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Residential Solar

AYSM said:
Perhaps she is ignorant...the ability for a solar system depends on amount of energy produced which is a function of quantity of the solar cells and sunlight availability.

The ability to use power during times of non power generation is offset either by power coming back from the grid which, in your scenario would be non-existent...an alternative source could be maintained through the use of battery storage...once again the limitation would be quantity of batteries...there are other factors but that is an attempt at simplicity.

With a big enough system you wouldn't need to be attached to the grid at all and the lifespan is almost indefinitely...battery replacement probably one of the bigger long term expenses...or perhaps an upgrade to keep up with the Joneses as the technology gets even better...rapid advances in recent years is making panels and other components more efficient at a more affordable price...about like buying a new TV or telephone in today's world.

To eliminate the use of a generator you use an inverter to change the DC voltage to AC to power standard household applications. (the generator could be used to power the system in lieu of batteries when the sun goes down but not needed if you have the power storage)

Limitations would be related to the size of the system you install, many use solar power that can run all major appliances in an entire household...off the grid.
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Well, ideally I would love for my entire home to be run off the panels, and any excess to be sold back to the electric company. But I know that I would have to have a pretty massive system for that to happen, and I was even told that my house is not big enough for all the panels I would need. Does that sound right? I have a 2,200 sf house with a gabled roof.
 
Superfly said:
I do OK with sunlight. I have no trees large enough to shade my house - only my lawn. I would be happy with more sunlight, but I am not on a big lot. I would ideally like to be on a big lot, out in the middle of nowhere, and just put up the panels somewhere on the property. I have an HOA but as long as the panels can't be seen from the road, I don't even have to get permission.

If you get those smaller ones that you can put in your yard, theoretically you can take those with you if you move, right?
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I would think so. I am not 100% sure, and a smaller one in the yard would not cover your needs during black outs. I think that if you had the powerwall, and charged that up, it would take care of your black out periods.. and just act as supplemental to cover some of your needs. That's getting into 'I don't know enough' range for me to figure out the cost effectiveness vs the hassle.
 
Superfly said:
And I would have no problem using some of my local power. Like using solar panels until I am out of "power" and then using Georgia Power. I'd love a battery backup, but what I'd love more is just to be able to *somewhat* move way from the hell that is Georgia Power.
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I have a storage trailer with a couple of old school solar panels on top of it with no battery installed and not plugged in to AC...the 12 volt lights, radio etcetera work during sunny days...just sayin'...even a small system can offset some needs.
 
AYSM said:
I have a storage trailer with a couple of old school solar panels on top of it with no battery installed and not plugged in to AC...the 12 volt lights, radio etcetera work during sunny days...just sayin'...even a small system can offset some needs.
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I wouldn't mind starting off small. I know that it is a huge expense, but starting off small would help - especially during power outages.
 
Superfly said:
Well, ideally I would love for my entire home to be run off the panels, and any excess to be sold back to the electric company. But I know that I would have to have a pretty massive system for that to happen, and I was even told that my house is not big enough for all the panels I would need. Does that sound right? I have a 2,200 sf house with a gabled roof.
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It appears that RAMOSS has provided some great links to info...my experience came about decades ago, so I understand the principle but not familiar with current technology as relates to the calculations but, depending on roof angle to the track of the sun, sounds like it should be plenty of space...but don't quote me on that...it's relatively simple math but I'm not familiar with current technology to make a suitable system calculation...it entails determining how much wattage for how long you need verses ability to produce/store/use it.
 
Superfly said:
I wouldn't mind starting off small. I know that it is a huge expense, but starting off small would help - especially during power outages.
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I lived for years on a remote piece of property I own...wasn't aware when the grid went down...back in a canyon we couldn't see the lights from town...we didn't live fancy but freedom comes with a bit of give and take.
 
azgreg said:
Thanks Rob. With the new solar rules coming to our area in July we needed to pull the trigger soon.
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Just got my new roof. Silicone spray with a 10 year warranty. They come out once a year to inspect the roof and do any maintenance if there is any needed. It's awesome (flat roof). Just in time too. Last night was the hardest rain this year so far. I had a bad leak but this stuff is rather awesome. Next step I'm going to start researching putting solar on my roof. See if it's feasible for us. Like Arizona, New Mexico has a crap ton of solar companies to choose from. I had a friend come to visit from AZ and he was astounded at how much solar he saw here. He said something like, "I saw solar lighting up all the billboards and on houses, businesses and solar farms. All this high tech in New Mexico but your roads are ****."
 
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Superfly said:
I wouldn't mind starting off small. I know that it is a huge expense, but starting off small would help - especially during power outages.
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Shop it. There are systems and companies that defer costs if you want to lease. You basically pay them a monthly bill instead of your electric company and that price per kw is locked in from the beginning so as electric prices go up from the electric company, your's stays stable. And the bill per month will most likely be less than what you pay now. Free install. Free blah blah blah... Just redirecting your electric bill to the solar company. But you don't own the solar equipment. You are leasing it.

All sorts of financing options like that out there.
 
A little update. It;s been over a year now and everything is working very well. My electric bill is about ha;f of what it used to be. My APS bill for last month was $2.82.
 
azgreg said:
A little update. It;s been over a year now and everything is working very well. My electric bill is about ha;f of what it used to be. My APS bill for last month was $2.82.
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zombiethread.jpg

Eat shit electric utility!
 
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