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We are on the grid and for now we will just try to be as conservative in using it as we can. We did build an off-grid vacation home and used photovoltaic power for everything that wouldn't run on propane in a previous life. It worked just fine for days at a time but would have needed a generator back-up for year round use. We have always lived out of town though and the biggest problem with power was the loss of water during outages. For here I have in mind a system with battery storage that would run the water pump, taking the pump and maybe a shop light off of the grid completly. I haven't done nearly as much research as many of you here have but I think it could be afordable, save a little money by taking that pump off grid, and be a big help if the grid goes down.
Jay
Jay
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Jay, had to smile, as 7-8 years ago we read a book on solar (forgot the name, but could probably dig that up if someone HAS to have it!), and the starting point was to run a pump for water.... from what I can remember, the rest of the book was about how you start with that simple premise & the learning curve escalates.... most of the problems early on for the author were that solar water pump idea has a lot of hitches, something to the effect that the pump is an energy hog that really doesn't last long if not on a nice conditioned source & of course (from the authors POV) everyone seems to go through their first battery bank as a learning curve...and... well, the book was very instructional, & we decided not to start a solar project with the idea of pumping water ;~)
Oh, and the State has axed the regulation requiring architect/engineer approval, so at least that is one less worry! - Bill 305 was adopted in a 7-0 vote to remove this requirement....
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And here I was thinking that a 1/2 hp pump and a light would be two of the easier things to run. I could just have a 12 volt back up system but I am picturing something more than that. I'm note quite convinced that it's not doable but of course I haven't calculated the sizing of panels and battery so it may not be sensible. Batteries, like catchment and everthing else here, needs do be done right and have regular maintenance to survive for very long.
Jay
Jay
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The HIT modules rated high for cloudy conditions-
http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthre...reas/page2
But where can u get them? I stopped by the storefront in Papaikou but looks like they vacated along with the bakery. I'm looking to buy before yearend for the tax credits. last week I got a Outback charge controller and Xantrex 24 volt inverter. I want to get the pv's now and batteries for a offgrid system last. Somebody in Kona was selling a package of Kyocera polycrystalline panels. So look like the supposedly inferior polycrystallines are the new thin film since they might be better in low light than monocrystalline.
So hope I can use this setup to run a regular washing machine since that's what I ahve.
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are there any good resources online for educating yourself about how to design/build a solar system? i think it would be important for a licensed person to install it, but short of that i would like to plan the system myself, based on my needs and my budget. most of the sites i find online are the same basic information over and over again, or they are from retailers trying to sell a product. an example of a useful doc, but on a different subject matter, would be the guide to rainwater catchment systems in hawaii, which was published by CTAHR.
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The Solar Living Institute is one of the older solar education facilities (years ago we were involved with some of the demos there). Link:
http://www.solarliving.org/
UCF FL Solar Energy Center site:
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/
Penn State Solar Resource site:
http://www.research.psu.edu/capabilities...ion-center
One of the reasons it is hard to find non-sales on-line resources is the diversity of systems & manufacture (and the plasticity of the current PV market)
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How long is it taking to get a solar grid-tie system installed?
I put down a down payment April 2nd and I am still waiting. That makes eight months.
Is this normal?
It required an electrical engineers stamp, although the electrical diagram was about as complicated as a toaster. It also needs an architects stamp (to make sure a two year old roof is strong enough to carry it . The Building Dept has had it well over a month that I know of.
I would appreciate hearing other people's experiences
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Incompetence breeds unchecked in the local government, expect nothing and be pleasantly surprised if anything ever does come to pass.
Cheers
rainyjim
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Some systems are pretty much flying up, so I think it does have a lot to do with who you hire.... American Electric has been working at UH-H & every time I turn around they are on another install... have no idea if these buildings were all one permit, or individual (if that is the case, blame UH for the delays!)
The only reason I even noticed who was doing the install is that I am waiting for a call back from the American Electric Hilo rep on that UH-H bifacial HIT panel install, as the Florian racking is what we have wanted & they do it....in Oahu... have no idea here...
