energy bill concern

Stick a couple broken Air conditioners in a few windows so it looks like you have a few.

jfa916 said:

does so solar panel realy work i dont think 45 watts is much help

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45 watts isn't much help, it is the first set of panels I bought. This is my first endeavor into solar power, so I went with an inexpensive setup to get a feel for it. The kit comes from harbor freight, and with a coupon you can get it for $150. It comes with 3 x 15 watt solar panels (45 watts total), a charge controller, and two 12 volt 5 watt CFLs. Also the charge controller has built in power outputs for 3, 6, 9, and 5 volt USB, for charging portable devices. It is a good kit for a beginner to learn how everything works. I have 2 of these kits for a total of 90 watts. I have recently found a supplier of resonably priced 130 watt panels, and plan to buy a few.

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

HappyHomeGrower said:

45 watts isn't much help, it is the first set of panels I bought. This is my first endeavor into solar power, so I went with an inexpensive setup to get a feel for it. The kit comes from harbor freight, and with a coupon you can get it for $150. It comes with 3 x 15 watt solar panels (45 watts total), a charge controller, and two 12 volt 5 watt CFLs. Also the charge controller has built in power outputs for 3, 6, 9, and 5 volt USB, for charging portable devices. It is a good kit for a beginner to learn how everything works. I have 2 of these kits for a total of 90 watts. I have recently found a supplier of resonably priced 130 watt panels, and plan to buy a few.

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

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I like this guys thinking,,,,,,,

Mad DIY learning Props to you HHG!!!!!!

IAm5toned said:

...how much does it cost, for 45w???

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$150 with coupon. It is a complete system, -battery. Depending on the intended use an inverter isn't required. For example, I know someone who uses it for a hunting shack with 12 volt appliances and lighting. I'm looking to buy some larger panels.

IAm5toned said:

...and then theres the battery issue, it will have to be replaced nearly every 12-18 months, depending on how much usage and the load characteristics of whatever you have running off of the inverter.
hid and floro's, cfls, are all inductive loads, which are very taxing on a solar system...

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Most batteries have between 3-5 year warrenties. My battery was expensive, but it is a deep cycle, and It is only used durring power outages. Deep cycle batteries will last a long time if you don't drain them past 50%. Automotive starting batteries will not last long with a solar backup system. You should not drain a starting battery past 70%.

I do not use this system to directly power anything when grid power is available. When grid power is working, the panels run to a Grid Tie Inverter. A GTI takes the power generated by the panels and puts it directly onto your home grid. This helps to lower your electric bill, because the power put on the home grid is power that does not have to be pulled from the main grid.

IAm5toned said:

...the cost of the system, vs the cost of the battery replacement cycle, and the cost of having to install the system in the first place, often exceeds the equivalant cost of simply pulling grid power for the same duration of time.
and then there is the carbon footprint thing, if your into that , im not, but did you know that it takes approximately 2.5 times the energy that a single solar panel will ever produce to manufacture it in the first place?

food for thought.

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Solar power systems can get very expensive, if you are planning to run your entire home off grid. Those systems are 3000 watts minimum and have banks of batteries. Plus they require professional instalation to be certified to sell power back to the electric company. I'm not trying to do anything of that scale, I just want to lower my electric bill a little. Also, it will be a good thing to have next time a hurricane hits. Last time one hit, we were without power for 2 weeks. Luckally we have a lake house further inland that was not effected.

I'm not to concerned with carbon footprint. The only green I'm looking to save is in my wallet.

Solar power systems can get very expensive, if you are planning to run your entire home off grid. Those systems are 3000 watts minimum and have banks of batteries. Plus they require professional instalation to be certified to sell power back to the electric company. I'm not trying to do anything of that scale, I just want to lower my electric bill a little. Also, it will be a good thing to have next time a hurricane hits. Last time one hit, we were without power for 2 weeks. Luckally we have a lake house further inland that was not effected.


Damn right they are $$$$ that's why I like to see what you are doing as a start with yours. I was quoted 120k to produce 3k watts.
Fudgepuckers..... more research and a little time for the tech to catch up and prices to drop diy kits.

I'm not to concerned with carbon footprint. The only green I'm looking to save is in my wallet.

Amen BROTHER! That's what all the hard fricking work and sleepless nights are all about!
The green in my wallet that I don't need to spend on my beloved habit of enjoying Jane's
pleasures is priceless,,,,,

Don't be reliant on others and buy it, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YER GETTING,,

Get in the garden, the closet, the garage, the cabs, Use your wit's and think things through.
Don't bother rushing The Plant, She can and will kick yer ass if you mistreat her.

Patience, love. time and a few other things that you will pick up on as you chase
your perfect Plant. Treat her right and she'll love ya back.