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 _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb