Solar Powered Farm!

You can’t be named Greener Days Farm without being environmentally conscientious.  Since our property is a third of a
mile from the road and utility lines, we had the advantage of starting from scratch. We researched wind and solar power and ended up picking solar based on cost, reliability and efficiency.

Solar Array:
Our 36 panels are rated to generate 9.5 kilowatts but on beautiful winter days when the sun reflecting off the snow is blinding, the panels can push out 10+ kW.  After researching mounting kits we quickly realized it would be much more cost effective to build our own.  Based on wind loads, we decided to build a strong A-frame that can withstand 100+mph winds – which can occur occasionally on the coast of ME.

Solar System on Greener Days Farm in Waldoboro Maine!

Power Center:
The power center, located in a room in barn #1, holds 36 batteries, the charge controller, inverters, breaker boxes, and lots and lots of wires.  After lots of research, wiring diagrams, and consultations, Laura’s dad got the whole system up and running.   The batteries store 1,000 amp hours that keep our farm (with 8 freezers and two refrigerators) cranking along without interruption even on rainy days.  To keep the lights on when the sun refuses to come out and the panels are covered with snow for days on end a gas/propane fired generator stands at the ready. 

One of the battery banks on our off-grid farm in mid-coast Maine.