Steven S.’s Solar Installation

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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