05-31-2009, 05:31 PM
TheYogi - don't know if your numbers are right or wrong, but perhaps your theory needs to be tempered with experience. As I think I've previously stated, I use about 13kw per day. While we practice a number of conservation practices, I also know we purposely use a lot more power than many households, numerous refrigeration,microwave ovens, plasma tv's, power tools, washer, dishwasher, etc . Our system consists of 36 panels @ 125watts each for a total of 4.5kw (non tracking), less than half of your 56 panel/9.2kw system. Except for rainy season, we produce quite adequate power. In the last 22 months, we have run the diesel generator approx 250 hours to augment the sun.
Please keep in mind that propane here is not cheap. I had a neighbor swear by his propane fridge - until he figured the true total cost. Once he had the numbers, it made more sense to add 2 more PV panels to his smallish system and buy a low cost energy efficient Sears unit.
IMHO, over designing a system, based on lack of experience just adds to the problems.
David
Ninole Resident
Please keep in mind that propane here is not cheap. I had a neighbor swear by his propane fridge - until he figured the true total cost. Once he had the numbers, it made more sense to add 2 more PV panels to his smallish system and buy a low cost energy efficient Sears unit.
IMHO, over designing a system, based on lack of experience just adds to the problems.
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident