Solar Power/How To

[Scott_S]

Check out these solar panels used for patio covers (would make a nice carport roof), they also have solar roofing for houses.

http://www.premierpower.com/solar_energy..._cover.php

Scott

[G. Leis]

quote:

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I can also recommend the Honda 3000 EU Generator. It runs super quiet and has an Econo setting that runs even quieter when running small things.

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Honda generators are S-W-E-E-T! particularly the inverter models (like the EU3000). They produce a much cleaner sine wave than conventional gensets - important if you want to run your computer or other sensitive electronics - and are orders of magnitude QUIETER.

We have the EU2000i which is a 2kw machine as opposed to 3kw for the above mentioned.

Two things I particularly like about this one are the fact that it only weighs about 45lbs., which is good for portability; and also the capability to connect 2 together in parallel to get 4kw output in a package weighing less than 100lbs.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensup.asp

aloha,
Gene (Konaweb pariah)

[ericlp]

I was looking into solar as well...

With current 3X cents a kwh any investment with solor will quickly pay for itself. Here in oregon it's only 6.5Cents per kwh, so it would take awhile to pay for itself.

Anyway, the most used appliance is your hot water heater. Really takes a hit. Even if you install a switch on your hot water heater you will see a big savings.

The real savings come in obviously with Solar. I like Passive solar. Basically get yourself a roll of coper tubing about 1.5" thick and maybe 500'. Then build a basic box to house the coper tubing and form it in a 'S' shape that loops around inside of the box. Paint the copper tubing BLACK and use a hard back 3" insulation to insulate the entire box with the reflective serface on it. Then cover the whole thing with glass ...

Your DONE! You'll have to add in a simple pump that kicks that is temp activated.

FREE HOT WATER! The only reason you would want to make it BIG is for rainy and Cloudy days. Obviously if it was too CLOUDY your not gonna get any hot water... That is where you hook up your propane on demand hot water heater in the loop!

But just think, you'll be saving 30-40% off of your electric bill by installing a passive closed loop system. Even if the power should go out you'll still have hot water... That is, if you can get a generator or electric panel to run the pump.

[David M]

Had some interesting comments the other day regarding solar h/w heating. This (Hilo) person claimed the big dark secret was the maintenance cost - a factor that gets little discussion from the installers. I've no personal experience, just passing it on. This person does sell, tankless, on demand systems (both gas and electric) and claims they are most cost effective. Probably so, but not at his prices. Best prices I found for Tagaki was at http://www.tanklessamerica.com/
and that includes adding in shipping costs. My original plan was to go solar with on gas demand back up, but so far that number do not make it an economical choice (for me).

David


Ninole Resident

[Bill]

I have sold and used on-demand propane water heaters for the last 20 years in Alaska and can attest to their economy, simplicity, and years of trouble free service. In your part of the country,there is no worry of freeze damage, the main service problem we see here.

Paloma and Aquastar are two brands that do not require any electricty, while some of the other brands do.

They do require a life-style change, since they don't produce the volume of hotwater available from a conventional tank type waterheater, but the switch is easily made. The fuel savings is significant(and you will never run out of hot water).

[mella l]

Aloha Bill, Thanks for the vote of confidence in this type of w/h (am I getting the lingo down)? LOL and trying!

Would you expound on the "Life style" changes needed when using a on demand gas hot water heater?

mella l

[Bill]

Sure, Mella

The difference is the volume. It will take much longer to fill a tub, and you may not be able to use two or more hot water appliances at the same time. An on-demand hot water heater may only produce 2-3 gallons / minute at a 90 degree temperature rise, while you may be able to get 6 to 8 gallons a minute from a tank-type water at whetever temperature it is set for. For most applications this won't be a bother, but if your trying to fill a hot tub, it will take much longer. Generally, when shopping for an on demand type water heater, the larger and more expensive units are able to produce a higher volume of water per minute. My Paloma at the cabin works fine for showers and the kitchen sink, and produces .7 gallons per minute of water at a 100 degree temperature rise. This equates to 140 drgree water if the incomming is 40 degrees...the volume will be greater with your warmer water.

Hope this helps... they really are the way to go if the goal is to save energy.

[leilaniguy]

I might add that flash heaters are much more convenient too, especially if you are on bottled gas. If you run out of propane with a tank type heater, you have to get down on all fours to light it, then wait an hour or 2 while it heats up. With a Paloma type, you get hot water in a couple minutes, and you're not keeping 40 gallons of water hot at all times. They also last much longer than a tank heater, I replaced mine last year, it was over 20 years old.

[HADave]

Does anyone know the average water temp in their catchment tank?

[leilaniguy]

I dipped a thermometer into the ol' doughboy and came up with 75 degrees, about the same as ambient high air temp. for this time of year. I'm at 940' elevation, and I would assume lower areas would be warmer.