Photovoltaic Solar Power

Started by Toruk Makto, February 10, 2010, 12:22:53 PM

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Toruk Makto

 I have managed to acquire a fairly extensive expertise in PV solar technology from various activities, one of which is an 840W system I designed and built for our off-grid cabin in Colorado. If anyone is interested in building a solar power system either for off-grid primary or grid-tie supplemental use, let me know if I can be of any help.





The PV array feeds a 1600AH AGM 24v battery bank via an Outback Systems MPPT charge controller. AC power to the cabin is via 2 synchronized Xantrex 2Kw inverters that supply the whole place, including the 240VAC well pump.  All the comforts of home and <carbon neutral. Also, the system has significant headroom for expansion if I ever need more capacity.

EDIT: Yes, digging a 6' deep hole for the array mount pole through mountain rock sucked. After that, the rest was easy!  :)


- Mark (Txepsiyu)

Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Toruk Makto

 Something I forgot to mention is that in the US, not all states have laws that require the utilities to purchase power from their customers if they have grid-tie sources that generate more than they use. I will try to compile a list of these states and post them here so we can get a letter-writing campaign started. That problem needs to be solved either state by state, or perhaps at the federal level to mandate that power utility generators have to buy technically compatible and compliant independent green sources of energy for their grids.

Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Rain

This is WONDERFUL! I'm especially enthused about writing letters. Maybe we should recruit those who have strengths in English and business-letter writing and get some workshops started. Any of you guys in college?

I'm a Literature major, btw.
"If there are self-made purgatories, then we shall all have to live in them."
-Spock, "This Side of Paradise"

"The greatest danger about Pandora is that you may come to love it too much." ~Grace Augustine

'Itan Atxur

Thats actually a beautiful picture minus the giant panel in the way! lol  :D

Check out more from my DeviantArt page HERE

Toruk Makto

#4
Well, it's kind of a trick of perspective. You can hardly see it from the deck of the cabin since it's 200' away (had to find lots of sun where I could).

Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Technowraith

Quote from: Txepäsiyu on February 10, 2010, 12:42:32 PM
Something I forgot to mention is that in the US, not all states have laws that require the utilities to purchase power from their customers if they have grid-tie sources that generate more than they use. I will try to compile a list of these states and post them here so we can get a letter-writing campaign started. That problem needs to be solved either state by state, or perhaps at the federal level to mandate that power utility generators have to buy technically compatible and compliant independent green sources of energy for their grids.

When we installed our panels, i asked the power utility about solar power energy buy back. They do offer it, but it is at a rate that is less than what we get billed for. In other words, they buy power back cheaper than what they bill us for on a per kilowatt hour rate. However, if you sell enough power back to the utility, you do end up making money. 2000 square feet of paneling generates a lot of power in the summer time. The front side of the house is almost entirely covered. We still have the whole back side of the house. (Our house is oriented north and south, with the roof lines facing east and west. So there's full exposure on the roof all day long). We have room for another 2000 square feet on the back roof, which would double our power capacity. I'm talking with dad about gradually installing panels on the back roof. He said that he may but up more panels when his income tax comes in.

See that shadow? It's the last one you're gonna see.

Tsmukan fa kxetse anawm

Nìwotxkrr Tìyawn

What is the price range for some good solar panels.
Naruto Shippuden Episode 166: Confession
                                    Watch it, Love it, Live it

Technowraith

Quote from: Nìwotxkrr Tìyawntsaheylu on February 10, 2010, 09:18:57 PM
What is the price range for some good solar panels.

Dad said the next set (about 200 Square feet) will run a couple thousand. He's not entirely sure. the price has since changed since we installed the original 1800 square feet. I'll try and look around and get back to ya.
See that shadow? It's the last one you're gonna see.

Tsmukan fa kxetse anawm

Toruk Makto

#8
Depending on where you are, the price is down to just over $2.50 per watt. It still needs to go much lower before PV can be a serious contender in the mass markets arena, though.

This is what I have and where I got them: http://store.solar-electric.com/kykd210waaop.html

Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Technowraith

Quote from: Txep Siyuyä on February 10, 2010, 09:53:25 PM
Depending on where you are, the price is down to just over $2.50 per watt. It still needs to go much lower before PV can be a serious contender in the mass markets arena, though.

This is what I have and where I got them: http://store.solar-electric.com/kykd210waaop.html

Very true. Dad says he order about 6 panels, which is a about $3500 at the "per panel" price at the link you have. Dad got his panels from somewhere else though, so i don't actually know what the cost is.
See that shadow? It's the last one you're gonna see.

Tsmukan fa kxetse anawm

The old Uriuujìn

I am thinking about doing this, especially for the Tribe. I think that getting a loan for it would pay off in the end, personally

Eywa ayngahu

-Uriuujìn

'Itan Atxur

Wow. WHY didn't I think of that? Thank Eywa you're part of this tribe, Uriuujìn. We need somebody capable of thought!! lol.

Check out more from my DeviantArt page HERE

Toruk Makto


Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Txonyä'ite

I have an email in to Nano Solar and from what they told me they will be selling panels at quite a bit below current market due to the ease pf production and relatively low cost of materials when compared to current PV panels. They won't tell me exactly what the price is going to be but they are currently hitting over 14.5% efficiency. I have my name in with an intent to purchase letter so as soon as i get prices i will let everyone know. They are projecting the end of this year for private party sales. ;)

Toruk Makto


Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Txonyä'ite

#15
Here is the company Url. http://www.nanosolar.com/homes

They are also talked about pretty regularly in popular science but i sadly do not have the story.

Edit. Ok so i found one of the stories i was talking about when i was saying how much cheaper the panels will be. Here is the Link http://greenenergyreporter.com/2009/09/low-cost-pvs-nanosolar-launches-german-factory-says-its-production-cost-is-lower-than-first-solar/

Toruk Makto

Tewti! If they have gotten the cost to under $1 a watt, this is very exciting.

Lì'fyari leNa'vi 'Rrtamì, vay set 'almong a fra'u zera'u ta ngrrpongu
Na'vi Dictionary: http://files.learnnavi.org/dicts/NaviDictionary.pdf

Rain

Has anyone tried attaching solar panels to the roof of a building? That may be the best possible solution for my family due to space. Opinions?
"If there are self-made purgatories, then we shall all have to live in them."
-Spock, "This Side of Paradise"

"The greatest danger about Pandora is that you may come to love it too much." ~Grace Augustine

Technowraith

Quote from: Rain on February 21, 2010, 01:12:38 AM
Has anyone tried attaching solar panels to the roof of a building? That may be the best possible solution for my family due to space. Opinions?

Solar roof panels are readily available. It's what my dad had installed on the roof. The best thing to do when considering panels is to contact a contractor and ask if they have experience or know anyone with experience with installing solar panels. Keep in mind, the best orientation is to have constant sun exposure to the roof. Generally an east-west orientation is best, as the sun rises and sets from east to west. You want your panels facing in those directions as much as possible, Tall trees or other buildings may hinder performance. You should keep your utility connection to the power grid.
See that shadow? It's the last one you're gonna see.

Tsmukan fa kxetse anawm

Rain

We anticipate keeping ourselves attached to the local grid, and our house does have that east-west orientation. Now the difficult part is finding solar panels that we can afford and finding a contractor...
"If there are self-made purgatories, then we shall all have to live in them."
-Spock, "This Side of Paradise"

"The greatest danger about Pandora is that you may come to love it too much." ~Grace Augustine