Hi Tony. first of all apart from solar array on roof of caravan (164
watts) and inverter 380 watts I have NO experience to offer you.
Secondly I am green with envy that you have a situation that you can
consider doing this---- GO FOR IT :-). I am in the position of not
knowing where I will be living in 5 years or if indeed I will be
Living :-( !
I will watch with great interest your progress in the project and
wonder if you might serialize it :-) It is indeed an exciting time we
live in, if you had told my father you could be selling power back to
the grid he no doubt have referred you on to the nearest trick cyclist!
Mac
On 30/05/2007, at 4:37 PM, Evers wrote:
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.
We live in Albany (where despite myth the sun shines quite a lot)
on a due north-facing hillside with over 100 square metres of roof
area angled at 20 degrees, so the physical circumstances are
positive. We already practice such energy reduction strategies as a
6-person household with a keen interest in electrical gadgetry
comfortably support, but more work can be done on this. High energy
demand activities such as cooking and hot water are supplied by gas
(solar hot water is next on the upgrade list).
As some of you will know, a government rebate of 50% of the ex-GST
cost of qualifying systems makes this worth considering (although
don't do it just on economic grounds since because we don't pay the
real impact cost of electricity you will grow very old and grey
waiting to recoup all your outlay - we are doing this as a
"walking the talk" greenhouse gas reduction initiative.) - there is
a lot of information at http://www1.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/
funding_rrep.asp
and info on Synergy's buyback scheme at
http://www.synergyenergy.com.au/pdf_documents/Support_Documents/
RENEWABLE_ENERGY_BUYBACK_SCHEME_%28REBS%29_INFORMATION_PACK.pdf
What I want to know is if anyone is prepared to share their
experience - any unanticipated problems, unexpected costs, and what
user experience is like of installation, commissioning, and using
such a system? A particular question is the relative "inertness"/
safety of the materials used in the manufacture and mounting of the
array with respect to water, as we collect all the water that falls
on our roof for domestic consumption, including drinking and
cooking. No worries with supply (it rains a lot down here, even
with climate change trends) but we do want to ensure that the water
is safe.
And the computer connections? The smart inverters used to convert
and control the electricity generated have an output to a data
logger and computer so you can track performance, output, trends,
efficiency etc in all kinds of classy graphs, charts etc. As well I
am thinking of smart programming to control shut down of non-
essential electricity outlets in the event of grid blackouts, thus
prolonging the battery bank life for essentials such as lighting
and refrigeration.
Thanks in anticipation.
Tony Evers
Community Mental Health Educator
"Supporting The Transition To Parenthood"
PO Box 5075
Albany WA 6332
ph 08 9844 6317
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Take a moment to consider - am I confusing wants with needs?
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Malcolm McCallum
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