Querencia has lots of different subdivisions. In visiting the development, it was clear that a lot of home owners are interested in having a home that can operate totally off the grid, if the need arises. I recently visited a one-story home on a cul-de-sac in Querencia Montana. The solar system installed by Innovacion Solar was amazing. The system included:

(70) SUNPOWER SPR-MAX6-475-COM SOLAR PANELS. These solar panels have copper mesh on the back side of the panel rather than the strips across the front, which protects them from reduced efficiency due to dirt or debris on the panel. In addition, each cell can bend, stopping the likelihood of breaking during a storm. The total energy potential produced by these panels is 33.25 kW per hour.

ANODIZED ALUMINIUM RACKING SYSTEM FOR 70 PANELS. The installation of panels if very important, especially during hurricane season. During Hurricane Odile in 2014 many of our neighbors lost their panels to the high winds and debris. Since Innovacion Solar launched it has never lost a panel due to its patented racking system for the panels.

(3) SOL-ARK 30KW INVERTER/CHARGER. The inverter converts the solar energy into electricity to run the appliances, lights, and other electrical needs of the home. The charge controller in the Sol-Ark Inverter controls the charging the batteries attached to the system. The 30 kW Inverters are linked to the 96 kW worth of Blue Ion batteries installed as part of the system.

(96 kWh) BLUE PLANET ENERGY STORAGE. Three racks with 32kWh each one.

Blue Planet Energy offers Blue Ion lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have the longest projected life (over 21 years) of any solar battery, with a 15-year guarantee. Our experience with this system is that it also charges only with glare – unlike many that require direct sunlight. The battery management cabinets are also connected to the Internet so that you can monitor the overall performance of the system remotely.

(1) 80 KVA BIDIRECTIONAL INDUSTRIAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR “NEW LINE”. Innovacion Solar won a law suit against CFE requiring the homeowners with solar would have the right to sell-back, for a credit their excess electricity. To do this, there must be a bi-directional system, including CFE meter and the substation being able to accept and not just distribute energy. This is still in process.

The electronic components of the system (inverters and battery management cabinets) are in a climate controlled solar room with a mini-split air conditioning to keep the battery temperatures controlled for maximum performance.

The homeowners also added a Generac Generator for backup to the overall system in case of a very long outage. Walking the property, it was clear that the homeowners were working with the future in mind, as a swimming pool was laid out on the property that was just starting to be constructed.