Overloading a Typical Residential Solar Installation

HelioPower, an integrated energy solutions company with over 2000 solar and clean energy systems engineered and installed since 2001, today launched "Solar Overload" a first-of-its-kind video demonstrating how many appliances it takes to overload a typical residential solar installation.

"Solar Overload, How Many Appliances Does It Take to Spin the Meter Forward?" features a 4 kilowatt (kW) residential solar power system in Laguna Niguel, CA. The system was installed in 2006 on the home of Scott Gordon, now the vice president of residential sales for HelioPower. Scott and team member, Bret Pursuit, demonstrate how many appliances it takes in Scott's 2200 square foot home to incur a utility charge, or "spin the meter" forward.

"As a leading solar installation firm in California, HelioPower is committed to educating consumers on the benefits of solar," said Scott Gordon, Vice President, Residential Sales, HelioPower, Inc. "In 'Solar Overload' I'm able to show just how many appliances it takes to activate a utility cost from my residential solar power system. Over the five years I've had the solar panel system my family has saved $10,000 in utility bills. We are able to demonstrate how that happens when you see the many appliances it takes to spin the meter forward."

Filming took place at approximately 2pm on a sunny day last month. Scott turned on two refrigerators, two DVRs, one laptop and 21" monitor, one cell phone charger, 56 light bulbs, one attic fan and five ceiling fans set on high. The solar power system still generated enough power to keep the meter running backwards. Find out what happens when he turns on a microwave, electric clothes dryer, energy efficient washing machine and a pool pump!

Click on the following link to download and view the "Solar Overload" video: http://www.heliopower.com/videos/solar-overload