Solar panels off grid

[Flench]

Anyone here got any experance with solar panels ? I have been doing some research on DIY panels and been looking around to see if anyone is running any solar panels . Looking for a cheap place to buy the cell's .

[homersipes]

we have installed panels similar to this
http://sunmatesolarpanels.com/content/view/2/31/
they run about 1500 uninstalled.  All of our clients said they worked well.  they are pretty simple to install.  We have also subcontracted hot water systems. not sure of the cost of these.  the hot air is just supplemental heat, but we have a couple solar guys I work with, if you like I can get thier phone# for you, I am sure that they could help ya out

[Flench]

That be cool homersipes . I like to talk to some one that's knows what there doing unlike me and thanks for the link .

[mcboi]

I bought one of these sets to power my boat stereo while engine isnt running, should be installing it today. As for how it works, all the reviews say it works great. For the price it would be worth trying i suppose
http://www.harborfreight.com/interests/solar-power/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

[Flench]

mcboi , I was wanting to put one on my boat a well . I have checked those panels out at HF and there not bad at that price and from time to time they run the on sale .

[ghi]

Try the thin film flexible panels; gives less power for same surface but is cheaper, light easy to install on any surfaces on cars/boats/RV/roofs/fences and you don't need heavy solid framing.  The prices are dropping sharply, maybe would be better to wait. 

[Flench]

From what I have read the price is going down on the panels . I am just trying to learn as much as I can before I make that jump . Thanks for the reply ghi .

[Grayeagle]

these days you can call a contractor who specializes in photocell systems.

Here in Phx they ask how much you want to generate .. up to and beyond 100% of what your home uses.

If you decide to go for 120 percent f'rinstance ..you actually sell back what you don't use to the power company ..
..ya .. they pay *you* to generate electricity -evil grin-

It's an ideal way to use a second mortgage .. very appealing to just step off the grid and get a check every month for a fact.

-GE aka Frank

[Flench]

With it just me here I don't use but 600 to 900 KWH . So I just need enough panels to run my home . If I had the money I would set how ever many I needed up to run my subdivision around 20 homes but that would be way out of my ball park .
 I am looking to build my own panels to start and then go from there . I have a 500 watt power converter and fore deep cell batteries already .

[Reschke]

Looking at powering my home with them as well and having the power company pay me as well.

[W7LPNRICK]

I got mine from Harbor Freight for Ham Radio emergency power. Just put them on Deep Cycle 12v. http://www.voiceofidaho.org/ any local Ham Radio groups will have technical folks because of repeaters w/ emergency back-up power. The more mountainous or remote the repeater, the more dependent they will be on batteries. We also learn a lot about what systems work best in high mountain, icy, windy, snow covered situations. Our Cinnabar peak repeater even had wind power, but 100+MPH wind tore-up the guaranteed wind generator. 

[Sonicblu]

[url]http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=solarpanels&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CNMBEBYwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wholesalesolar.com%2Fsolar-panels.html&ei=jDrMT-yPH-Wg2AWK8tXZCw&usg=AFQjCNGC6xYlput6HhZGvHyDumVcoX3RHg/url]

here is a link I found helpful.

Most electric companies will pay you put to several dollars a watt to install a system. So check with your local utility.

Most will not do both pay you for $ for watts and give you rebates. Its one or the other. I'm going to take the rebate, as it would take to long to pay back a 30,000 system at $150 month average bill plus 10 to 20 dollars a month of over net zero.

Most will not let you use batteries and stay connected to grid. Problem I found with batteries is life span, system needs to be sized so that battery drain is never more than 20% So that means a tremendous amount of batteries.

I haven't settled on a panel yet.

I did the math and you can not pay for panels based on what a utility pays you per kilowatt alone. It is cheaper to just pay the electric bill.

Anyway Ill holler once i figure out the panels I'm using.

[Flench]

Cool Sonicblu . Keep me posted . I think the batteriers are just to get you through the night ?

[icepac]

I'll be collecting hybrid car batteries when the apocalypse comes.

All the other scroungers will note the date as the beginning of the icepacalypse because I will run the battery trade.

[smoe]

I've looked into this a little myself. I think having batteries is cool, but the efficiency and lifespan maybe a little high in cost. I also know the electric utilities don't like the on-grid type because wiremen can get zapped under the right circumstances. On-grid systems may need to be approved by the utility company.

If you are thinking about doing anything at least grab one of those kilowatt meters selling for about $20-25. The biggest culprit is usually a refrigerator. I've seen old refrigerators consume 6 KWH's per day (~$0.12 * 6 KWH's = $0.72/day) and new refrigerators consume min./day ($0.12/day). For the people using a backyard septic systems. I've seen an septic aerator use 6 KWH's per day.