Fallbrook, California, 2:45 PM  April 11, 2002

Today thirty-two circuit breakers were closed and a new grid-connected photovoltaic generating plant began to deliver power. Read on to see how a novice do-it-yourself-er spent a year researching and three months building this system.

I've had a burning interest in solar-derived energy since I bought my first house in 1966. I installed a small PV system on our RV some years ago, but for thirty-five years I've wished for the right opportunity to start a larger scale project.

The opportunity arrived in the form of our new house. I built this house with energy efficiency in mind, so the solar power plant could be an optimized feature rather than a compromised add-on. I started my research, much of it on the internet, and visited some installed systems. I created lots of drawings to help think the project through, and finally started acquiring materials to build the structure. Completing this gave me the confidence to purchase and install the expensive PV panels and inverters. I now devote my spare time to better understanding the system's operation so I can optimize its performance.

Solar energy isn't for everyone. To benefit from it requires a serious commitment. I think I have what it takes to make this system succeed, and the opportunity to try cost less than a gas-guzzling SUV.

I'm nearing the age at which a person should no longer buy green bananas, so chances are that this system will outlive me. But for as many years as possible I will nurture it and report its status for others to see.

I hope you enjoy browsing these pages as much as I enjoy bringing them to you. If you too are a beginner, my wish is that you find information here to help your renewable energy pursuits.

Best Regards