We did a short test run of the solar system yesterday and generated our first kilowatt hour* (kWh) in about 20 minutes. It was very satisfying to watch the meter spin counter clockwise. It was an overcast day, but the system was still producing anywhere from 2.2 kW up to 4.8 kW.

We had to shut it down after the test because we don’t have a bi-directional electric meter from the power company yet. Without it they would charge us for both the electricity they provide us as well as the electricity we provide them!

* 1 kWh will power ten 100 Watt bulbs for 1 hour.