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
The Shupe Family’s Solar Energy System
In 2012, Brentwood homeowner, David Shupe, contacted LightWave Solar to install 18 rooftop solar panels (4.5kW). The Shupe family wanted to switch to solar energy for environmental reasons, but mainly to reduce their coal consumption. They also expressed the desire to improve their backyard, so our team installed these 18 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.
Just a few years ago in 2020, LightWave Solar visited the Shupes again to install a 5.4kW solar canopy and two Tesla Powerwall batteries, allowing the family to lessen their reliance on the grid and use more of their own clean electricity.
LightWave Solar installed this solar canopy, providing power and beauty for the Shupe residence.
Is Solar Energy Worth the Investment?
For the Shupes, solar energy was well worth the investment. Just three days after our team installed and activated their solar energy and Tesla Powerwall system, large-scale storms caused widespread damage and power outages in Middle Tennessee. Fortunately, the storm did no damage to the Shupe’s home or new system. In fact, they weren’t even aware of the grid power loss until they heard the neighbor’s generator running!
In reaction to the outage, 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.
“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.
Learn More: Reliable Backup Power with Tesla Powerwall Storm Watch
The Tesla app provides data on home energy use and solar + battery storage system performance.
The Benefits of Solar Energy
The Shupe family’s first NES electric bill after the installation of their solar system dropped 95% compared to the prior month’s bill. They only used 30kWh from the grid, which cost them less than $3.00!
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!”
The LightWave Solar Experience
David Shupe and his family 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.
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!
