06-11-2008, 05:52 AM
quote:
Originally posted by JWFITZ
I wish people out there who advocate PV panels would have more experience with them and would fully describe the ups and downs of the things before they advocate. They work well, but are very expensive, you'll be lucky to even hit 2 bucks a kw with an array--they don't work when the sun doesn't shine--and storage capacity is the big problem. If you're willing to live very minimally as I have on my boats, they're great to to keep a light on and to listen to the radio. Will they power a tablesaw? You must be kidding...
SB had two different clients with big solar systems.
On the first one put in 8 years ago they had a 4400 trace inverter with 8 panels and 16 batteries (I think 16), they also have a 21000 W Kubota marine diesel generator - 100% duty rated for 20 years. Cost of entire system run $23,000 in "2000" dollars. System runs the genrator about 45 mins every five-six days. So over 8 years the cost has been $2900 a year plus the 50 gals of diesel a year. other than remembering to check water in batteries, they have had no problems with it other than operator error - had to adjust the panels from winter to summer height, and N run the generator out of fuel and had to prime it for the first time about a month ago. Thats it. He is buying new batteries this year some time as they arent holding as much of a charge as year 1-7.
Second system had two 4400 inverters slaved together with 8 panels and corresponding amt of batteries (cost was $27K in 2003 dollars). it run so effortlessly that for 1 year no problem. One day as the house was being finished with one tile crew of 3, SB's crew of four doing trim, plumbers & electricians, the system popped when SB started the tablesaw about 2:30 PM on the 4th rainy day. There was a BIG red light. The owner freaked out and called the solar guy who said "it is just out of power - send everyone home and start again tomorrow! Let the (small Honda) genny catch it up." One year they worked before actually running it completely out of power for the first time.