[Home]  [Headlines]  [Latest Articles]  [Latest Comments]  [Post]  [Mail]  [Sign-in]  [Setup]  [Help]  [Register] 

"International court’s attack on Israel a sign of the free world’s moral collapse"

"Pete Hegseth Is Right for the DOD"

"Why Our Constitution Secures Liberty, Not Democracy"

Woodworking and Construction Hacks

"CNN: Reporters Were Crying and Hugging in the Hallways After Learning of Matt Gaetz's AG Nomination"

"NEW: Democrat Officials Move to Steal the Senate Race in Pennsylvania, Admit to Breaking the Law"

"Pete Hegseth Is a Disruptive Choice for Secretary of Defense. That’s a Good Thing"

Katie Britt will vote with the McConnell machine

Battle for Senate leader heats up — Hit pieces coming from Thune and Cornyn.

After Trump’s Victory, There Can Be No Unity Without A Reckoning

Vivek Ramaswamy, Dark-horse Secretary of State Candidate

Megyn Kelly has a message for Democrats. Wait for the ending.

Trump to choose Tom Homan as his “Border Czar”

"Trump Shows Demography Isn’t Destiny"

"Democrats Get a Wake-Up Call about How Unpopular Their Agenda Really Is"

Live Election Map with ticker shows every winner.

Megyn Kelly Joins Trump at His Final PA Rally of 2024 and Explains Why She's Supporting Him

South Carolina Lawmaker at Trump Rally Highlights Story of 3-Year-Old Maddie Hines, Killed by Illegal Alien

GOP Demands Biden, Harris Launch Probe into Twice-Deported Illegal Alien Accused of Killing Grayson Davis

Previously-Deported Illegal Charged With Killing Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nurse in Horror DUI Crash

New Data on Migrant Crime Rates Raises Eyebrows, Alarms

Thousands of 'potentially fraudulent voter registration applications' Uncovered, Stopped in Pennsylvania

Michigan Will Count Ballot of Chinese National Charged with Voting Illegally

"It Did Occur" - Kentucky County Clerk Confirms Voting Booth 'Glitch'' Shifted Trump Votes To Kamala

Legendary Astronaut Buzz Aldrin 'wholeheartedly' Endorses Donald Trump

Liberal Icon Naomi Wolf Endorses Trump: 'He's Being More Inclusive'

(Washed Up Has Been) Singer Joni Mitchell Screams 'F*** Trump' at Hollywood Bowl

"Analysis: The Final State of the Presidential Race"

He’ll, You Pieces of Garbage

The Future of Warfare -- No more martyrdom!

"Kamala’s Inane Talking Points"

"The Harris Campaign Is Testament to the Toxicity of Woke Politics"

Easy Drywall Patch

Israel Preparing NEW Iran Strike? Iran Vows “Unimaginable” Response | Watchman Newscast

In Logansport, Indiana, Kids are Being Pushed Out of Schools After Migrants Swelled County’s Population by 30%: "Everybody else is falling behind"

Exclusive — Bernie Moreno: We Spend $110,000 Per Illegal Migrant Per Year, More than Twice What ‘the Average American Makes’

Florida County: 41 of 45 People Arrested for Looting after Hurricanes Helene and Milton are Noncitizens

Presidential race: Is a Split Ticket the only Answer?

hurricanes and heat waves are Worse

'Backbone of Iran's missile industry' destroyed by IAF strikes on Islamic Republic

Joe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald Trump

IDF raids Hezbollah Radwan Forces underground bases, discovers massive cache of weapons

Gallant: ‘After we strike in Iran,’ the world will understand all of our training

The Atlantic Hit Piece On Trump Is A Psy-Op To Justify Post-Election Violence If Harris Loses

Six Al Jazeera journalists are Hamas, PIJ terrorists

Judge Aileen Cannon, who tossed Trump's classified docs case, on list of proposed candidates for attorney general

Iran's Assassination Program in Europe: Europe Goes Back to Sleep

Susan Olsen says Brady Bunch revival was cancelled because she’s MAGA.

Foreign Invaders crisis cost $150B in 2023, forcing some areas to cut police and fire services: report

Israel kills head of Hezbollah Intelligence.


Status: Not Logged In; Sign In

Science-Technology
See other Science-Technology Articles

Title: {Mine} Is solar power really economical?
Source: SoSo
URL Source: http://www.northfortynews.com/pvrea ... ommunity-solar-farm-goes-live/
Published: Jan 30, 2015
Author: North Forty News
Post Date: 2015-01-30 17:24:02 by SOSO
Keywords: None
Views: 20228
Comments: 59

Air National Guard couple set to deploy Larimer County’s Senior Tax Work-Off applications accepted starting Feb. 2 PVREA’s second community solar farm goes live By NFN On January 29, 2015 In Dispatches · Add Comment

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association initiated into production on Jan. 29 the cooperative’s second community solar farm.

The 632 kW Community Solar Farm II, located north of Fort Collins, is generating power for members of PVREA who have purchased panels to offset their electric use. In a partnership with Clean Energy Collective, this project makes two community solar farms for PVREA.

“We recognized the demand for another renewable energy option from our membership, and the overwhelming success and 100 percent sellout of the first solar farm provided us the incentive to establish our second community solar farm,” PVREA CEO Jeff Wadsworth commented.

The cooperative’s first solar farm located at the co-op headquarters is 116 kW powered by 494 solar panels. The second solar farm is more than four times larger with more than 2,200 panels generating 632 kW. Members who are interested have the opportunity to purchase solar panels through Clean Energy Collective. The energy generated from their purchased panels is deducted from their monthly bill.

According to Clean Energy Collective, the average residential member is estimated to see a bill credit of $5 per month per panel and will receive their return of investment in a little over 13 years.

This solar farm adds to the cooperative’s growing renewable energy portfolio, which already includes the cooperative’s first solar farm project, over 160 net-metering applications, the Carter Lake Hydroelectric project and the Green Power Program.

Post Comment   Private Reply   Ignore Thread  


TopPage UpFull ThreadPage DownBottom/Latest

Comments (1-10) not displayed.
      .
      .
      .

#11. To: Pridie.Nones, All (#10)

Is solar power really economical?

It depends where you live, however and how the equipment is setup.

But much more on the cost of electricity from your utility. I live in area in which the sun shines over 300 days per year. I have a 3400+ square foot two story home with gas heat and electric A/C. My annual electric bill is well less than $1,800. Assuming that I could install roof top solar to enabale to live off grid, how much do you think that system would cost to install, operate and maintain? If the installation $18,000 that would represent a 10 year payback period (not taking into account maintenance and replacement), $36,000 a 20 year payout. The last time I checked it would cost me much more than $36,000 to save $1,800 a year in electricity bills. Not is the definition of not economical.

Now there are places not too far from where I live that a somewaht remote or with a very low population density wherein the owner of the proprty would have to pay the utility upfront to construct the facilities necessary to provide electric service. Investment in on-site solar generation, as well as a whole range of renewal and energy efficiency facilities, may make good economic sense. But these situations are few and far between.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-30   23:45:23 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#12. To: SOSO (#0)

nativist nationalist  posted on  2015-01-31   1:05:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: nativist nationalist (#12)

I am sure there is apoint that you wishd to communicate. Is it nuclear/thorium power is good?

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   1:14:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#14. To: SOSO (#13)

I am sure there is a point that you wished to communicate. Is it nuclear/thorium power is good?

I hope the video posted. I cannot screen it in preview (run Chrome) but it seems to have been posted. Too lazy to type, just finished work. Wanted to share the video.

nativist nationalist  posted on  2015-01-31   1:38:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: SOSO (#9)

What you fail to understand is that,

If you want a serious discussion, please don't insult me with false assumptions about what I understand.

For the most part 13 year payout projects are not wise investments, especially if the useful life of that investment may only be 15 years or so (there is some evidence that then useful life of original installed residential type solar installations is less than 15 years).

We are not discussing residential installations.
The solar "farm" is designed, built and maintained to the same standards as any other commercial utility. I would expect the economic lifespan of such properly maintained facilities to be between 20 to 30 years... well beyond the 13 year payback period.
It is also a relatively low-risk investment, especially compared to the volatility of fossil fuel powered plants.

Please explain why. I would expect a favorable return on any investment that I make.

Frankly, I don't think that this should even be viewed as an "investment." At least not in the sense that you would invest in stocks or mutual funds and expect to sell at some later date at a higher price. It is more like choosing to "invest" in higher priced LED or compact flourescent light bulbs instead of lower priced incandescents. The flourescents pay for themselves (payback period) because they use less electricity over the same time frame.

So if you're looking for an investment to actually MAKE money, yes by all means, invest in a stock market mutual fund or a fast food franchise or whatever other business venture you choose. But if you're "investing" to SAVE money that you would otherwise be spending as an "expense," then making an "investment" in this windfarm is a legitimate alternative to other methods of obtaining electrical service.

So why would you expect a "return on your investment" when you're actually analying the most cost effective alternative for minimizing your electrical expense?

"Some people march to a different drummer — and some people polka."

Willie Green  posted on  2015-01-31   12:11:51 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#16. To: Willie Green (#15)

Frankly, I don't think that this should even be viewed as an "investment."

And therein lies your problem. You demonstrate the ability to rationalize what you claim to have be educated on merely to serve you ideology. The economic and financial criteria, including risk assessment, for investing doesn't change based on the arena of the invesment.

"I would expect the economic lifespan of such properly maintained facilities to be between 20 to 30 years... I would expect the economic lifespan of such properly maintained facilities to be between 20 to 30 years... "

Of course you would, it fits your ideology. But in the real wold it doesn't fit the facts. Manufactures claim that useful life of inverters is 10-15 years. Most only warrent the full installation for 10 years. The panels themself have a stated expected life of up to 25 years but that is just one component of the system. If used, which is a must if you are going completely off grid, the useful life of batteries is 6-12 years.

Juist a modicum of honest research on your part would have revealed that:

"3. Product Performance Over Time

Like other building components assessed during a property condition assessment, solar photovoltaic systems have a “useful life” (the duration before the system starts to deteriorate and no longer delivers the required output). Due to a variety of environmental (weather for example, as discussed above) and system efficiency factors, all solar panels provide less energy than their maximum rated output.

According to a paper by National Semiconductor PV operating levels are expected at the outset to be 77% of rated output, dropping down to 67% 21 years out. Advances in technology will continue to improve the output of solar panels, but Useful Life is an important consideration when assigning the value a solar system will have on a long-term property investment."

I am more than willing to have an honest discussion on this subject with you based on readily available, verifiable credible facts but you seem incapable of that. From my honest discussions with many, many professional energy and finance people over decades there is certainly areas of legitimate disagreement as to the economic and financial value of invetsment in solar, as well as other alternative energy generation systems. But when you posit that a 13 year payback period for an electric light bulb is an acceptable investment you are willfully ignoring everything you claimed to have learned about economics and finance.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   14:04:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#17. To: SOSO (#16)

The economic and financial criteria, including risk assessment, for investing doesn't change based on the arena of the invesment.

Hey, if you want to "invest" in highly leveraged commodity futures because they promise a much higher ROI and quicker payback period than paying your own utility bill, go right ahead... I'm not gonna waste my time trying to talk you out of it.

The panels themself have a stated expected life of up to 25 years but that is just one component of the system. If used, which is a must if you are going completely off grid, the useful life of batteries is 6-12 years.
Now you're showing that you don't even understand your own post.
Nobody's proposing going off the grid, either completely or partially.
Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving 37,000 members. PVREA generates solar power for the grid and PVREA's members receive $5/panel credit on their monthly bill for power they receive from the grid.
According to a paper by National Semiconductor PV operating levels are expected at the outset to be 77% of rated output, dropping down to 67% 21 years out. Advances in technology will continue to improve the output of solar panels, but Useful Life is an important consideration when assigning the value a solar system will have on a long-term property investment."
A drop-off from 77% to 67% would be cause for concern if PVREA had to pay for fossil fuel to generate electricity. But sunshine is free, so even a drop-off to 57% or even 47% wouldn't warrant end-of-useful life replacement. As long as marginal revenue of electricty produced continues to exceed the marginal cost of panel annual maintenance, might as well keep the panel plugged in and generating electricity. It's only when the panel starts costing more to maintain than the revenue it generates that you would want to consider replacing it with more efficient solar technology. Even if 87% or 97% is available 21 years from now, it would be best to use the new ones IN ADDITION to the older ones. No sense pitching them aside if they still work.

"Some people march to a different drummer — and some people polka."

Willie Green  posted on  2015-01-31   15:05:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#18. To: Pridie.Nones, All (#11)

It depends where you live, however and how the equipment is setup.

But much more on the cost of electricity from your utility.

You may be interested in this link to EIA data.

The avegrage residential cost of electricity, cents/kWh, in Nov. 2014 was: U.S. Total - 12.46

Hawaii - 35.06

Alaska - 19.47

Califonia - 17.05

Washington - 8.66

Colorado - 11.61

Texas - 11.94

Florida - 12.20

Massachusetts - 17.57

New York - 19.46

Ohio - 12.79

From the same EIA source, the percenatge of solar photovoltaic generation of all electric product from renewable sources (not all generation sources which is much, much higher than that from renewables):

2011 - 0.2%

2012 - 0.7%

2013 - 1.59%

2014 (thru Nov.) - 3.05%

Now that is impressive rate of growth but in the overall scheme of things it is neglible. On balance solar accounted for only 0.3% of all electric generation in the U.S. If solar PV was such an economic deal one would expect to see installations all over the place. Compare solar's market penetration of all renewables of about 3% YTD Nov. 2004 to 33.9% for wind and 7.85% for even wood. Geothermal is on a par with solar PV at about 3%. Hydro remains the leader at 48.0%.

The following should not be too surpising given the high cost of electricity in Hawaii.

"According to EIA's monthly net metering utility data, 9,200 net-metered PV systems were added in 2014 through October, bringing the total number of customers with net-metered PV to around 48,000. In Oahu, where most of the state's population resides, roughly 12% of customers have rooftop solar, compared to an estimated U.S. average of 0.5%, according to the Solar Electric Power Association. The average capacity of residential net-metered PV systems in Hawaii has also been increasing as larger and more efficient PV systems are installed.

Residential solar PV additions have been slowed by the delays customers experienced in getting approval to interconnect new PV systems to the grid. The delays stem from circuits on the Hawaiian Electric distribution grids reaching levels of rooftop PV capacity that are 120% or more of the circuit's daytime minimum load (see maps below)—a key threshold for Hawaiian Electric's interconnection approval process. Once that threshold is passed, an interconnection study may be required before the new PV system can be approved, which has resulted in a backlog of PV applications."

Compare HI to CA where solar accounted for only 2.15% of electricity generation in 2013.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   15:08:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: Willie Green (#17)

A drop-off from 77% to 67% would be cause for concern if PVREA had to pay for fossil fuel to generate electricity. But sunshine is free, so even a drop-off to 57% or even 47% wouldn't warrant end-of-useful life replacement

No not quite as it would require additional investment by the utility or the end user to replace the drop off in generation capacity. That or have the end user do with less electricity over the life of the original facility. It's amazing how you are so willfully blind to the realities of the world. With what does either the utility or the end user replace the lost generation capacity? I am betting you are going to say they should do without it.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   15:14:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: SOSO (#19)

No not quite as it would require additional investment by the utility or the end user to replace the drop off in generation capacity.

Not true. There is no requirement to match individual share of capacity ownership with individual electrical consumption. It is pooled capacity that is share by the co-op members. An individual may invest in two panels and obtain the two-panel monthly credit regardless of whether the individual's average actual consumption is ½, 1, 2, 3 or even more panels worth of electricity.
You keep forgetting, the solar farm supplies power to the grid and any excess power generated by the farm and not consumed by members also gets supplied to the grid. And any power consumed by members that is NOT generated by the solar farms is coming from other "green" resources on the grid: wind, hydro, etc. etc.

All investment in a certain number of solar panels does is entitle you to a certain credit on your monthly bill for "owning" those panels. It does NOT require you to consume any more or any less than whatever those panels actually generate.

"Some people march to a different drummer — and some people polka."

Willie Green  posted on  2015-01-31   15:52:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#21. To: Willie Green (#20)

No not quite as it would require additional investment by the utility or the end user to replace the drop off in generation capacity.

Not true. There is no requirement to match individual share of capacity ownership with individual electrical consumption.

You can't be that dense, can you?.

An individual may invest in two panels and obtain the two-panel monthly credit regardless of whether the individual's average actual consumption is ½, 1, 2, 3 or even more panels worth of electricity."

What is the color of the sky in your world? The credit from the utility is based on the actual amount of electricity that the original two panels produce during each billing period not some theoretical or fictous number. If the sun doesn't shine the credit is zero.

The end consumer must certainly replace that capacity whether in kind or otherwise. Further if your investment generates less and less electricity over time the eocnimics of that investment is negatively impacted whether you replace the lost generation or not. Either way the payback period increases as there is less and less annual savings from the investment over time.

There is no use continuing this discussion with you as you are really dumb, which I don't believe is the case, or just intellectually dishonest, which I firmly believe you are. Take the last word, I'm done with you on this.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   16:03:02 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#22. To: SOSO (#21)

Either way the payback period increases as there is less and less annual savings from the investment over time.

No... either way, the 21 years that it takes the panel efficiency to drop from 77% to 67% greatly exceeds the 13 year original payback period.

In other words, the panels have already paid for themselves for 8 years. And virtually every photon that they convert to electricity, whether it's at 77%, 67%, 57% or 47% is pure PROFIT.

You'd have to be dumb as a rock to want to replace the panels while they're still generating usable electricity after they already paid for themselves.
DUMB AS A ROCK. LOL!

"Some people march to a different drummer — and some people polka."

Willie Green  posted on  2015-01-31   16:24:10 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: SOSO (#11) (Edited)

But much more on the cost of electricity from your utility.

Apparently, the initial value for you and your family is not worth the investment in solar photo-voltaic conversion technology; for me, it is not about a dollars and cents perspective; it is more about the quality of life.

So far over an eight year period there have been no maintenance issues other than to hose off the panels in the two arrays I have. It takes about 30 minutes with a high pressure hose and a soft scrubber mounted on a pool deck handle so as to reach the panels within the two arrays. There are 16 panels mounted in series for each array; each panel array feeds an inverter (the inverter is operated at 75% of panel capability so I can upgrade four more panels in each array; I calculated the average power I consumed in the 5 year period before installation and there is no loss of any measureable power efficiency over the eight years of service.

My home is cool (~70 degrees F) all year round and I havn't seen an electric bill since installation.

To install this technology you must realize that the real value is quality of life. It can reach 120 degrees F (measured outside under the patio awning) in July, August and September where I live. It is cost prohibitive to be on the "grid" at peak load times because the utility company multiplies the cost by as many as 5X.

I might add, in the early mornings/evenings I use a whole house attic fan to blast the attic with cool air; this ensures a buffer for much of the day. I also insulated the attic by double recommended thickness as well as automatic attic fans. I also mounted double pane windows throughout the home and placed plenty of insulation barriers around doors to seal the place.

For me, it is about quality of life. The dollar cost is not a priority.

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   19:17:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#24. To: Pridie.Nones (#23)

There are 16 panels mounted in series for each array; each panel feeds an inverter

If you wouldn't mind, could you tell me where you are located and what make of panels, batteries and inverters you are using? How many batteries? Thanks.

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   19:27:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#25. To: Otter (#24)

That comment you quoted should have stated: each panel array feeds an inverter

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   19:42:20 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: Pridie.Nones (#25)

That comment you quoted should have stated: each panel array feeds an inverter

Yes, I understand. Are you willing to answer my questions?

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   19:45:05 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#27. To: Pridie.Nones (#23)

My home is cool (~70 degrees F) all year round and I havn't seen an electric bill since installation.

To install this technology you must realize that the real value is quality of life. It can reach 120 degrees F (measured outside under the patio awning) in July, August and September where I live.

I have no basis to doubt what you report but I must admit I find it hard to believe that 32 panels can keep your home at 70 degrees when it is 120 degrees outside plus keep you lights and applicances on. What size is your home? What is the name plate kw output of you system?

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   22:36:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: SOSO (#27)

What size is your home? What is the name plate kw output of you system?

I find the claimant is evasive when questioned.

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   22:39:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: Otter, Pridie.Nones (#28)

What size is your home? What is the name plate kw output of you system?

I find the claimant is evasive when questioned.

We'll see.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   22:42:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#30. To: SOSO (#29)

We'll see.

See my post #24 and his response or more accurately, lack thereof.

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   22:45:46 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: SOSO (#27)

You did not read my earlier post in entirety. Let me assure you the problem you are addressing is NOT about alternative energy sources but more about energy conservation techniques.

Please re-read my earlier post because if you think you can find a cheap alternative energy source without improving the ifratructure, you are wrong. I suppose, you are interested in the added costs of conservation to ensure quality of life besides the addition of alternative energy sources?

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   22:46:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#32. To: SOSO (#29)

We'll see.

I have.

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   22:55:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#33. To: Pridie.Nones (#31)

Let me assure you the problem you are addressing is NOT about alternative energy sources but more about energy conservation techniques.

I assure you that the issue that I am addressing is the economics of alternative energy sources not energy conservation.

"Please re-read my earlier post because if you think you can find a cheap alternative energy source without improving the ifratructure, you are wrong."

I am sorry but you response is confusing. You calimed that you can keep you home at 70 degress for the three months when the outside temperature is 120 degrees with just 36 solar panels. Is that correct? If so please tell me the size of your home and the nameplate capacity of your solar installation.

Are you saying that solar PV is the cheapest source of alternative energy? If so, what infrastructure would need to be changed to make that not so?

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   22:58:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#34. To: Otter (#32)

We'll see.

I have.

I guess that I have too.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   22:59:39 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#35. To: SOSO (#33)

I keep my home @70 degrees F +/- 2 degrees at all times; I have done so for years without paying one thin dime after certain conservation efforts were permanently installed. I manufacture about .9KW/h per panel per day on average; both arrays produce the same energy output with less than .1% difference; that is the reason for a redundant photo-voltaic system; I have an approach to monitor collection. I rarely use more than what I produce because of conservation techniques; of course, when there is cloud cover, I do not produce anywhere the peak capability of the system but that is a rare phenomena.

I am not a salesman and I am not looking for clients; I designed the system I have and it works just fine. Your detailed questions are off topic.

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   23:14:58 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#36. To: Pridie.Nones, SOSO (#35)

I am not a salesman and I am not looking for clients; I designed the system I have and it works just fine. Your detailed questions are off topic.

Seriously? Chuckle!!!! Nobody is asking you to be a salesman.

Otter  posted on  2015-01-31   23:25:59 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#37. To: Otter (#36)

So what is your reasoning to ask detailed questions, such as:

If you wouldn't mind, could you tell me where you are located and what make of panels, batteries and inverters you are using? How many batteries? Thanks.

Why do you require that information? Go research that sort of stuff with your friends or energy salesmen.

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   23:30:52 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#38. To: Pridie.Nones (#35)

So you have an array of energy conservation and/or efficiency investments in addition to your solar PV system. You didn't mention anything about batteries so I assume that you do not have any. Consequently I assume that you are still connected to the grid since you also stated that you haven't seen an electric bill since the installation.

Have you ever calculated the return on the total investment in these facilities? What was the installed costed of the entire generation and energy conservation/efficiency systems? How much in electric bill was saved by the investments? Do you know how much of the saving is due to your investments in energy conaservative/efficiency facilities and how much due to the solar PV system?

You obviously do not live in HI were the retail residential cost of electricity is three times the national average. I am guessing that you live in a desert type area either in CA, NV, AZ, etc. where the retail residential cost of electricty is about 1.5 +/- times the national average.

Your detailed questions are off topic."

My friend the devil is in the details. It is noteworthy that you do not claim that your system makes economical sense but rather reflects a personal life style choice. That is pefectly fine if you choose that and have the means to pay for it. Most people do not have that financial luxury.

SOSO  posted on  2015-01-31   23:34:57 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#39. To: All (#0)

Inside the Solar-Hydrogen House: No More Power Bills--Ever
A New Jersey resident generates and stores all the power he needs with solar panels and hydrogen
Scientific American.com | June 19, 2008 |By David Biello

EAST AMWELL, N.J.—Mike Strizki has not paid an electric, oil or gas bill—nor has he spent a nickel to fill up his Mercury Sable—in nearly two years. Instead, the 51-year-old civil engineer makes all the fuel he needs using a system he built in the capacious garage of his home, which employs photovoltaic (PV) panels to turn sunlight into electricity that is harnessed in turn to extract hydrogen from tap water.


Mike Strizki stores Hydrogen in propane tanks

Although the device cost $500,000 to construct, and it is unlikely it will ever pay off financially (even with today's skyrocketing oil and gas prices), the civil engineer says it is priceless in terms of what it does buy: freedom from ever paying another heating or electric bill, not to mention keeping a lid on pollution, because water is its only by-product.

Slide Show: Photos show what makes this house work

"The ability to make your own fuel is priceless," says the man known as "Mr. Gadget" to his friends. He boasts a collection of hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles, including a hydrogen-run lawn mower and car (the Sable, which he redesigned and named the "Genesis") as well as an electric racing boat, and even an electric motorcycle. "All the technology is off-the-shelf. All I'm doing is putting them together."

SNIP MORE: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hydrogen-house/

********************

Published on Apr 18, 2013
Hydrogen House Project tour by Mike Strizki

************************

Europe: Fuel cells to power regional trainsets
24 September 2014 Railway Gazette

GERMANY: Alstom Transport hopes to have 40 fuel cell-powered regional trains in commercial service on regional lines in Germany by 2020 under an accord signed at the InnoTrans trade show in Berlin on September 24.

Under the letters of intent signed between Alstom, the Länder of Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen and Baden-Württemberg and the transport authority of Hesse, two prototype trains are to be developed by the end of 2018 for revenue service trials using modified Coradia Lint multiple-units. The powertrain will use hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and energy storage systems to replace a roof-mounted diesel powerpack, giving equivalent performance to an electric multiple-unit...
http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/technology/single-view/view/fuel-cells-to-power-regional-trainsets.html

**************

Weed eater running on pure hydrogen made from Water without Electricity

Uploaded on Mar 30, 2011
Using aluminium to react with water to create hydrogen that is stored in the balloon that goes through a regulated ball valve and fed to weed eater motor.

***************

Solar Hydrogen is the Fuel of the Future.
Fuel cells are only going to get cheaper and more efficient. Fact.
The electrolysis process will only get cheaper and more efficient. Fact.
Water is plentiful. Fact.

Solar Hydrogen is cheap, green energy independence. Fact.

Operation 40  posted on  2015-01-31   23:41:11 ET  (2 images) Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#40. To: SOSO (#38)

My friend the devil is in the details.

Good. Let me tell you about my families' quality of life: super-duper. And, I don't pay one thin dime.

With luck, you might understand that some reasons for alternative energy systems are not just based on some silly guy sitting at a computer weighing a profit/loss MSExcel spreadsheet with a hand-wringing potential decision that may improve his/her life and family.

For myself, I just weighed the benefits of controlling my families' quality of life.

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-01-31   23:48:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#41. To: Pridie.Nones (#40)

My friend the devil is in the details.

Good. Let me tell you about my families' quality of life: super-duper. And, I don't pay one thin dime.

You are truly delusional if you think that you haven't paid a dime for your choosen quality of life.

I am happy for you that your family's quality of life is super-duper. I am also happy that you are not the only one. With luck you might understand that.

SOSO  posted on  2015-02-01   0:03:29 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#42. To: SOSO (#41)

You are truly delusional if you think that you haven't paid a dime for your choosen quality of life.

I have not paid one thin dime since I installed the systems that I have suggested from about eight years ago. Your perspective is strange; are you attempting an argue?

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-02-01   0:16:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#43. To: Pridie.Nones (#37)

So what is your reasoning to ask detailed questions, such as:

Detailed? The manufacturers of your panels,inverters and number of batteries and your experience with them? What are you hiding?

Otter  posted on  2015-02-01   0:49:57 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#44. To: SOSO (#0)

Solar cells are improving. They are getting more efficient utilizing more of the sunlight's full spectrum. They are getting cheaper too. I believe that trend will continue and their use will increase.

I could use a 1500 watt system on my roof. The sun is prevelant in the back of my home so it wouldn't detract from the front curb appeal. I would be enough electricity to power the refrigerator and the LCD flat screen TV.

TEA Party Reveler  posted on  2015-02-01   0:50:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#45. To: TEA Party Reveler (#44)

Solar cells are improving. They are getting more efficient utilizing more of the sunlight's full spectrum. They are getting cheaper too. I believe that trend will continue and their use will increase.

No doubt but we are still talking about the future. In general, wind power is more economical than solar PV. There has been a proliferation of wind farms around the country. See post #18, wind account for about 34% of electric generation from all renewable sources.

You will also note that the cost of conventional generated elecrticity has greatly increased. Do you think that this is by accident? The major driving force to tip the balance from conventional to solar is the price of conventional power. The biggest driving force behind the rise of the cost of conventional power has been and will continue to be government regualtion.

The average Residential retail cost of electricity from all providers in 2000 was 8.24 cent/kWh. By 2012 it was 11.88 cents/kWh. That is a 44.2% increase compared to a CPI rise over the same period of about 33.5%. For Commercial consumers the increase in retail electric price over the same period was 35.8%, for Industerial users it was 43.8%.

SOSO  posted on  2015-02-01   14:50:03 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#46. To: Pridie.Nones (#42)

I have not paid one thin dime since I installed the systems that I have suggested from about eight years ago.

My perspective is starnge? I guess the dimes that you spent to install your system eight years ago don't count as spending? If you think that that is argumentative, then your perspective is bizarre.

SOSO  posted on  2015-02-01   14:52:25 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#47. To: Otter (#43)

Detailed?

Yes. You are attempting to understand detailed, equipment design integration and reliability data; I designed the system using research data of industrial grade components meeting personal requirements at the time of installation; this system is not purchased by a a direct supplier or distributor but through OCMs based on my technical requirements and personal purchasing capability.

The manufacturers of your panels,inverters and number of batteries and your experience with them?

I refuse to submit any detailed equipment information other than what I choose to provide; the extent of technical data is contained in earlier posts on this thread. I might add: I cut out the middle men with an approximate 32KW/h system achieving my design objectives; in fact, I have never discussed my requirements with any non-technical personel.

What are you hiding?

Everything that I choose to not submit for arbitrary discussion.

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-02-02   21:00:30 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#48. To: SOSO (#45)

Your "average cost" statistic is meaningless to the discussion. It does not take into account "peak" loads wherein utlity companies charge much higher rates commonly refered to as "tier rate structures."

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-02-02   21:04:55 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#49. To: Pridie.Nones (#47)

You could have easily wasted less time and space by simply listing the manufacturers...if indeed you even have a solar setup.

Otter  posted on  2015-02-02   21:38:04 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#50. To: Otter (#49) (Edited)

Again, why do you have a reason for the data? More importantly (now) why didn't you answer my earlier question about stating your reasons within post #37?

What are you hiding that prevents you from answering a simple question?

Pridie.Nones  posted on  2015-02-02   21:53:43 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#51. To: Pridie.Nones (#50)

Again, why do you have a reason for the data?

Manufacturers aren't data! Nor are manufacturers of vehicles, cellphones, TVs, etc. Don't bother to respond.

Otter  posted on  2015-02-02   21:57:32 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  



      .
      .
      .

Comments (52 - 59) not displayed.

TopPage UpFull ThreadPage DownBottom/Latest

[Home]  [Headlines]  [Latest Articles]  [Latest Comments]  [Post]  [Mail]  [Sign-in]  [Setup]  [Help]  [Register] 

Please report web page problems, questions and comments to webmaster@libertysflame.com