01/09/2015
Anonymous
For the property owner considering installing alternative energy systems several things happen: It starts with, “I think that I have an idea.†Next is getting educated on something most of us know nothing about. We discover that there is much to learn and that there are many installers – a likeable community of tradesmen - who will help educate us and who are eager to do business. We attempt to make some intelligent decisions about site suitability, feasibility, affordability and choosing among options. Ultimately, if we decide to go forward, we have to put our trust in one chosen contractor. <br /><br />Helios has certainly validated that trust. I am particularly pleased that we chose Tim Rumford and Helios Solar Systems. Among the proposals received we chose Helios because the proposal had a readable statement of work saying exactly what would be done, the price was very competitive and realistic and we were reassured by the fact that the work would be managed by Tim, a PE, PMP and a NABCEP Certified Solar Energy Professional. No other contractor we consulted offered this full range of credentials.<br /><br />In our case 60 panels were to be installed on the south-facing roof of the barn. Installation staging was done just inside the barn outside of the fall weather. I was impressed with the organization of materials, tools and the prominent display/use of the engineering documents Helios drafted specifically for our job. Although the weather prohibited a fixed schedule the promised goal to have a completed working system no later than December 31 was met through their extra effort.<br /><br />We observed that what is essential is the managed integration of the several components – the supporting building (in this case the barn - the structure – a building permit and inspection), the installation of the panels in the proper configuration on the barn roof and “the electrics†which would need to pass a second inspection by the county. The final system would connect directly to the power company grid. Although each of these components required skilled technicians the key was the on-scene attention to every detail by Helios.<br />The Helios crew was neat, professional, organized, prepared to expend special effort as necessary and readily responded to my questions. Required forms and documentation were produced by Helios for the county and the power company.<br /> <br />In our case it was important not to do something that would distract from the character of the 200 year old farm home. The barn roof was a fortunate alternative and the end result is solar panels barely noticeable because they blend in with the dark barn roof, but they also offer a subtle distinction to the farm scene suggesting a conscious effort to be good stewards of both Loudoun's historic property and also the finite resources of the earth. Helios was very sensitive to and accommodating of this necessary balance. Our projections are that the solar system installed will provide almost all of the electricity used at the farm. <br /><br />The project was done at Spring Hill Farm, 39018 Piggott Bottom Road, Hamilton, Virginia. Any questions are welcome to Larry Williams, owner, at 540.338.2148 or lrw@gwmail.gwu.edu.