Solar Power/How To

[HADave]

Solar Power seems to be an obvious choice for alternate power sources. Perhaps those with info on the neccessary components could enlighten those of us who know nothing about the subject. I, myself only know that many use it there and there seems to be some tax advantages as well as rebates and kick backs from the power company. Aside from a solar panel that faces the sun, and how much direct sun is needed, what else does one need and can it or does it make regular 115/120 volt AC electricity. Also should anyone have other alternatives in mind please start a new subject.






Edited by - HADave on 12/19/2005 08:20:27

[adias]

Aloha All,

I am also very interested in this topic, I didn’t realize how extensively solar is being used on the Island and was not even considering solar; my neighbor in Orchid Land was completely solar.

Also, the place I stayed used solar for water heating. Another person we visited in Royal Hawaiian Gardens was also on solar although she used propane for cooking and refrigeration. Additionally, she had a diesel back up generator to recharge the solar batteries if there was not enough light, although she indicated that it was rarely used it.

Additionally, my understanding is that electricity costs are high in Hawaii and obviously it’s going to keep going higher. Any information the forum can provide is appreciated.


Ajit

[leilaniguy]

Aloha HADave, nobody's answering, so I guess I'll jump in. I lived on solar here in the early 90's, on a 12V system. It was enough to run a couple lights, water pump, radio, and an 8"TV for a few hours in the PM, but not enough for lights and TV at the same time- (we used Kerosene lamps while TV was on). We had 2 panels and 2 deep-cycle batteries. It worked OK, except in really dark, rainy weather- if it lasted more than 2-3 days straight we were SOL for power. I'm not familiar with the more advanced systems of today, though a friend is off grid, has a backup generator and 4 panels, 6 batteries, and an inverter, which allows 110V power, but at low wattage. She has enough power to run computer, TV, pump and lights at 110, but not enough for toaster or microwave. It does have it's own set of problems- uneven voltage and surges, her PC got fried once, TV another, and her gas stoves elect. clock timer on a third incident. I'm pretty sure though if it was more professionally installed that wouldn't have happened. I stayed at a B&B in Opihikao once that had a full-on system that ran everything for 2 households, including 2 fridges, a freezer, W/D, micro, etc. The owner said he paid something over $18K for the set up. He still needed a backup generator for prolonged stormy weather. That however was about 6 years ago, I'm sure technology is much improved since then. I found this website- www.powerlight.com

[mella l]

http://www.provisiontechnologies.com/pro...ces03.html

HIYAH HADave,

Didn't mean to ignore this post just haven't had the time to respond thoughtfully. Here is a link to a solar company on island. I believe lamont used them for some items.

We personally will put in solar hot water, perhaps from J & J electric, not sure of the name just know it is across the street from Ken's House of Pancakes!

Our solar water unit will be on top of our garage, a closed system with gas/propane backup.

We haven't decided to add panels for the home as we will be using propane where ever possible and using electricity for TV, energy efficient refrigerator and lights.

Our current home has a tiled roof and we opted not to put solar on it, even tho California rebates for solar systems are 50% for labor and parts and then a current fed tax credit make it worth while here.

From what I've read the HELO rebates are not 50%. My figures are not current but the payoff is so many years out that we probably won't go solar entirely. If we did we would get a net metering system where you could feed electricity back to Helco when not using it. Use Helco like an energy bank so to speak. We would use an inverter called SunnyBoy with a 2.4 or 2.8 KW system. It is the industry standard and our neighbor has two of them and recommends them. He is a solar expert, as an executive for a solar company who has installed solar here in our Butte County, the highest per capita solar of any county in California.

Hope people with on island experience will post. Just a busy time of year ayuh!

Mele Kalikimaka and a Hauoli Makahiki Hou to you and yours. I can write it but am having difficulty with the pronunciation! Mella L

mella l

BATTERIES are needed if you are off in an area with no electricity. In our neighborhood in EdenRoc there ready access to electricity and with the new systems a battery would not be necessarey. This is a plus due to battery maintenance and storage. The inverter sends unneeded electricity to the power company and you can use the power when needed. The net metering system keeps track of what you feed in and what you draw out. If you can get away with it don't get involved with batteries. OK OK I'm off the the kitchen baking!

Edited by - mella l on 12/19/2005 16:55:09

[Naomi W]

HADave, You might check into a solar power class thur your local college. My friend took one 2yrs ago here where I live. What about a Solar power assocation in your local area sometimes they give tours of homes.Also the libary must have some books on solar power and passive solar design for a house. I have no personal experience with solar but have thought about it for on the island. Hope this helps!
Naomi

[HADave]

Well Hey there Newbie Naomi I'm the local Mainiac and I want to first say Welcome to the the coolest forum on the planet. 2nd I want to say tankyou berry much for the suggestions.
Me in in a school building now thats a scary thought I'm just old enough that anyone seeing me there would think I was looking for flower power not solar power. Libraries if it is not in large print I can't read it, my only hope is this computor cause I can make things any size I want. I can't join any associations because I can't drive to get associated and Mutha don't bring me out but once a week. But maybe I can help you cause I already checked out Mella's website suggestion and the folks there seem real nice and have already started an open line of communication with me you might want to check it out as well lots of great info there. Thanks Mella whatcha Bakin!



Edited by - HADave on 12/19/2005 22:37:18

[Rob Tucker]

I got word today that as of January 1 photo voltaic systems will require a stamp from an electrical engineer.
It is currently (thru 12/31) okay for an architect to stamp the electrical plan.

Our first reaction to this news was: "Do we have an electrical engineer on this island??"

Anyway. Todays's PV news on the Big Island.

Chairman, Punaweb Committee, MSPA

[Bill]

My name is bill, and I currently live in Alaska where I use solar for lights, communication, TV, Microwave, and a toaster. We have 12 panels, 12 bateries, and a 1.5 KW inverter to produce 120 volts. During the dark Winters we use a generator to help charge the batteries. We also have a wind charger. I would recommend looking into Home Power Magazing, a monthly publication that deals 100% with altermate energy. Also, www.backwoods solar.com

The new inverts are full sine wave and work much better with electronics, although I have never had a problem with my modified sine wave inverter (Trace DR1500)Outback inverters seem to have a good reputation.

We also use a Paloma on demand waterheater, and a Consul gas refrigerator.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[David M]

Geez Louise, just cuz no one replied for 27 hours is no need to get your panties all knotted up...

I am totally off grid.
Our first system was a single deep cycle battery connected to a modified sinewave inverter. Battery was recharged by generator as I used my power tools. Limited use only during building trips, but a neighbor is currently using the same battery tied to a small PV panel.

The current system I cobbled together is described over on Hilo-web. Basically, it follows the cabin schematic from Home Power Mag - http://www.homepower.com/index.cfm and built with items I purchased on ebay. One of my neighbors and I installed it. It has been in operation nearly 4 months - so far no failure. We run a small, what used to be called dorm-sized fridge, that is probably 10 years old, but it keeps everything cold (especially the beer) and even makes us enough ice cubes. That is the only AC item that stays powered on, everything else is turned off, un plugged, on a power strip - whatever to avoid phantom loads. We have a 1000 watt microwave (same age as fridge) - only cooking source currently. I actually installed a switch on that outlet to avoid uplugging it, but you have to reset it each use. Interesting note, if nothing else is running, we sometimes have to turn on a light to kick start the inverter. Our indoor lighting is the new spiral, low watt florescents. These are such low power that you sometimes have to wait for them to actually light. Our water pump is 12 volt DC, so independent from the inverter. My advice is not to go cheap on inverter. If living off your system, get a true sine wave product. I have no problems recharing my battery tools, shaver, laptops, cellphones etc. We also run a wireless internet receiver/router. Our TV is 28" (I think) with built in VCR/DVD. Only get a fuzzy channel 13 because I haven't reactivated Dish yet, but vcr and dvd work just fine. We also run a couple of small house vacuums plus my shop vac. I have run all my power tools, including air compressor for short periods. If I'm doing something entensive, I will turn on the generator. Being as it is Christmas time, we have a lighted Christmas tree with Christmas lights. Outside we have 2 solar powered lighs, but independent of the system, but great when coming home after dark.
We are still learning this system. I want to change out the charge controller to the MPPT type which somehow gives you more charge for same sunlight.

Our main home will also be solar, possibly with hydro. I'm still talking details with the solar guy that will install this system. As Rob noted above, the perrmit process seems to be changing.

Another couple of links for learning etc:

http://www.backwoodssolar.com/

http://www.wind-sun.com/smf/index.php?board=4.0

http://www.sunelco.com/

PS Our closest (distancewise) neighbor is on Helco, but is in process of having a PV/wind system installed, including batteries as he is tired of losing power.

David

Ninole Resident

[mella l]

http://www.state.hi.us/dbedt/ert/taxcredit.html

This site is what I have located re current rebates for solar in the state of Hawaii. Looks like $1750 tops or 35% of cost if less than $1750. Not generous in my opinion, and by the standards of other sun states, but better than a stab in the eye with a sharp twisted panty!! HAHHHHHAAAAA!

bakin boiled cake yummm, cookies, and nuts.

mella l