Bailey Chatfield Residence

Bill Bailey began installing renewable energy systems in 2008 for his home and commercial greenhouse. Currently, Bill and his wife Gayle Chatfield, have 100% of their annual energy needs met through a combination of systems including: wood gasification boilers, solar PV for electricity, and solar thermal for hot water. 

The solar PV system was installed in 2013 and qualified for a federal Rural Energy for America (REAP) grant, a 30% federal tax credit, and MARCS accelerated depreciation. With these incentives, the estimated payback for the 13.5kW system is 8.5 years with the panel life is 40-50 years. With the cost of energy on the rise, this payback could be even quicker.
 
In 2015 the commercial greenhouses were sold and replaced with a smaller "retirement greenhouse” which is solar heated with 600 sq. ft. of new solar thermal modules, a 1500 gallon solar hot water reservoir, and backup heat from the original wood gasification boilers which houses an additional 4000 gallons of hot water.  Bill and Gayle now grow winter greens and spring vegetable, native plant, and pollinator plant starts for the area schools, tribes, and farm-to-market growers.

Learn more in this Bayfield County Journal article 

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Type of system:  Solar PV (also have solar thermal and wood heat)
System size: 13.5kW
Installation information: Let it Shine Energy Services, Washburn