Project Spotlight: High-Production 15.3 kW Solar Array in Culpeper, VA

Location: Culpeper, VA (Culpeper County) System Size: 15.33 kW DC Panel Type: REC Alpha Pure-RX (All-Black) Inverter Type: Enphase IQ8X Microinverters Utility Territory: Dominion Energy / Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC)

Culpeper is known for its beautiful landscapes and larger properties, which often translates to higher energy needs. We recently completed a massive 15.33 kW residential installation that showcases exactly how Culpeper homeowners can turn their roof space into a personal power plant without sacrificing aesthetics.

Maximizing Roof Potential

For this project, the goal was to offset a significant portion of the home's energy usage. To achieve this, we utilized multiple roof planes to house a total of 34 solar modules.

• The Look: We installed REC Alpha Pure-RX 450W panels. As seen in the project photos, these "All-Black" panels eliminate the industrial look of older solar tech. They blend seamlessly with the architectural shingles, maintaining the home's curb appeal—a key factor for homes in Culpeper’s well-maintained neighborhoods.

Advanced Microinverter Technology

With a system of this size, reliability is everything. We utilized Enphase IQ8X Microinverters for this array.

• Why it matters: In a traditional system, one dirty or shaded panel could drag down the performance of the whole string. With Enphase, every single panel operates independently.
• Performance Verification: As shown in our commissioning tests, all microinverters were detected and communicating perfectly, ensuring the homeowner gets every kilowatt-hour they paid for.

Heavy-Duty Electrical Engineering

A 15kW system pushes a lot of power, requiring robust electrical work.

• Line Side Tap: We utilized a "Line Side Tap" interconnection method. This is the gold standard for larger residential systems, allowing us to feed solar power directly into the main service without overloading the home's breaker panel.
• Clean Installation: Our electricians take pride in their work. The external disconnects and combiner boxes are housed in weather-rated NEMA 3R enclosures, installed cleanly with rigid metal conduit to withstand Virginia's heat and humidity.
• Attic Safety: We don't cut corners where you can't see. The internal conduit runs through the attic are properly supported and labeled, ensuring safety and code compliance.

Inspection & Utility Approval

Navigating the permitting process in Culpeper County can be complex. This project successfully passed all building and electrical inspections, verifying that the structural attachments (rated for 115 MPH winds) and wiring met all safety codes.