Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I built a CO2 powered de icing spray system for one mountain top. Camera so we
could see if it was working. Next time I would use nitrogen. CO2 carbonated
the fluid and it did not spray well.
From: Sean Heskett
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 4:35 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
Really difficult to recharge a 4 week battery bank with only one or two days of
sunlight before another month of snow and overcast tho.
Generac generators are the best xmas gift I've ever bought for myself ;)
-sean
On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 10:16 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
4 weeks of batts will do the job...
From: Sean Heskett
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 11:13 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
When it snows for 4 weeks straight (not kidding) there's no amount of panels
and batts that can save you.
On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4)
123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2
weeks of batts that is all you will need.
You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work.
Probably produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power.
During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are
fully powering the load during overcast.
Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have
installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank.
So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with
generator. (and that is cutting it thin).
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight hours
are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing directly south
will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular type of site's
calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage monitoring systems
are set up and a portable generator can be brought to the site if needed during
those two months.
Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December.
Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote:
Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW
ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & Jan.
Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. YMMV
-Sean
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like
this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the generator.
Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a day is more than
enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of it.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If
these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would agree.
But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, there is a
scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off grid will only
hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each).
Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of
mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has
12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x 360W
panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh production in
December and January and additional safety margin for extended periods of
cloudy days in mid winter.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted
efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV
panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels
they'd like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with
4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono
stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Really difficult to recharge a 4 week battery bank with only one or two days of sunlight before another month of snow and overcast tho. Generac generators are the best xmas gift I've ever bought for myself ;) -sean On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 10:16 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > 4 weeks of batts will do the job... > > *From:* Sean Heskett > *Sent:* Wednesday, June 21, 2017 11:13 AM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > When it snows for 4 weeks straight (not kidding) there's no amount of > panels and batts that can save you. > > On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> 90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4) >> 123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 >> weeks of batts that is all you will need. >> >> You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. >> Probably produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power. >> During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are >> fully powering the load during overcast. >> >> Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have >> installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank. >> >> So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with >> generator. (and that is cutting it thin). >> >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >> PV panels >> I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight >> hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing >> directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular >> type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage >> monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to >> the site if needed during those two months. >> >> Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. >> >> Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: >> >>> Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW >>> ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & >>> Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. >>> YMMV >>> >>> -Sean >>> >>> >>> >>> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>> >> Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >>>> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >>>> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >>>> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >>>> it. >>>> >>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >>>> PV panels >>>> >>>> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >>>> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >>>> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >>>> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >>>> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >>>> >>>> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of >>>> mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now >>>> has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >>>> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >>>> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >>>> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>>>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>>>> >>>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) >>>>> PV panels >>>>> >>>>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels >>>>> they'd like to share? >>>>> >>>>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>>>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>>>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>>>> >>>>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>>>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Affordable high efficiency 72-cell panels are, in STC rating: http://sinovoltaics.com/learning-center/quality/standard-test-conditions-stc-definition-and-problems/ 330W 2.0 x 1.0 meter size = 172W/square meter STC Or very nearly the same for 60-cell (1.65 x 1.0 meter) panels, at 175 to 181 W/sq meter. Really high efficiency but more expensive panels, made of the top tier mono cells, are now at 210-215 STC W per square meter. Have not purchased any yet. But those were the main focus of my original post, to figure out how significant the cost difference is vs. $0.52/watt 345W panels. And figure out possible vendor sources. On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM, <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > 90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4) > 123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 > weeks of batts that is all you will need. > > You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. > Probably produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power. > During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are > fully powering the load during overcast. > > Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have > installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank. > > So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with > generator. (and that is cutting it thin). > > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > > I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight > hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing > directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular > type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage > monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to > the site if needed during those two months. > > Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. > > Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. > > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: > >> Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW >> ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & >> Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. >> YMMV >> >> -Sean >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> >>> Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >>> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >>> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >>> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >>> it. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >>> PV panels >>> >>> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >>> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >>> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >>> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >>> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >>> >>> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of >>> mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now >>> has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >>> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >>> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >>> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>> >>>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>>> >>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>>> panels >>>> >>>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels >>>> they'd like to share? >>>> >>>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>>> >>>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>>> >>>> >>>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>>> >>> >>> >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I can buy and mount an additional 1680W of panel (approx five 345W 72-cell panels) for a lot cheaper than the 5-year cost of buying, shipping to me, installing, fueling, and maintaining a generator. Not even before I count the person-hours of labor needed for periodic maintenance drive-time visits to and from wherever the generator is. Now if this were a site with a 200W or 250W constant load it would be different, the PV array would need to be gargantuan to get through mid winter, and it would require a generator for supplemental charging mid november to late february. On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM, <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > 90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4) > 123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 > weeks of batts that is all you will need. > > You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. > Probably produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power. > During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are > fully powering the load during overcast. > > Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have > installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank. > > So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with > generator. (and that is cutting it thin). > > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > > I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight > hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing > directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular > type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage > monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to > the site if needed during those two months. > > Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. > > Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. > > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: > >> Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW >> ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & >> Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. >> YMMV >> >> -Sean >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> >>> Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >>> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >>> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >>> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >>> it. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >>> PV panels >>> >>> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >>> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >>> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >>> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >>> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >>> >>> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of >>> mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now >>> has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >>> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >>> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >>> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>> >>>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>>> >>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>>> panels >>>> >>>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels >>>> they'd like to share? >>>> >>>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>>> >>>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>>> >>>> >>>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>>> >>> >>> >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
4 weeks of batts will do the job...
From: Sean Heskett
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 11:13 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
When it snows for 4 weeks straight (not kidding) there's no amount of panels
and batts that can save you.
On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4)
123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 weeks
of batts that is all you will need.
You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. Probably
produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power.
During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are fully
powering the load during overcast.
Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have
installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank.
So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with generator.
(and that is cutting it thin).
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight hours
are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing directly south
will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular type of site's
calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage monitoring systems
are set up and a portable generator can be brought to the site if needed during
those two months.
Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December.
Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote:
Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW
ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & Jan.
Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. YMMV
-Sean
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like
this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the generator.
Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a day is more than
enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of it.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If
these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would agree.
But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, there is a
scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off grid will only
hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each).
Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount
will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has 12 x
345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x 360W panels
for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh production in December
and January and additional safety margin for extended periods of cloudy days in
mid winter.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted
efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV
panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels
they'd like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95
to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono
stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
When it snows for 4 weeks straight (not kidding) there's no amount of panels and batts that can save you. On Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 7:27 AM <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > 90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4) > 123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 > weeks of batts that is all you will need. > > You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. > Probably produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power. > During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are > fully powering the load during overcast. > > Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have > installed would have paid for the generator and propane tank. > > So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with > generator. (and that is cutting it thin). > > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight > hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing > directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular > type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage > monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to > the site if needed during those two months. > > Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. > > Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: > >> Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW >> ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & >> Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. >> YMMV >> >> -Sean >> >> >> >> > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> > Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >>> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >>> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >>> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >>> it. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >>> PV panels >>> >>> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >>> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >>> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >>> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >>> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >>> >>> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of >>> mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now >>> has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >>> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >>> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >>> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>> >>>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>>> >>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>>> panels >>>> >>>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels >>>> they'd like to share? >>>> >>>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>>> >>>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>>> >>>> >>>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>>> >>> >>> >>
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
90 kWh/mo load is a 123 watt load. (123*24*30.4)
123 * 20 = 2460 watts My rule of thumb for Utah. Assuming you have 2 weeks of
batts that is all you will need.
You have 4140 watts of panel. That is 33X. No doubt it will work. Probably
produces usable current in moonlight. Certainly overcast power.
During a light overcast you get 5% power. If you are 20x load, you are fully
powering the load during overcast.
Now, in my case, that extra 1680 watts of panel that I would not have installed
would have paid for the generator and propane tank.
So, 33X in WA and BC, 20X in Utah no generator. 10X in Utah with generator.
(and that is cutting it thin).
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 9:34 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight hours are
even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing directly south
will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular type of site's
calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage monitoring systems
are set up and a portable generator can be brought to the site if needed during
those two months.
Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December.
Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote:
Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW ColoRADo)
there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & Jan. Propane
generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. YMMV
-Sean
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like this.
In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the generator. Run it
just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a day is more than enough.
Store enough propane to get through the worst of it.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If
these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would agree.
But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, there is a
scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off grid will only
hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each).
Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount
will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has 12 x
345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x 360W panels
for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh production in December
and January and additional safety margin for extended periods of cloudy days in
mid winter.
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted
efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV
panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd
like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to
5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff
is still better in STC watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Right next door in Utah, you are also better off with a generator. The 'average sunlight' maps may say different, but they likely aren't accounting for the heavy inversions that we get in these mountainous regions. Sometimes we don;t see the sun for two weeks or more. Air quality is like Beijing. On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 9:34 PM, Eric Kuhnke <eric.kuh...@gmail.com> wrote: > I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight > hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing > directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular > type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage > monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to > the site if needed during those two months. > > Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. > > Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. > > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: > >> Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW >> ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & >> Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. >> YMMV >> >> -Sean >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> >>> Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >>> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >>> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >>> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >>> it. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >>> PV panels >>> >>> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >>> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >>> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >>> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >>> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >>> >>> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of >>> mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now >>> has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >>> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >>> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >>> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>> >>>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>>> >>>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>>> panels >>>> >>>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels >>>> they'd like to share? >>>> >>>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>>> >>>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>>> >>>> >>>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>>> >>> >>> >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I have to respectfully disagree, in WA and BC the mid winter sunlight hours are even fewer. But 12 x 345W panels tilted at 80 degrees facing directly south will produce far more than enough kWh/mo for a particular type of site's calculated needs, in December and January. Battery voltage monitoring systems are set up and a portable generator can be brought to the site if needed during those two months. Predicted production is about 247kWh a month in December. Load, which is all DC, is below 90 kWh/mo. On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:29 PM, Sean Heskett <af...@zirkel.us> wrote: > Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW > ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & > Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. > YMMV > > -Sean > > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like >> this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the >> generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a >> day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of >> it. >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >> PV panels >> >> I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If >> these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would >> agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, >> there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off >> grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). >> >> Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount >> will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has >> 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x >> 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh >> production in December and January and additional safety margin for >> extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> >>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>> panels >>> >>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >>> like to share? >>> >>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>> >>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>> >>> >>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>> >> >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Totally agree with Chuck on this line of thought. Where we are (NW ColoRADo) there is no amount of panels + batts you can install for Dec & Jan. Propane generator is the only way to keep an off grid site running. YMMV -Sean On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like > this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the > generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a > day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of > it. > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > > I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If > these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would > agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, > there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off > grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). > > Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount > will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has > 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x > 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh > production in December and January and additional safety margin for > extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. > > > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >> panels >> >> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >> like to share? >> >> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to >> 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >> >> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >> >> >> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >> > >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I guess I should elaborate a bit. In our area, the meters know when a grid tie
system has been installed and if you are not approved for net metering it adds
all the power you feed into the grid as usage to you driving up your power
bill.
The old meters don’t do that, they just spin backwards. Probably none of
those around anymore.
From: Chuck McCown
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 7:55 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
You can still net meter provided the power meter on your home does not have the
ability to detect power being fed into the grid.
It may not be legal, but it is easy to do.
From: Lewis Bergman
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 7:27 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
Thanks Forrest
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017, 7:59 PM Forrest Christian (List Account)
<li...@packetflux.com> wrote:
So, it looks like the only option for net metering in Texas is SolarCity.
Without retail net metering, things get more expensive. Without batteries
you effectively can only offset your live load.. excess is effectively given to
the utility. You could add some batteries to offset more but that is even more
expensive.
It sounds like SolarCity got around this by becoming a utility which allows
them to effectively net meter.
On Jun 20, 2017 7:18 PM, "Chuck McCown" <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I love my 10kW system on my house. My power bill is about $8.50 year
around unless a bunch of my kids are here.
But yes, like Forrest said, net metering laws really tell you whether or
not it will be worth the investment.
From: Lewis Bergman
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 2:18 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice?
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted
efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV
panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd
like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to
5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff
is still better in STC watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
You can still net meter provided the power meter on your home does not have the
ability to detect power being fed into the grid.
It may not be legal, but it is easy to do.
From: Lewis Bergman
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 7:27 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels
Thanks Forrest
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017, 7:59 PM Forrest Christian (List Account)
<li...@packetflux.com> wrote:
So, it looks like the only option for net metering in Texas is SolarCity.
Without retail net metering, things get more expensive. Without batteries
you effectively can only offset your live load.. excess is effectively given to
the utility. You could add some batteries to offset more but that is even more
expensive.
It sounds like SolarCity got around this by becoming a utility which allows
them to effectively net meter.
On Jun 20, 2017 7:18 PM, "Chuck McCown" <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I love my 10kW system on my house. My power bill is about $8.50 year
around unless a bunch of my kids are here.
But yes, like Forrest said, net metering laws really tell you whether or
not it will be worth the investment.
From: Lewis Bergman
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 2:18 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV
panels
I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice?
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted
efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
From: Eric Kuhnke
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV
panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd
like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to
5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff
is still better in STC watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Thanks Forrest On Tue, Jun 20, 2017, 7:59 PM Forrest Christian (List Account) < li...@packetflux.com> wrote: > So, it looks like the only option for net metering in Texas is SolarCity. > > > Without retail net metering, things get more expensive. Without batteries > you effectively can only offset your live load.. excess is effectively > given to the utility. You could add some batteries to offset more but that > is even more expensive. > > It sounds like SolarCity got around this by becoming a utility which > allows them to effectively net meter. > > On Jun 20, 2017 7:18 PM, "Chuck McCown" <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> I love my 10kW system on my house. My power bill is about $8.50 year >> around unless a bunch of my kids are here. >> But yes, like Forrest said, net metering laws really tell you whether or >> not it will be worth the investment. >> >> *From:* Lewis Bergman >> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 2:18 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) >> PV panels >> >> > I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? >> >> > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> > I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>> panels >>> >>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >>> like to share? >>> >>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>> >>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>> >>> >>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>> >>
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
So, it looks like the only option for net metering in Texas is SolarCity. Without retail net metering, things get more expensive. Without batteries you effectively can only offset your live load.. excess is effectively given to the utility. You could add some batteries to offset more but that is even more expensive. It sounds like SolarCity got around this by becoming a utility which allows them to effectively net meter. On Jun 20, 2017 7:18 PM, "Chuck McCown" <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > I love my 10kW system on my house. My power bill is about $8.50 year > around unless a bunch of my kids are here. > But yes, like Forrest said, net metering laws really tell you whether or > not it will be worth the investment. > > *From:* Lewis Bergman > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 20, 2017 2:18 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV > panels > > I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >> panels >> >> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >> like to share? >> >> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to >> 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >> >> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >> >> >> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I love my 10kW system on my house. My power bill is about $8.50 year around unless a bunch of my kids are here. But yes, like Forrest said, net metering laws really tell you whether or not it will be worth the investment. From: Lewis Bergman Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 2:18 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. From: Eric Kuhnke Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd like to share? I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. 60-cell x 5W = 300W 72-cell x 5W = 360W Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Remote start propane generator is a much better value for sites like this. In the middle of winter have a low voltage relay trigger the generator. Run it just long enough to top the batts. Usually an hour a day is more than enough. Store enough propane to get through the worst of it. From: Eric Kuhnke Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 6:00 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower,etc) PV panels I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh production in December and January and additional safety margin for extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. From: Eric Kuhnke Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd like to share? I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. 60-cell x 5W = 300W 72-cell x 5W = 360W Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I care about efficiency because in some cases space is at a premium. If these were going on the roof of a warehouse/office type building I would agree. But in a place where it is 4x4 access only, and only in summer, there is a scenario where a big ground mount tilted at 80 degrees for off grid will only hold 12 x 72-cell panels (2.0 x 1.0m each). Going any bigger than that for square footage of panels and size of mount will drive up the cost considerably. The site I am building right now has 12 x 345W 72-cell panels, and I am looking at a configuration with 12 x 360W panels for the next one. The goal is the greatest possible kWh production in December and January and additional safety margin for extended periods of cloudy days in mid winter. On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 6:58 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted > efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV > panels > > Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd > like to share? > > I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to > 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono > stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. > > 60-cell x 5W = 300W > 72-cell x 5W = 360W > > > Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Ha. 3 thousand ...good catch.. Jaime Solorza On Jun 20, 2017 5:39 PM, "Robert Andrews" <i...@avantwireless.com> wrote: > 3000 thousand? 3 million? That would be a very large farm... > > On 06/20/2017 03:59 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote: > >> Our electric company has two large solar farms that will service some >> 3000 thousand homes to start. Fort Bliss has tremendous solar foot >> print and expanding so it is bringing prices down.. there are three >> solar companies in town now when a few years back they came in from New >> Mexico to do onesy twosy installs. I am going to train my nephew's and >> grandkids on setting these up for summer jobs... they even offer classes >> at community college on how to install... >> >> Jaime Solorza >> >> On Jun 20, 2017 4:18 PM, "Forrest Christian (List Account)" >> <li...@packetflux.com <mailto:li...@packetflux.com>> wrote: >> >> Have you checked into the status of net metering in your state? >> That's going to determine your options. >> >> On Jun 20, 2017 3:18 PM, "Lewis Bergman" <lewis.berg...@gmail.com >> <mailto:lewis.berg...@gmail.com>> wrote: >> >> I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any >> advice? >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com >> <mailto:ch...@wbmfg.com>> wrote: >> >> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never >> wanted efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency >> (Sunpower, etc) PV panels >> >> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV >> panels they'd like to share? >> >> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made >> with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline >> cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC >> watts per square foot. >> >> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >> >> >> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >> >>
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
3000 thousand? 3 million? That would be a very large farm...
On 06/20/2017 03:59 PM, Jaime Solorza wrote:
Our electric company has two large solar farms that will service some
3000 thousand homes to start. Fort Bliss has tremendous solar foot
print and expanding so it is bringing prices down.. there are three
solar companies in town now when a few years back they came in from New
Mexico to do onesy twosy installs. I am going to train my nephew's and
grandkids on setting these up for summer jobs... they even offer classes
at community college on how to install...
Jaime Solorza
On Jun 20, 2017 4:18 PM, "Forrest Christian (List Account)"
<li...@packetflux.com <mailto:li...@packetflux.com>> wrote:
Have you checked into the status of net metering in your state?
That's going to determine your options.
On Jun 20, 2017 3:18 PM, "Lewis Bergman" <lewis.berg...@gmail.com
<mailto:lewis.berg...@gmail.com>> wrote:
I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any
advice?
On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com
<mailto:ch...@wbmfg.com>> wrote:
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never
wanted efficiency, always wanted low $/watt.
*From:* Eric Kuhnke
*Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM
*To:* af@afmug.com
*Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency
(Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV
panels they'd like to share?
I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made
with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline
cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC
watts per square foot.
60-cell x 5W = 300W
72-cell x 5W = 360W
Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Our electric company has two large solar farms that will service some 3000 thousand homes to start. Fort Bliss has tremendous solar foot print and expanding so it is bringing prices down.. there are three solar companies in town now when a few years back they came in from New Mexico to do onesy twosy installs. I am going to train my nephew's and grandkids on setting these up for summer jobs... they even offer classes at community college on how to install... Jaime Solorza On Jun 20, 2017 4:18 PM, "Forrest Christian (List Account)" < li...@packetflux.com> wrote: > Have you checked into the status of net metering in your state? That's > going to determine your options. > > On Jun 20, 2017 3:18 PM, "Lewis Bergman" <lewis.berg...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? >> >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >> >>> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >>> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >>> >>> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >>> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >>> panels >>> >>> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >>> like to share? >>> >>> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 >>> to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >>> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >>> >>> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >>> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >>> >>> >>> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >>> >>
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Have you checked into the status of net metering in your state? That's going to determine your options. On Jun 20, 2017 3:18 PM, "Lewis Bergman" <lewis.berg...@gmail.com> wrote: > I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? > > On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > >> I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted >> efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. >> >> *From:* Eric Kuhnke >> *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM >> *To:* af@afmug.com >> *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV >> panels >> >> Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd >> like to share? >> >> I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to >> 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono >> stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. >> >> 60-cell x 5W = 300W >> 72-cell x 5W = 360W >> >> >> Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >> >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I am considering solar on my new house. Chuck, do you have any advice? On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 8:58 AM Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: > I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted > efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. > > *From:* Eric Kuhnke > *Sent:* Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM > *To:* af@afmug.com > *Subject:* [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV > panels > > Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd > like to share? > > I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to > 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono > stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. > > 60-cell x 5W = 300W > 72-cell x 5W = 360W > > > Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium >
Re: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
I use 11 watts per square foot as a rule of thumb. Never wanted efficiency, always wanted low $/watt. From: Eric Kuhnke Sent: Monday, June 19, 2017 6:47 PM To: af@afmug.com Subject: [AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd like to share? I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. 60-cell x 5W = 300W 72-cell x 5W = 360W Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
[AFMUG] Vendor for super high efficiency (Sunpower, etc) PV panels
Anyone have a favorite vendor source for >21% efficient PV panels they'd like to share? I'm looking at various commodity 60 and 72-cell modules made with 4.95 to 5.0W high efficiency 156mm monocrystalline cells, but the Sunpower mono stuff is still better in STC watts per square foot. 60-cell x 5W = 300W 72-cell x 5W = 360W Of course, willing to pay somewhat of a price premium
