Ok, I'm not *trying* to be dense here, but regardless of whether you tie
into the grid, use batteries, or have an off-grid system with no
batteries that only works during the day, what happens to the 30% waste
of generated electricity that is dissipated as heat? What am I missing?
Something you *all* must be aware of, those transformers on the pole
work both ways: 7200VAC down to 240VAC and 240VAC back to 7200VAC. If
you get a lineman out there working on a phase he thinks is not hot and
he gets seriously injured or killed, you will be liable. I'm *not*
saying this to discourage you, but to make sure you use a licensed
electrician to install a proper automatic disconnect switch. Alabama
Power requires an automatic disconnect.
73,
Joel, W4JBB
Bob Bruninga wrote:
Think in terms of ... an independant
12 volt DC system.. starting small
and building up over time... We need
to be energy independant on a small
scale...
Agree, but think in terms of big panels if you want low cost. I have
Eighteen 1 foot solar panels on my car that produce 215 watts total, but the
cost for small panels was $2400.
Now the cost of a single 3.3' by 5.5' house panel is only $600 and it
produces 225 watts. A 4 to 1 cost savings. So you can get a lot more watts
per dollar by getting a large panel. Though it is a 30 volt panel good for a
24/28 volt battery system. You can still use it for a 12v system by charging
the batteries in series and using them in parallel or getting a 24VDC to
12VDC converter available at any truck parts store.
Bob, Wb4APR
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