A.I.M. Users Bulletin Board

[Toofuzzy]

To Conrad: RE OT Power question.

I have 4-50w pannels. That means each pannel produces 50w (is that Watts or Whatthoures...whatever >grin<)in FULL SUN.On average, where I live that is 3 to 4 hours per day(I forget if that is average including cloudy days or not)There is a chart that shows this for the United States. It looks like a planting zone chart.

So I have 200w times 3-4 hours/day = 600-800w (WH ?)

So usible electricity with all efficiency figured in I figure I end up with 500w (WH ?) or 1/2KW / day.

There is no battery charger between the pannels and the battery bank. Both are 12v dc (actually the pannels will put out up to 20v I think with no load on them)

To give you an idea of the ecconomics: If a desktop computer and monitor use 250w / hr then to be able to use it two hours /day I would have to invest $2000 in solar equipment. I bought a laptop instead and my present system is able to handle it. The laptop cost $1200 and lets say a desktop would have cost $800. $1200-$800= $400. So I spent $400 more (and got a computer I can take with me)and saved $2000 so net I saved $1600. I will also save some more money down the road because my battery bank would have to be larger and the batteries wear out.

I use gas for cooking.

I use 10w 12v halagen bulbs in places most people would use a 75w incadesent. I am presently experimenting with Light Emitting Diode bulbs (LED's). I have one with 24 white LED's (don't ask what it cost)that I use for reading. 6 LED's is OK for walking around a room. One LED could be a nightlight.

If someone wanted to convert a regular home (no air conditioning though) I would say write out the check for $50,000 to $60,000. But for $5,000 to $10,000 with some conservation and switching of loads it could be done. If your in the middle of nowhere and the choice is using kerosine lamps or spending $600 to $1,000 and being able to have lights, radio,and a few other small loads I think solar is a good choice and has its place. Otherwise any money spent on conservation would be the better choice.

If you or anyone else has any other questions e-mail me (its in my profile)

Toofuzzy