The Shupes purchased a pergola kit made of western cedar, hired a local builder to put it together, and LightWave Solar installed 18 Lumos solar panels on top. Lumos solar panels allow some light to come through, and LightWave sealed them to provide a watertight shelter.
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"It's a lovely spot to sit and enjoy our backyard when it's sunny or rainy," David says.
David also enjoyed having LightWave team members work at his home.
"LightWave was very accommodating and was able to figure out and execute the long and complicated conduit runs that our home required," David explains. "I'm especially pleased they were able to integrate my first solar system so that it charges the batteries as well," he adds.
When LightWave asked David what would he tell other homeowners who are interested in solar and batteries, he said, "It's the future, and it's time to jump in!"
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Contact LightWave Solar about supplying your home with cleaner electricity every day and during power outages!
Please submit your project info through our web form if you are contacting us for the first time, or reply to this email if you are getting back in touch again.
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Solar-powered tornado relief with Footprint Project
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When tornados hit Middle Tennessee on March 3, Footprint Project geared up to provide fast solar powered relief. Footprint Project is a nonprofit that helps emergency responders deploy clean technologies that power immediate lifesaving efforts.
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Within 12 hours of the storm, Footprint Project had coordinated the deployment of 3 mobile solar systems to assist hard hit areas in East Nashville, North Nashville and Putnam County. The mobile solar systems provided clean and renewable energy to over 1,200 people affected by the tornados - powering phones, wheelchairs, medical devices, lighting and refrigeration.
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LightWave supported Footprint Project's efforts including decommissioning damaged systems in the area so that salvagable solar panels and other parts could be reused on mobile solar systems for future relief efforts. Click on video image above to learn more!
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Where we've been installing...
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3MW with carports for Nokian Tyres in Dayton, TN
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82kW for Turnip Truck in Nashville, TN
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20kW + 4 Tesla Powerwalls for off-grid home in Hohenwald, TN
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901 solar installations and counting...
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