05-20-2009, 12:49 PM
quote:
Originally posted by TheYogi
quote:This seems off. Do you really use the computer 18 hours a day? Do you really turn it off completely for one day? Off grid folks should look VERY hard at switching to laptops. They draw significantly less wattage.
Originally posted by chrism
computer w/ monitor
-wattage:300
-hours/day:18
-days/week: 6
-watt hours: 4628.571
quote:Does your router really draw only one watt? That seems very low.
Originally posted by chrism
internet router
-wattage: 1
-hours/day: 24
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 24
quote:Can you switch to non-CFLs?
Originally posted by chrism
(10) cfl bulbs
-wattage: 220
-hours/day: 7
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 1540
quote:All of these also draw phantom loads you need to account for.
Originally posted by chrism
TV/Cable box/DVD Player
-wattage: 340
-hours/day: 3
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 1020
quote:This seems WAY to low for a fridge. What year was it manufactured?
Originally posted by chrism
refrigerator (compressor engaged)
-wattage: 300
-hours/day: 1
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 300
refrigerator (normal use)
-wattage: 9
-hours/day: 23
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 207
quote:
Originally posted by chrism
washing machine
-wattage: 100
-hours/day: 1
-days/week: 7
-watt hours: 100
quote:While your load list has a significant amount of refining that needs to be done, sometime this week when I get time, I'll show you what we do with this load list. One question I have for you is do you by chance know what nominal voltage you're going to use for your system? Old systems were usually 12, newer systems 24, and newer still (and what my PV teacher always recommends to people) is 48 volts.
Originally posted by chrism
Total watt hours used in 7 days: 7819.571 []
You asked about amps. By having your watt hours, we can compute how many amp hours you'll need. That'll be part of the calculations I do later this week (unless someone beats me to it).
Big Thanks Yogi!!
Being a computer guy, my bread and butter is my PC. That said, your right about the Laptop approach. I have to admit. I'm also a computer game fanatic. Or should I say, "I was" until now. [8D] The pc I'm running is a liquid cooled monster of a machine that I built. But gaming is the farthest thing from my mind right about now, so a laptop to build websites will do just fine.
I just bought the fridge 'used' from craigslist last weekend. It's stainless 19cu foot Whirlpool and looks like its about 4 years old. I Have a little tool called an EZ-meter where I plug the meter into the outlet and the device plugs into the meter. Then I press 'watts' and it gives me a reading. I make sure I give it plenty of time to give a consistent number but I certainly know how quirky these gadgets can be. However, the good news about all of this is that >all< my appliances will be brand new anyway, so I guess I just need to know who manufactures the most "solar friendly" stuff, and where I can find them??
Thanks Laughing-Girl,
Your right about the microwave and the fans. I'm hoping I can charge my cell phone from the cigarette lighter in my car. But finding about the catchment pump needs is a must!!
DanielP,
I hear yah loud and clear. (I wouldn't have to build so far away but their is a nuisance 2 lots down that would drive me nuts if I built up front. Any anonymous private emails from anyone on how to handle it would be a god-send). I guess it all comes down to the cost to install the 6 or 7 poles since the ground solution costs more. I was just thinking,,, If I lived 30 more years after paying for the poles I would have paid HELCO $54,000 dollars if my bill stayed at $150.00 a month. I guess its worth considering HELCO, but I just can't shake the priceless Idea of being self sufficient.
More at 11 [
]Chris