solar power forums
 

fyi, ive been reading a bit over there
starting to research solar a bit
http://www.solarpowerforum.net/forumVB/index.php

Re: solar power forums
 

Good site,thanks!

Re: solar power forums
 

I'm putting together a system similar to the "solar generator" on www.kensolar.com

I was always a bit intimidated by solar power, it seems so complicated, but it really is not if you take it step-wise.
I'm starting with a small off-grid system that will be able to keep my freezer/fridge and a few lights on for a day or two if the grid goes down, and more if it is sunny out, that is priority #1. Gas generators seem kind of dumb for me, as I live in an urban area and would probably not be able to get gas in a shtf scenario, and if I did the noise would bring hungry people to my door. A small solar backup system is silent and easily concealed.
Plus, with just a few extension cords I'll be able to run my washing machine, tools, tv, maybe even a small a/c anytime I get decent sun. At least that is the way I hope it works out, Im still in the design phase.

My advice; start small, but get a charge controller with extra capacity, then you can add on panels later on (they can be cheap on ebay) without having to get another controller. It is easy to add battery capacity too.
For the price of a graded oz gold coin, ken solar can give you a backup solar system, I think it's a great investment.

Re: solar power forums
 

Very true IMO. Ive found it downright simple to work with.

Re: solar power forums
 

Anyone has any success using solar panels and whats the most u can get out of it at this point as far as electricty?
It wuld be nice to run all home appliances on it
and what panel brands work?
Thanks

Re: solar power forums
 

Yes,it works but it is a total lifestyle change.You want to go solar with the normal American home,no changes,cough up 80,000 dollars.

You need NEW appliances that arent cheap but hyper energy efficient.No electric heat or hot water (resistive loads),no refrigerated air conditioning.

With 20,000,doing it yourself, and a lifestyle change per above you can do pretty darned nice.

Go here (Link below),read every solar post.You also only use quality name brands,if its China its trash.Kyocera,Siemens,GE,Mitsubishi are good,IE,American or Japanese make good stuff.There are other products too.Like Outback,Trojan,Concorde,Xantrex,Prosine,Blue Sky,all of these are quality solar products

You asked a huge question in just 5 lines,it will take many many many pages to answer.Read this site for a primer.Go to the bottom, set it to all threads from the beginning,its 33 pages.Read all the solar and related topics and you will have a good knowledge base of what is involved,and how to make it work.Its certainly doable,thats for sure.

I have a partial setup at home (Battery backup,inverter,charger and portable genny),its on the RV (Full setup),BIL and friend have whole house systems and we all set them up by ourselves with just average intelligence.It isnt rocket science for sure.

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54

Re: solar power forums
 

Absolute best payback with solar is hot water and solar space heating.Gary has a very good site too with many projects.His site is really worth looking at.

http://www.builditsolar.com/index.htm