09-10-2007, 06:54 AM
HPP4ME,
When we built here 3 years ago, we got our solar system from a company in Hilo called Provision, and have no hesitation about recommending their services. We ended up with 16 panels, 12 batteries, and two inverters to balance the input from the 16 panels. Pete did a full year of data collection on our energy use and production of the system. Since we went up to 16 panels from 12 and the second inverter, we've had very little trouble maintaining a reasonable lifestyle. With this years' good weather, I only think we've had the generator on a few times.
We purchased light fixtures that would work with the CF bulbs, have solar water (Solarhart which doesn't require a pump) with a Takagi flash heater. Propane stove and drier, though we almost never use the drier. Watched out for those trickle-current things. Our biggest energy guzzler is the fridge... anyone want to buy a used 27 cubic foot side-by-side? We'd love to down-size!
Of course, we also run a 1 HP pump becuase of the volume needed for greenhouse watering.
We don't get nearly enough wind to even consider it, so solar was the only way to go.
Jane
When we built here 3 years ago, we got our solar system from a company in Hilo called Provision, and have no hesitation about recommending their services. We ended up with 16 panels, 12 batteries, and two inverters to balance the input from the 16 panels. Pete did a full year of data collection on our energy use and production of the system. Since we went up to 16 panels from 12 and the second inverter, we've had very little trouble maintaining a reasonable lifestyle. With this years' good weather, I only think we've had the generator on a few times.
We purchased light fixtures that would work with the CF bulbs, have solar water (Solarhart which doesn't require a pump) with a Takagi flash heater. Propane stove and drier, though we almost never use the drier. Watched out for those trickle-current things. Our biggest energy guzzler is the fridge... anyone want to buy a used 27 cubic foot side-by-side? We'd love to down-size!
Of course, we also run a 1 HP pump becuase of the volume needed for greenhouse watering.
We don't get nearly enough wind to even consider it, so solar was the only way to go.
Jane