GRID Alternatives Install

I spent two days last week as a volunteer for GRID Alternatives.  It was very interesting.  There was a small tract of homes in Greenfield where they were installing solar power on seven homes. We had a big group of volunteers (they wanted to get as much done as they could because rain was forecast) and I though it might be a bit unwieldy but things went very smooth. We installed two systems (2Kw) in two days. Normally they do one house in two days.

I had much more fun than I could have imagined. It was a great group of people, ranging from not knowing how to use tools to solar installers.  They split the teams in two groups, roof and ground. The roof teams install the rails, wiring and panels. The ground team installed the inverter, conduit up to the roof and pulled the wiring up there.   I was on the ground team and it was great.  The hardest part was being up the attic running conduit  to the panels on the roof.  It was hot but you got used to it.

The great thing about this program is they want you to learn.  They will show you how to do things once then let you run with it.  You can soak in as much as you want, they are very patient and make all feel welcome.  I highly recommend this. 

It was such a kick as we gathered round to watch them hook up the first system, everyone squeezing in to see the meter spinning backwards!  It was registering 700 watts but it was later in the afternoon and it was covering what they were using in the house. Probably the best thing was the second house.  The owner was there and she was so interested as we neared completion.  After they hooked that one up we let her throw the on switch with a big smile...very rewarding!  I will be back for more soon.