System Overview
This is a two 32-panel array system installed at the USDA Agricultural Service Center in Rochester, Indiana. The building is owned by Jim Straeter, Ag Technologies President, and is located right next to New Holland Rochester, also owned and operated by Mr. Straeter. This system was the first installation done in August 2012 as a prototype for the SolarCAM stand, which has performed flawlessly since installed.
Product Testing
Ag Technologies begun using Kyocera panels, as they were American made with a long history of high quality. The 245 W panels are the lowest watt panels we’ve installed. Since this initial protoype, Kyocera has moved manufacturing back overseas, which has forced us to switch our SolarCAM systems to be installed using SolarWorld panels, which are made in the USA with the same quality and performance we’ve seen in our Kyocera panels.
August 2012
Construction Date
13.76kW
System Size
23,143 kWh/yr
Avg. Production Estimate
$2,314
Estimated Annual Value
16 tons
Estimated Annual Carbon Offset
Partnering with Enphase
Along with being as efficient as possible, we knew we wanted to be able to monitor our systems easily and readily. Using Enphase micro-inverters, we we have been able to get the best of both worlds. The Enphase M215 micro-inverters were just introduced at that time and have performed well for over five years. Many customers who have come to Ag Technologies have their first view of a SolarCAM system at the Farm Service Agency. We use the data from this system as a foundation for performance improvement as we have upgraded panel and micro-inverter models as they become available.
About the USDA Service Center
USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. For more information, visit the USDA.gov Service Center Locator website.
