Solar Electric and/or Solar Water

[kalakoa]

Actually, you should use more 220: almost all appliances that run both 110/220 are about 15% more efficient at 220 than at 110, the tricky part is wiring a house that way.

[EightFingers]

Not true. 220v. motors are not more "effcient" than 110v. motors. The "benefit" of 220 is it takes fewer "amps" to do the same work. You're still using the same amount of "energy" or "wattage". The higher the voltage, the smaller the conductors required for the same energy output. That's the main reason volatges are "stepped up" --> distributed --> and "stepped down" at your house. You'll never see 110v. distribution lines. 220 v. motors ARE more effcient in that they are less expensive to produce.

Side note: I got a kick out of reading a real estate listing touting the garage/shop had 220 amp service.

[kalakoa]

Yes and no: consumed wattage is approximately equal, but higher voltage means lower loss, and less "startup sag" (which does eat some efficiency).

Bigger gains will be seen with electronics, especially those with switching power supplies, such as a conventional PC.

[Kapohocat]

quote:

---

Originally posted by EightFingers..

Side note: I got a kick out of reading a real estate listing touting the garage/shop had 220 amp service.

---

WOW. LOL... Do you think they meant 20 amp? or 2 20 amp circuits?

and I thought the biggest amount Helco would hook up was 200 amp service to a single residence and .... that is only if you beg them and it is available? ( [:p] )

[EightFingers]

Kalakoa,
You might notice a difference in the higher HP motors (20+hp) but not in any "consumer" devices.

@Kapohocat: Could be, but they left off a few words!
Also, most POCOs will not go over 200 amp as it requires a different transformer (unless there's already a tap available). You would also be considered commercial and be charged higher rates (usually based on peak usage and not actual usage). I have seen houses with two 200 amp services, but had different accounts. One had a big electric kiln.