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To: GoMeanGreen

Problem is, even in high solar radiation areas, it’s not a very “power dense” source. Also, it’s a SUPPLEMENT, not a replacement.

The costs associated with generation of solar go way beyond just the PV cells. Want to hook into your home? Better have an inverter, an isolation switch so you don’t backfeed onto the grid in case of outage, etc, etc...and you’re looking at about 25-40K for that kind of system.

Unless you’re paying over a grand a month for electricity, it’s hardly worth it.


12 posted on 06/22/2007 6:28:06 AM PDT by OCCASparky (Steely-Eyed Killer of the Deep)
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To: OCCASparky

Inverter and automatic transfer switch and grid-tie interface setup is well under $10K, sometimes $4K if you have a smaller solar setup.


21 posted on 06/22/2007 6:56:23 AM PDT by ikka
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To: OCCASparky
Unless you’re paying over a grand a month for electricity, it’s hardly worth it.

Paging Al Gore!
41 posted on 06/22/2007 8:38:00 AM PDT by RushingWater (Pres. Bush honors Mexican sovereignty over our own - Pardon Ramos/Campeon/Hernandez)
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To: OCCASparky
The costs associated with generation of solar go way beyond just the PV cells. Want to hook into your home? Better have an inverter, an isolation switch so you don’t backfeed onto the grid in case of outage, etc, etc...and you’re looking at about 25-40K for that kind of system.

What you really do is capture solar generated electricity in 12 volt deep cycle marine batteries. Currently $66 at Wal Mart. Get 10 of them. Run your TV and radio on 12 volts is easy. Lighting is easy because 12 volt is standard for RVs and boats. You go a marine supply store. Power tools will need an inverter unless you hook up a gasoline engine to an air compressor and use air tools  I won't deny that other items also will need inverters and that you have to scale back your electricity consumption to go 12volt DC. I have visited homes where this is put into practice

Refrigerator - you run on propane same as your stove

12 volt DC power supply for computers  or better yet get a laptop that runs on 12 volts DC

98 posted on 06/23/2007 7:50:02 AM PDT by dennisw
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