We're helping some people next week set up their solar array on Mackin Creek Farms, an organic vegetable farm. They have 4 acres of garden. They want to power their 240 volt (60hz) walk-in fridge, lights around their barns, washing areas and have the option of easily being able to add on to their system as they expand and bring the sun's energy into their house. Photovoltaic systems allow this kind of flexibility depending on your needs.
The great thing for them is that they work hard outside in the months when the sun is high in the sky. That is when their fridge demands power. As the farming season winds down, the air cools outside and the days become shorter. Their fridge demands less and less power until it is turned off for the season. They don't realize it yet but the system we are setting up will be all the power they need all year.
They are connected to the grid which will make the whole experience easier for them as they make the transition into a lot more freedom.
Here is their system and a list of prices:
three 175 watt Sharp panel ($633 ea.), $1899 (525 watts of power)
one 30 amp 24 volt controller, $156
one 3000/6000 watt 220/240 volt inverter, $499
twelve 6 volt 12 volt HD batteries($143 ea), $1716
(1320 amp hours of 12 volt storage)
$4270
for the main components
miscellaneous cables, fuses, switches, $500
Shipping, $250
Grand total, $5020
With a 110/120 volt, 3000 watt inverter ($500) they'll be able to power their house.
Our own system, which we built over a 5 year period (half of the power they are going to have) cost $5000 10 years ago. We live comfortably in the bush and run a small shop. Our panels were made by Bp and came with a 25 year
guarantee. 13 years later they are as efficient as the day we bought them.
The technology now is trying to mimic photosynthesis. Using organic and recyclable materials. Should be available very soon, within the next 5 years.
Right now panels use silicon as their semiconducter material. Silicon is everywhere but to use it as a semiconducter material it has to be 99% pure. That means furnaces, smelting, tailings etc... The backing ( it must be able to withstand hot temperatures for a long period of time. 25 years is the standard guarantee) that holds the semiconducter materials in place is made from a polyvinyl. Hard to recycle and toxic but there are companies recycling it. 5NPlus is one of them. .
I've read that the real cost of a panel pays for itself in 10 years. Soon that will be 5 years with the technologies being developed. I wonder if human life was factored into that.
It is tempting to say" I'll wait for equipment to get cheaper and safer". Personally I think that is only an excuse to bury one's head in the ground. For sure we live in a market driven society. Along with the crap the market brings solar power will only get safer and cheaper faster if that's what we want.
We have been living and hopefully spreading some freedom.
It is breathtaking how long this transition is taking when one considers it could literally happen overnight for most in North America. "Tomorrow I will buy a solar panel".
Scott
http://aki-and-scott-fireweed.blogspot.com/
http://www.caribooblades.com/newknives.html
The great thing for them is that they work hard outside in the months when the sun is high in the sky. That is when their fridge demands power. As the farming season winds down, the air cools outside and the days become shorter. Their fridge demands less and less power until it is turned off for the season. They don't realize it yet but the system we are setting up will be all the power they need all year.
They are connected to the grid which will make the whole experience easier for them as they make the transition into a lot more freedom.
Here is their system and a list of prices:
three 175 watt Sharp panel ($633 ea.), $1899 (525 watts of power)
one 30 amp 24 volt controller, $156
one 3000/6000 watt 220/240 volt inverter, $499
twelve 6 volt 12 volt HD batteries($143 ea), $1716
(1320 amp hours of 12 volt storage)
$4270
for the main components
miscellaneous cables, fuses, switches, $500
Shipping, $250
Grand total, $5020
With a 110/120 volt, 3000 watt inverter ($500) they'll be able to power their house.
Our own system, which we built over a 5 year period (half of the power they are going to have) cost $5000 10 years ago. We live comfortably in the bush and run a small shop. Our panels were made by Bp and came with a 25 year
guarantee. 13 years later they are as efficient as the day we bought them.
The technology now is trying to mimic photosynthesis. Using organic and recyclable materials. Should be available very soon, within the next 5 years.
Right now panels use silicon as their semiconducter material. Silicon is everywhere but to use it as a semiconducter material it has to be 99% pure. That means furnaces, smelting, tailings etc... The backing ( it must be able to withstand hot temperatures for a long period of time. 25 years is the standard guarantee) that holds the semiconducter materials in place is made from a polyvinyl. Hard to recycle and toxic but there are companies recycling it. 5NPlus is one of them. .
I've read that the real cost of a panel pays for itself in 10 years. Soon that will be 5 years with the technologies being developed. I wonder if human life was factored into that.
It is tempting to say" I'll wait for equipment to get cheaper and safer". Personally I think that is only an excuse to bury one's head in the ground. For sure we live in a market driven society. Along with the crap the market brings solar power will only get safer and cheaper faster if that's what we want.
We have been living and hopefully spreading some freedom.
It is breathtaking how long this transition is taking when one considers it could literally happen overnight for most in North America. "Tomorrow I will buy a solar panel".
Scott
http://aki-and-scott-fireweed.blogspot.com/
http://www.caribooblades.com/newknives.html