[amsat-bb] Re: OFF grid solar system

[Joel Black]

Ok, I'm not *trying* to be dense here, but regardless of whether you tie 
into the grid, use batteries, or have an off-grid system with no 
batteries that only works during the day, what happens to the 30% waste 
of generated electricity that is dissipated as heat?  What am I missing?

Something you *all* must be aware of, those transformers on the pole 
work both ways:  7200VAC down to 240VAC and 240VAC back to 7200VAC.  If 
you get a lineman out there working on a phase he thinks is not hot and 
he gets seriously injured or killed, you will be liable.  I'm *not* 
saying this to discourage you, but to make sure you use a licensed 
electrician to install a proper automatic disconnect switch.  Alabama 
Power requires an automatic disconnect.

73,
Joel, W4JBB

Bob Bruninga wrote:
>> Think in terms of ... an independant 
>> 12 volt DC system.. starting small 
>> and building up over time... We need 
>> to be energy independant on a small 
>> scale...
>>     
>
> Agree, but think in terms of big panels if you want low cost.  I have Eighteen 1 foot solar panels on my car that produce 215 watts total, but the cost for small panels was $2400.  
>
> Now the cost of a single 3.3' by 5.5' house panel is only $600 and it produces 225 watts.  A 4 to 1 cost savings.  So you can get a lot more watts per dollar by getting a large panel.  Though it is a 30 volt panel good for a 24/28 volt battery system.  You can still use it for a 12v system by charging the batteries in series and using them in parallel or getting a 24VDC to 12VDC converter available at any truck parts store.
>
> Bob, Wb4APR
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