In the beginning...

I have always wanted renewable energy systems powering my home. I live in Leesburg, Va and develop commercial scale PV projects around North America. Because incentives in Va are non existent, the cost of PV here is prohibitive to say the least. I've always contemplated installing Solar Hot Water on my roof, but to date hadn't found an installer who would be willing to "support" the effort at a reasonable cost. alwaysthinking.com presented me with what I was looking for. They are selling me my diy kit at cost and are willing to support me so long as I provide them with feedback on just how "diy" the kit really is. It is their intention to try to sell these kits, but they want to know just how much support they will end up giving their customers. So I pick the kit up Wednesday and start installing whenever I feel comfortable enough. I have spousal permission, and even some excitement. I don't think she has had a cold shower in a long time (that may change).

The system I'll be installing is from Silicon Solar. It is an evacuated tube Sunmaxx system. I'll provide more details in subsequent posts when I (A) know exactly what I'm getting and (B) have figured out how to size a system for our usage (me, wife, aupair, two little girls, ages 1 and 2.5, and two dogs, ages 4 and 4.5... I am the only male under this roof, perhaps that is why I find myself engaging in diy projects on the roof...)