My Solar Power Journey

[stratman]

...and you did it in shorts and flip-flops!

I may have been stupid back then, and I've got the stories to prove it, but I wasn't an idiot.

 

[stratman]

Legionary Past

Hey, I'm not that old.

 

[The Hat]

 

[Nifty]

Of course this is all about daylight, but what about the rest of the hours when there’s little or no light, have you ever taught about wind generation instead as an upgrade ?, wind power is better because it’s running nearly 24/365 (Where I live beside the sea).

Not much wind where I am, and I don't even know if I can legally have a turbine. Fortunately we have "net metering" so they utility pays me when I overproduce during the day, and I can buy-back at night, so no need for batteries, etc.

I’d love Solar panels but the installation costs here are so Huge , by the time you’d get anywhere near to breaking even

I broke even on my last install about 2 years ago, and I should break even on this new update in about 7-8 years.

IMO, you REALLY don't want large storage batteries of any chemistry on your property. They are expensive to purchase, are a considerable hazard, and currently don't have sufficient lifetime. If you do go the storage route, DON'T place them inside your home.

I'm not too worried about the hazards, especially with proven tech like the Tesla Powerwall, etc. That said, ya, way too expensive, and I don't really need the emergency backup, even in California where they have been shutting off power during days in the summer for some people.

 

[MichaelDargan]

We have a 6KW system with SMA inverter limited to 5Kw due to government regulations here (Sunshine Coast {good place for a solar panel, eh}) and it’s the best thing we ever installed. No power bill for 6 years. Have been deliberating about battery system but agree they are too expensive here to be an economic proposition. Didn’t have the micro inverters option when I installed mine but have REC panels which have proved quite efficient. Technology progress has been noticeable in this area. The wind option mentioned is an intriguing path to explore as an add on system.

 

[stratman]

@MichaelDargan - What kind of dog is that in your avatar?

 

[Nifty]

We have a 6KW system with SMA inverter limited to 5Kw

Wow, that covers your entire usage? Very impressive!

So, are you not able to utilize the full 6KW, or do they never peak out above what your inverter can support?

limited to 5Kw due to government regulations here

The government limits the total amount of solar you can have!?!? Why are they doing that?

 

[The Hat]

The government limits the total amount of solar you can have!?!? Why are they doing that?

It’s not just California that has stupid regulations..