Solar power

[Redneck in training]

We installed our PV by ourselves to cut cost. The tax credit doesn't require it is installed by a professional but state code might. To get licensed is apparently quite easy I heard from other people. There is not net metering where I live so to cut cost was imperative. Professional installation will more than double the cost. Some installers might let you make a deal with them so you could contribute your own work for discount.

 

[NorTracNY]

As mentioned, solar rules and rebates vary with states. I know that NY has made solar an amazing deal. It was a no-brainer for me.

 

[RobertN]

i'm looking at some digital calipers for at work. Turns out Mitutoyo makes 4" and 6" digital calipers, in a solar version. From what I see they are like a solar power calculator.

ABSOLUTE Solar Caliper Series 500

My solar at home has been crankin the last couple of sunny spring weeks here in the N Calif foothills. We got 5Kw of panels, and a 6Kw inverter for a little future growth. Mid afternoon we have been bumping 5200W. Solar hot water has been cranking too.

I'm looking at a swamp cooler as alternative to power hungry existing heat pump/AC.

 

[Redneck in training]

America now has more solar energy workers than coal miners : TreeHugger

Interesting statistic. No black lungs either.

 

[MtHam]

If you are on the grid, solar makes no sense as a back-up. The cost, as compared to a generator, is too high, and given the few days (hours?) per year it would be used simply does not justify the cost, unless you only want to run a few hundred watts worth of gear. A 5-6kw genset can be purchased for about $600 and will take care of most of your needs unless you are a energy hog.

 

[Redneck in training]

Solar tied to grid makes sense. It lowers or eliminate your utility bill. Especially when you are in a place where electricity is expensive and utility gives you "net metering" contract. The pay back on the investment is quite short. The ability of some inverters to function as a generator when sun is shining and the grid is down is just an added benefit.

 

[Beltman60]

Solar tied to grid makes sense. It lowers or eliminate your utility bill. Especially when you are in a place where electricity is expensive and utility gives you "net metering" contract. The pay back on the investment is quite short. The ability of some inverters to function as a generator when sun is shining and the grid is down is just an added benefit.

you need to be careful as most inverters need 110v ac to operate

 

[Tollster]

GreenBuildingTalk - Green Building Forums on Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), Radiant Heating, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Power, Green Construction Projects

 

[Redneck in training]

you need to be careful as most inverters need 110v ac to operate

There are some that will disconnect from the grid, switch to "island" mode and make certain level (in ex. 1500 W) of power available from an outlet on the inverter box. That way you can charge your phone, run radio etc.

 

[Beltman60]

I'm talking solar inverter
most need 110v as a start up then once they have 110 they can take the DC from the panels and convert it to AC
without the 110 you still can't get anything from your panels with a power outage