Sorry to go off-topic here, although there is a computer-related
issue at the end of all this.
I'm hoping WAMUG members may have some information and/or experience
with installing and using individual residence renewable
grid-connected power systems. I'm looking at putting the largest
solar array I can afford on our roof (4 or 5 kW) to both supply our
own electricity needs and sell back excess to the SW grid when the
sun is shining, and purchase energy as needed when the sun is not
out/at night.
If I may.
PV/Wind firstly power systems have been installed allover
WA/Australia for the last 20 odd years and has proven to be effective
means of obtain sun driven quality power.
There are 4 types of systems you can install
stand alone - a complete system of: pv+ wind. regulator,
batteries, inverter, controller & distribution board -
grid connected - a power system - Pv + wind, regulator,
in/out inverter, distribution board, meter
hybrid - PV + wind, regulator, batteries, inverter,
controller, distribution board, meter
grid switched - PV + wind, regulator, batteries, inverter,
controller, distribution board with switches, meter
they are generally similar but operating in a different ways
Standalone as it says is all power is consumed from the batteries
via the 12/24v- 240 v inverter - you need enough battery storage to
last 5- 10 days of use. All energy is generated by a PV + wind
system.
like here
http://web.mac.com/dornworks/iWeb/OrganicSolarArchitecture/Built/9274EFED-48D6-4FD9-BA69-1186A284FB4D.html
grid connected as you have mentioned mains in/mains out with a
sizeable specialised inverter, the power you generate has to be the
same quality as the mains - check your mains is 240v - some peoples
are 440v - this inverter can be quite expensive. In my opinion
Synergy ought to pay for this - but fat chance on that .
You are at the mercy of main power fluctuations. If you want
consistent quality power, an additional battery bank may need to be
considered to weather the mains fluctuations ( ie blackouts /
brownouts).
Hybrid, is where you have 2 separate un-connected systems,
A -is mains in for high energy items such as fridge, air con,
electric heaters, washers etc
B- is PV +wind powered small stand alone system, running tv , radio,
computer, lights
this system can be a good way to start and can reduce the cost significantly.
grid switched - the latest idea whereby you have a standalone PV
system with mains backup, and a switch changes over when the
batteries get low, this allows the system to start off small and be
enlarged over time if you wish. It also eliminates the grid inverter
which can be quite pricey.
With all systems it is worth considering wiring the building into
different circuits of priority, so that essential fixtures will not
be harmed as the cutting out of other non essential systems can alarm
you to lower power supply levels etc
Consider the Unisolar Amorphous triple junction cell panels, they can
be roof integrated and have a better power rating at high summer
temperatures, and are less prone to storm damage and not charging in
cloudy weather ( ie shade tolerant).
My solar engineer, has written a book about all this stuff -SOLAR
TECHNOLOGY DESIGNERS CATELOGUE 169 paged for $150, ( I have a couple
of books if you would like one) he also has developed a series of
off the shelf systems titled, planet suite and solar "micro" systems
which you may like to investigate.
he also developed the Grid switched systems
see http://www.unisun.com.au/planetsuite
hope this helps
--
Gary Dorn
Permaculture architect
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
integrating Permaculture , Organic Solar architecture,
Straw bale construction & Solar and wind power systems
http://web.mac.com/dornworks/iWeb/HOME/Dornworks.html
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