Easy-To-Install Solar "Pods"

Easy-To-Install Solar Pods BUILDINGS New Techniques The “Solar Pod” system is designed to make the use of solar power easy Completely self-contained multiple pods can be set up in series to produce as much energy as desired Just plug them into each other Designer and manufacturer Mouli Vaidyanathan says the units cost 30 to 70 percent less than comparable output panels “Standard solar arrays cost more because they are individually designed and installed ” he says “Our system comes complete with panels inverters a wiring harness and a custom mounting rack It also performs 15 to 20 percent better than other systems ” The 4-panel Solar Pod systems require a 14 by 6-ft ground space They also can be mounted to a roof with a new mounting system for gabled roofs that hangs over the roof peak “Our new design will reduce roof penetrations by 80 to 90 percent and in some cases eliminate them completely ” Solar Pod systems are available for direct connection to the electrical grid or for off-grid installation Although units are relatively simple to assemble Vaidyanathan says an electrician may be required to connect the socket and wiring to the home’s circuit box If a 240/20A outlet is available installation is even easier The local power company needs to provide a 2-way meter if excess power is to be sold back to the company Solar Pods for grid connection are priced at about $3 300 each Off grid stand-alone systems with batteries are priced at $5 000 Each 4-panel unit can generate from 1 200 kWh to 2 000 kWh a year depending on available sun “A Solar Pod in Minnesota can produce around 1 300 kWh a year while one in Arizona will produce around 2 000 kWh ” he says “Depending on the cost of local electricity you can save $200 to $300 each year for a payback of 8 to 10 years ” Vaidyanathan points out that solar tax credits reduce the cost by 30 percent Farms and other businesses can claim additional credits that reduce payback even more Vaidyanathan suggests visiting his website or calling him to discuss installation needs He offers a 25-year warranty and suggests maintenance is very limited “I’ve had mine installed for 4 years and the only maintenance has been looking at it ” says Vaidyanathan Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Mouli Engineering Inc 655 Lexie Court Eagan Minn 55123 ph 612 424-5176; mouli@mouliengg com; www mysolarpod com

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