Clean Power and Backup Energy in Berkshire County
Project Overview
For this Berkshire County homeowner, going solar was about more than saving money — it was about building a resilient, sustainable home powered by clean energy. Valley Solar designed and installed a Tesla Powerwall+ system paired with high-efficiency REC panels, delivering both energy independence and reliable backup power during outages.
With a new three-year-old asphalt roof and plenty of open southern exposure, this home was the perfect candidate for a compact solar + storage design. The system now produces 7,460 kWh annually, helping offset utility costs and providing seamless power when the grid goes down.
Customer Goals
This homeowner wanted a future-ready energy solution that balanced aesthetics, savings, and security.
Lower Energy Costs
Reduce electric bills by generating clean, renewable power on-site.
Reliable backup power
Keep critical circuits and home systems running during outages.
Smart, space-efficient design
Fit the battery and inverter neatly inside the garage with minimal conduit.
Long-term sustainability
Use high-quality components that maximize performance and reliability.
Valley Solar Solution
Valley Solar engineered a system built for durability and simplicity — combining a Tesla Powerwall+ integrated battery and inverter with REC high-efficiency solar panels.
Problems Faced
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Limited grounding infrastructure — No existing ground rods required additional grounding installation.
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Distance from service panel to garage — Required roughly 40 feet of conduit routing through the foundation.
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Tight electrical conditions — 200A main service panel had limited capacity for backfed current.
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Low overhead clearance — Garage I-beam required careful planning for conduit and ceiling finish work.
Solutions
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Integrated Tesla Powerwall+ System — 7.6 kW inverter and 13.5 kWh battery combined for compact installation.
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Smart Conduit Routing — Conduit ran through the foundation and soffit to maintain a clean exterior.
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Upgraded Grounding System — Installed new grounding bus and rods for safety and code compliance.
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Garage Battery Closet — Custom-built 5×4 ft enclosure with proper clearance and ceiling protection.
System Size
7.2 kW DC
Est. Year 1 Production
7,460 kWh
Storage Capacity
13.5 kWh
Impact
This Berkshire County home now generates its own clean energy and has full backup protection during power outages — all while reducing utility costs year-round.
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Energy Savings — At $0.32 per kWh, the system saves about $2,387 annually on electricity.
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Sustainability — Offsets approximately 3.1 metric tons of CO₂ each year — the same as planting about 50 trees.
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Resilience — Whole-home backup keeps critical loads like heating, appliances, and lighting running smoothly.
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Long-Term Value — High-quality REC panels and Tesla technology ensure reliable operation for years to come.
Est. Yearly Savings
$2,387 ($0.32/kWh)
CO₂ Offset
3.1 metric tons
