02-21-2012, 09:17 AM
As an aside, the biggest demand from our fridge (which cost less than $600 on sale, I forgot to add) seems to be when it goes into its (daily, I think) de-frosting mode, which takes more time (and energy) then the usual chilling-down cycle.
I think it would be great if we could pick when the de-frosting mode occurs, such as during the middle of the day when our system is generating the most power. Don't know if that will ever come about except for units made specifically for off-grid, which usually cost much more.
BTW, if you're off-grid don't go to Sears looking for a gas oven, though, as all the ones they carry have an electric glo-plug instead of a pilot light. It may be safer but it also takes 5 amps to sustain, and the glo-plug stays on the entire time the oven is being used. At least the salesman there was aware of the problem and as soon as he learned we used solar he told us about it. We greatly appreciated his honesty, which came at the cost of a sale.
I think it would be great if we could pick when the de-frosting mode occurs, such as during the middle of the day when our system is generating the most power. Don't know if that will ever come about except for units made specifically for off-grid, which usually cost much more.
BTW, if you're off-grid don't go to Sears looking for a gas oven, though, as all the ones they carry have an electric glo-plug instead of a pilot light. It may be safer but it also takes 5 amps to sustain, and the glo-plug stays on the entire time the oven is being used. At least the salesman there was aware of the problem and as soon as he learned we used solar he told us about it. We greatly appreciated his honesty, which came at the cost of a sale.