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Where are the best prices on solar power equipment?
I don't know much about solar power equipment, but I have been told (after analyzing my expected usage) that the following system meets my needs:
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 429pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=571 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 225pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 8533" width=300><COL style="WIDTH: 32pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1223" width=43><COL style="WIDTH: 92pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3470" width=122><COL style="WIDTH: 80pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3015" width=106><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl70 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 225pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99" width=300 height=20>DESCRIPTION</TD><TD class=xl70 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 32pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99" width=43>#</TD><TD class=xl70 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 92pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99" width=122>PRICE</TD><TD class=xl70 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 80pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99" width=106>TOTAL</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Mitsubishi 120 Watt Solar Modules</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>4</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="630">$ 630.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="2520" x:fmla="=SUM(B2*C2)">$ 2,520.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Top Of Pole Mount - 4X</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="525">$ 525.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="525" x:fmla="=SUM(B3*C3)">$ 525.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>MC Quick Connects</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>8</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="18.25">$ 18.25 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="146" x:fmla="=SUM(B4*C4)">$ 146.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Combiner Box</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="159">$ 159.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="159" x:fmla="=SUM(B5*C5)">$ 159.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>OutBack Breakers</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>4</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="18">$ 18.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="72" x:fmla="=SUM(B6*C6)">$ 72.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Deka L16 Batteries 350 Amps 6 Volts</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>4</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="225">$ 225.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="900" x:fmla="=SUM(B7*C7)">$ 900.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Xantrex 1500 Watt Inverter</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="880">$ 880.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="880" x:fmla="=SUM(B8*C8)">$ 880.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Conduit Box</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="250">$ 250.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="250" x:fmla="=SUM(B9*C9)">$ 250.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>DC Disconnect Box and Bonding Bar</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="400">$ 400.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="400" x:fmla="=SUM(B10*C10)">$ 400.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Xantrex 35 Amp Charge Controller/Meter</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="218">$ 218.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="218" x:fmla="=SUM(B11*C11)">$ 218.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>60 Amp Breaker for Controller</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>2</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="39">$ 39.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="78" x:fmla="=SUM(B12*C12)">$ 78.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Battery Cables</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>8</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="16">$ 16.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="128" x:fmla="=SUM(B13*C13)">$ 128.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>Inverter Cables</TD><TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num>1</TD><TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="150">$ 150.00 </TD><TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" x:num="150" x:fmla="=SUM(B14*C14)">$ 150.00 </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; HEIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20></TD><TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-TOP: #d4d0c8; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"></TD><TD class=xl68 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99">SUBTOTAL</TD><TD class=xl69 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: #d4d0c8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d4d0c8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffcc99" x:num="6426" x:fmla="=SUM(D2:D14)">$ 6,426.00 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> It is a small system, but we use electricity sparingly. For those who have solar systems, can you tell me the following: 1. Are these quality components? 2. Is the above system well balanced? 3. Would the above system be scalable? 4. Are these prices good, or is there a cheaper place to get them? Thanks! |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
<SLV> You might want to check out this forum www.solarpowerforum.net, they might help you out. I am just starting looking into solar and wind so I dont know that much. The people on the solarpowerforum are helpful people. You could post this setup and see what they think about it.
As for solar panels, this place might be cheaper sunelec.com. I am personally looking into the kyocera panels. I can get a 130 watt, 7.39 Imp, 17.6 Vp for $455.00. I have seen Xantrex 1500 Watt Inverters cheaper than $880. But I dont know exactly which 1500 inverter you are looking at. Is it the portable one, AC to DC inverter, or statpower inverter....? Could you please be more specific which one you had in mind? |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
I have two new sets of gell cell 1200 amp hour deep cycle batteries and one used that I planed to put to use on solar panels but did not get that accomplished, if some one is interested in these send me a PM.
I can help you load with a forklift and you haul they are about 1600 or 1700 pounds each set, they are in the north western part of Kansas and I would let them go for a trade of a Mosin Nagant rifle per set or some ammo or what ever. They will need to be put on a charger soon, but I checked them the other day and each cell is still good. these can be configured to 24VDC or 48VDC all of these are gone |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
These guys have great prices, check um out here......http://sunelec.com/http://
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Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
tn andy the man to ask about solar stuff
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Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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Nothing wrong with kyocera. The most practical way to mount solar panels is on the roof. If your ridge runs east-west (or within 14 degrees) mount them on the south side and forget about them. Much less likely to get stolen than on a tracker. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
Thanks Mick....but there are several here with way more experience than me.
I'd disagree about the roof mount.....for one thing, you have to have the right facing roof....then you have the problem of mounting without leaks...and the penetration of wiring.....and the problem of removal/re-install if you need a new roof down the road....plus you have to do away with tree shading that lowers summer house temps Overall, I see pole mounts as having far less problems.....whether you use a tracker mount or a fixed mount. About the only thing I can think negative about them is the utility look about them....but even that can be abated somewhat by where you place them.....as for theft....heck, if they are brave enough to steal 'em off a pole, I'd guess a roof won't slow 'em up much..... Overall, SLV....that's a very small system....480w of panels is only going to produce about 300-350 times 5 hours or so, or maybe 1.5 to 2Kw/hrs per day.....so you better have pretty low power requirements. And if by 'scalable' you mean expandable, then, no, not so much.....those panels ( assuming I got the right one by Google ) are 12v nominal panels at about 7amps....which just about maxes out the charge controller...(assuming the panels in parallel, which since they have 4 breakers for the combiner box, I assume is the plan ).....and the inverter is pretty small......so if you start adding much, you immediately have to change both of those. If you think expansion is in the plans, at least go with a larger charge controller and use an MPPT type. ( the one they list may be MPPT....don't know ) Also....doesn't give the specs on the inverter, but again, if 12v, you might want to go with a 24v model.....that would let you switch the panels later from parallel ( 4 at 12v ) to 2 strings of 2 @ 24v, which would give 14amps instead of 28, allowing you to double the number of panels....keep the same combiner box ( but up the breaker size...and now only need 2...and only two sets of MC connectors )....and keep the same charge controller ( assuming it will accept about 36-40v input...check that....my Outback will take up to 150v input ) |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
Andy is spot on with his roof placement statements.
Another disadvantage is the inability to brush snow off of them for those that may have the pleasure of experiencing it. There are days the sun is producing but the folks with them mounted on their roofs are not making power because they are covered in snow. If they were pole mounted, you could brush the snow off of them and be back in business. They are also easier to get to if you had to do work on them. About the only disadvantages that I can see is they may be more suceptable to damage from the lawn mower or kids playing and they take up space in your yard. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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One alternative is to mount panels on your barn or garage. Because of the terrain my panels cannot be seen unless looking for them, which eases my mind when I'm not here. On a 10 in 12 pitch roof I doubt anyone would try to steal them anyway. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
There are, no doubt, cases for both. I'm just reminded of this photo when I think roof mount.....ahahahaa...guy that lives in the next county up from us....
I'd think the way to go in that case was make up the connections, THEN do the mount....... ( Their blog: http://www.city-data.com/forum/tenne...tennessee.html Photo is from page 134 ) http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k...onbrackets.jpg |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
Thanks for the tips.
I'm building with a south-facing roof plane on a 12/12 pitch (43 degrees north lattitude). I understand that it is an ideal roof around these parts for solar panels. I will have a metal roof, and the structure will not be impeded by trees. I think a roof mount is right in my circumstances. So, can I put the batteries and invertor in my basement, or is that some sort of hazard? |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
No problem in the basement, but you will need a sealed battery box and vent for it so when they charge, you vent the hydrogen gas off outside.
If you use a standing seam type metal roof, there is a company that makes a mounting bracket that attaches to the seam with no penetration of the roof...... |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
Tn-Andy and Fatboy has some valid points about roof mounts. I considered putting some on mine until I saw a picture of a roof that was partically burned because of solar panels. Please keep in mind, it is believed these panels were homemade and either shorted or didnt have enough ventilation to keep them cool. To me, it would an added safety precaution being away from the house in case something went wrong with the panels or if the house caught on fire.
Tn-Andy, great picture. It looks like beautiful country. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
I'm going to the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, WI, tomorrow and Saturday. I hope to get in on some great PV workshops. It is the largest fair of its kind in the world, and this is their 20th year.
http://www.the-mrea.org/energy_fair.php |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
I have had the worst imaginable customer service from XANTREX, and so I could not recommend any of their equipment. XANTREX will not provide repair parts, and will not give out ANY service information to customers.
If you need inexpensive, disposable electronics, they may serve your needs. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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I've always wanted to go to that, should be a hoot!....say hi to the folks in the HomePower booth. I'm not big on putting panels on roof tops if there's any other way, yes 12/12 pitch roof is good but you'll have extra heat build up and they will be much harder to clean, mine are on a ground mounted rack, low end of panels are about 4' off ground top is about 7' (guessing) when it's time to clean (3-4 times a year) I just hose and squeegee off with a long handled 2' wide squeegee.Aaaaand it will be fun enough just doing a 12/12 pitch metal roof...but it will help to keep your house cool with a nice tall attic, roof lasts longer also, but it's a biotch to work on. also if you have exposed fasteners the wind loads on the panels will elongate the holes from the exposed roofing screws in shorter time than normal. If you do mount on roof......http://www.designbuild-network.com/c...tal-roohttp:// We've used these standing seam roof clamps before their pretty good , there's a few manufacturers to choose from I think they're all probably decent. They make hydro caps for each individual battery that recapture water vapor and decrease hydrogen gas loss, here's one company.....http://discoverpower.com/shop/item.asp?PID=233 Or just put them all in a box and vent it out , just make sure the room has make up air. Wether or not any of our ideas seam helpful at this juncture(we're making it hard for you) at least you'll have plenty of questions for the pros at the fair. Oversize your inverter and controller , you'll be glad you did.....even if you save some money on the panels you'll probably wind up spending it on up-graded equipment, try to do it as "right" as you can afford. Have fun at the fair:23_30_104: Edit to add....of course you have no exposed fasteners , it's a standing seam roof. Don't know what got me talking about exposed fasteners....brain fart. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
While we're talking solar energy, make sure you use reflective barrier under your metal roof if your in a hot climate.....Astro foil or Low-E to name a couple , they are all comparable. It's the best money you'll ever spend , my house is all steel and I wrapped the whole place with it, walls & roof.....it makes a huge difference.
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Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
I would like to know the answer to the question above. I have an xantrex 1500 modified, but just found out that its great for part time use. Not every day use. They are trying to sell me a xantrex sine 1800, the company I was talking to had them for 1200.00 but I found them for 900.00 elsewhere. While reading on them, they take 2 or 3 other components ($$$ ching ching)
What are your recomendation for an inverter for a smaller system? I only have two 125 watt Mitsubishi panels. I am not planning on buying more panels or having a whole house system. Basically something to run my SUNDANZER DC POWER- CHEST REFRIGERATOR and a light or mixer. Nothing major. Thanks for any help! |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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I don't think 250 watts will be enough to run that fridge in the summer. What if there are hot cloudy days? I don't think there is any DC fridge that you can expect to run year round with less than about 500 watts. My place has 492 watts but I use a propane fridge. What confuses me about your question is you plan to use a DC fridge yet you're asking which inverter to use. What are you going to do with the inverter? |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
MREA Fair was AWESOME! Everyone really should make an effort to be there. 22,000 attendees (last year) and 200 workshops! I had brain overload on everything from composting humanure to building my own wind power generator.
Thanks for the tip on Xantrex. I will have a standing seam roof and I'm planning on using S-5 connectors. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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According to the salesman at the Backwoods Solar, they said that I could run my Sun Danzer on one 125 watt panel. (I have 2) He said where I am located I should have enough sun to do so. But you make a good point. I will have to investigate more. Quote:
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Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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If you had any extra power you could use them for DC lights. You can get DC compact flourescents that screw into ordinary light fixtures. Look at the sizing chart. http://www.sundanzer.com/PDF/residen...tem_sizing.pdf. If you don't plan to run an air conditioner at the same time you run the fridge, you have to consider that on some summer days it may be 95 degrees in your kitchen. That would be 370 watts-hours per day. What if it's hot and overcast? If someone forgets to close the fridge door it might take a day to recover while your food rots. If you had your fridge in the basement where it's 65 degrees all the time it might work with 250 watts. You might also consider a 24 VDC system, they make lights for them too. 24 volts is a little more efficient. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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Ah...... Now I am really confused. You are telling me just the opposite of what the guys at backwoods said. They said the 12volt system would be better ......I originally wanted the 24v system. :banghead: I dont do fluorescent lights, they give me migraines. I guess its back to the drawing board. Thank you for your help. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
24 volts is more efficient than 12 volts in general. The Sundanzer may be better suited for 12 volts for some reason I'm not aware of. Backwoods Solar is more familiar with that product.
12 or 24 volt incandescent lights suck power like crazy and are not suitable for off grid. There is an option in flourescent lights...you could go with the "yellow" or "warm" type for people who dislike flouescent lights. They are only a little less efficient. My 8 cu.ft. propane fridge costs 40 cents a day to run, but does give off some heat in the kitchen. GLTU. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
What about LED lights? Are they "suckers"? I do also have some solar led lights, which are not the brightest but I guess they would work if needed. I also have a solar battery charger for my mag light or head lamp.
I called Backwoods and they said that with 2 trojan T 105 batteries fully charged, that they Sun Danzer should go for 3 days, and with my 4 batteries, should go for almost 7 days. I guess the best thing to do is to get the system hooked up and see what it does! Now if I could get my loving man to move it up his list of stuff to do!!!! |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
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QUALITY solar power equipment
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In addition to a smaller deep freeze, and the regular size kitchen refrigerator, it runs a half horsepower deep-well pump, and doesnt miss a beat when the microwave, coffee pot and toaster happen to also be in operation. Outback is a small company based in NW washington state, They build high quality, field repairable power inverters, and do NOT put their label on inferior Xhinese imported equipment. |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
Off-grid LEDs are expensive and the light has a funny color.
Here are the CFLs I'm planning on using -- same light spectrum as daylight: http://products.mercola.com/light-bulbs/ |
Re: Where are the beat prices on solar power equipment?
http://store.solar-electric.com/solarpanels.html
Solar panel sale going with some prices that beats sunelec.com (I have no connections to the site.) |
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