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 [email protected]. 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 > > _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. 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
