Location
Brentwood, TN
Solar Size
5KW
Equipment Installed
Lumos solar panels & Tesla Powerwalls
Storage Capability
27kWh - backs up home's 200amp service
“During the outage, we took in frozen perishables from my daughter’s household and two neighbors until we had no more freezer space. We were so pleased we could run everything we needed.” – David Shupe
LightWave Solar installed this solar canopy, providing power and beauty for the Shupe residence.
Get Protection with Backup Solar Energy
Three days before large-scale storms caused widespread damage and power outages in Middle Tennessee, LightWave Solar activated a solar energy + Tesla Powerwall system for homeowner, David Shupe, in Brentwood. Fortunately, the storm didn’t cause any damage to David’s home or new system — in fact, he wasn’t even aware 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.
The Shupe’s Tesla batteries took over automatically and provided seamless power until the grid was restored 22 hours later. With the Tesla app, David could even monitor his battery’s power level and his family’s energy use during this outage.
Learn more about Tesla Powerwalls and their unique Storm Watch feature in our blog.
“During the outage, we took in frozen perishables from my daughter’s household and two neighbors until we had no more freezer space,” David said. “We were so pleased with the timing and that we could run everything we needed,” he added.
The Tesla app provides data on home energy use and solar + battery storage system performance.
The Shupe Family’s Solar Energy System
LightWave Solar installed 18 rooftop solar panels (4.5kW) for the Shupes in 2012. They wanted to switch to solar energy for environmental reasons — mainly, to reduce coal consumption.
In 2020, 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 — that includes charging up our electric Chevy Bolt,” David explained.
The Shupe family’s latest NES electric bill dropped 95% compared to their April bill. In May, they used only 30kWh from the grid, which only cost them less than three dollars!
In addition to energy savings, the family wanted to improve their backyard. They contacted us to help with their project, and the LightWave team installed 18 Lumos solar panels on top of a stunning, cedar pergola.
“It’s a lovely spot to sit and enjoy our backyard when it’s sunny or rainy,” David said.
The LightWave Solar Experience
David enjoyed working with LightWave team members and having them at his home while they completed his solar energy projects.
“LightWave was very accommodating and was able to figure out and execute the long and complicated conduit runs that our home required,” David explained. “I’m especially pleased they were able to integrate our first solar system,” he adds.
When LightWave asked David what he would tell other homeowners who are interested in solar and batteries, he said, “It’s the future, and it’s time to jump in!”
Book a Consultation with Us
Interested in a solar-powered system? The LightWave Solar team would love to help supply your home with cleaner electricity and protect you from power outages. Book a solar project consultation today and read more of our case studies to see what we can do for you!
