Your Questions About Solar Energy Generators For Home

admin answers:

I live on a farm in Piedmont NC, and use a solar photovoltaic array to provide the most critical electrical needs for my house. I use a Trace inverter/charger of 2,500 watts per leg to produce 120/240 volt 60 Hz power identical to what comes from the overhead pole line.

This particular inverter is designed to work with a 24 volt battery array; the batteries I use are actually 12 volt batteries, wired in series-parallel to provide 24 volts, 5600 amp-hours.

This system provides enough power to run all the lights, the refrigerator, this laptop and one other computer, music system. Two circulating fans, microwave oven, and the circulating pumps for a hot-water heat system embedded in the concrete floor slab.

The fans, pumps, and refrigerator are special energy-efficient models specially designed for solar electric systems.

This system was very expensive to build, and it will take 20 years at the present electric rates to pay for itself. It is very likely that electric costs will go ‘way up, which will shorten the payback time. The main benefit for me is the sense of independence and flexibility.

I don’t try to run air conditioners, shop tools, kitchen appliances, or a washer and dryer off the solar plant. I run these when I have to, and pay the bill. In the kitchen I have a gas range and a wood fired cookstove with a hot water tank.

Thus I have several optional ways of providing for most needs. The Trace inverter/charger automatically charges the batteries from the utility lines if the batteries get low, and the utility power is off, it will automatically start the backup generator and charge the batteries off that. I would have to have five (5) consecutive days of dark clouds and rain to make that happen.

You can find out all about how to do this on the internet. Most states have some kind of Alternate Energy information center that will provide you information related to local sources and requirements. Also, you can search for “solar electric system” on the internet and find tons of sites selling the components and sources of information.

Good luck!

admin answers:

Yes you could switch to a huge generator. The cost of operation would be more than the 10 cents per kilowatt the electric company charges. Check your local laws. You may be able to build a windmill. Any unused electricity is sold back to the electric company at their rates of 10 cents per kilowatt. You can also look into solar cells.

Both of these methods have high start up costs. Be sure and find out from the companies what they consider the time to be to start seeing results.

In the mean time there are many things you can do first. Reinsulate your attack to 12 inches of blow in insulation. Insulate your floor if you are on a crawl space. Caulk every where you can think of. Install double or triple plan vynal windows. Put electrical heat reducing fans on your attick. Get an electronic thermistat. And program it to different tempertures duing the day and night. Shut vents and doors in rooms you do not use. See in you can get foam insulation for your walls. By doing most of this you should lower your energy costs by 30% or more.