Case study: Solar plus LG battery system in Nashville
When Ira Chilton decided to build an artist and design studio behind his home in Nashville, Tennessee, he had no doubt it would incorporate energy efficient and renewable energy technologies. Ira is co-founder, architect, and Chief Development Officer of ProjX, LLC, an architecture and project management firm based in Nashville that focuses on healthcare facilities across the country. ProjX, LLC understands how solar, geothermal and energy efficient design can significantly reduce a building’s operating costs and its environmental impact.
Ira’s 750-square foot artist and design studio is well insulated, lit with LEDs, and has 14 rooftop solar panels. The 5 kilowatt solar array connects to an LG Chem lithium ion battery. Lithium ion batteries provide superior energy storage since they are smaller, require virtually no maintenance, and have 10 year warranties.
“I am happy to incorporate the leading storage technology into our solar project,” Ira says. “Now we’ll have electricity available for work or for the family, no matter if there is a storm or outage,” he explains.
During the day, even on cloudy days, solar electricity feeds directly into the building’s load panel and one LG Chem battery. If the utility grid is working, the solar panels reduce the amount of electricity needed from the grid, lowering his utility bill. When the grid goes down, the solar plus battery system will power items in his critical loads panel, including a refrigerator, mini-split air-conditioning/heating unit, several outlets and lights.
“I am very satisfied with the installation,” Ira says. “LightWave was very responsive and coordinated well with the General Contractor and Nashville Electric Service,” he adds.
LightWave Solar is an LG Solar Pro, an LG Energy Storage System (ESS) Partner, and a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.
On March 9 we will host a solar + storage system tour at the Teeter Residence in Clarksville, TN. Join us to see a solar plus battery storage system in person and talk with the homeowner. See details here!
