Moved In !

We moved in to the new home on Dec 12th-14th after we received our final inspection on Dec 10th with flying colors.  We still have a few loose ends to complete inside and out but with the holidays coming we wanted to be settled in.

The pool was completed on Friday the 19th with a blue color tint plaster then we used the well water to fill it. After 34 hours it was full.  A week later, the water is still murky from all the plaster dust and some high winds blowing local dirt into the water.  Acid and Shock were also added to help keep put the water in check but Im still waiting to see clear water.

Landscaping is next on our list. Our first bid came back for sprinkles, sod and plants.  Since its high priced were shopping it out now.

Waterfurnace geothermal units are working great with the cold temps we have had. Last week we dropped into the teens at night and only 28′ in the day. The home was very comfortable with a temp set at 69-70′  any higher was uncomfortable.  The units are quiet tho we do here the T-stats doing a double click prior to turning on a zone.  One unit can heat the area 1 degree in 4min.  Im about to install some power monitors on the blowers to log run times with my WelServer monitor. It doesn’t seem that they run to much and with the foam insulation were not loosing any heat due to drafts.

My next project is our 6Kw Solar PV system install. I did notice some shadows from the home next door so Ill have to see if its going to effect the system more than I’m willing to loose in power. The shadows are from  the low sun during the winter months and since Dec 21st just past this is a good time to see the worst effect.

I made some calls a week ago to our local electrical provider Oncor and asked about a upcoming Solar PV rebate thats going to release in 2009.  I was disappointed to hear the plan would require owners to have the systems professionally install from a list of approved solar installers by Oncor and no DIY.  I was told the plan should release Jan 1st 2009 but could be delayed.  The big problem with local solar installers is that there are only 3 in the north Texas area who are charging 50-100% markup so thats from lack of competition. Im going to try to work with Oncor and suggest they consider all the DIY owners who just need a little help with cost to start rolling out Solar PV.

TXU energy is another story on the other hand.  My first calls to the renewables dept were very encouraging and all tho they are also just getting the program in a draft form mostly because billings systems don’t allow for residential customers to ‘Produce Power’ they will work out the issues.  They don’t have pricing set yet as to what they will buy back my excess power, but in reading what other states are offering customers is anywhere from $.10- $.34 per Kw feed back into the grid.  I frankly would want a higher rate back to me if Oncor isn’t going to help offset my systems cost and I just might have to shop around more or hold out while prices are set if it comes down to it.  I know I’m not going to be producing a huge amount of excess but every little bit helps.

While talking with TXU it also seems they are very interested in our home as a solar PV site in that if they choose to work with us they will have some  actual real time data  that they can use for promotional use or in help with talking to the state to help pass more of these incentives or rebates with the state of Texas.

This is all new grounds for everyone. Tho California and other states are adopting solar for a few years now every state is still going to work differently plus Laurie and I are very open to helping others if its in a positive way that just makes good sense.

Some picture on move in day.