Oklahoma Solar Pole Barn

The Ellis family constructed a multi-functional pole building in 2012 to provide a second home and space for an antique car and truck collection. To keep utility costs as low as possible, Comfortworks recommended spray foam insulation and installed a geothermal heat pump system that provides heating, cooling and water heating. Having an interest in long term energy independence, they recently had Comfortworks install a large solar PV array sized for a goal of zero net-energy consumption.

The solar PV array includes 30 Q-Cell 400 watt panels with a 10 kW SolarEdge inverter and power optimizers that also provide code-required rapid shutdown protection. The 12 kW DC array was installed on the south-facing 5/12 barn roof, which provided an optimal angle for power production and zero shading. The building itself is a Morton pole building with Thermax Sheathing and spray foam insulation.