PV Gap

Gabriel Said:

wind /solar energy...........?

We Answered:

the inverters rating is the maximum it can deliver, not how much it delivers. So if you have say 2 x 15watt lights on, that will be a total of 30 watts being used, so if you had a smaller inverter and the same 2 x 15 watt lamps on it would 30 watts being used.

So there will be little point in you changing to a smaller one.
The inverter itself will use some energy but the difference is negligible

Julian Said:

Storing solar energy?

We Answered:

I know you said "in theory," but most of the question is on practical matters, so I'll answer that way.

A 250 watt peak panel is more likely to deliver about 220 watts, given the way the rating system works for panels. Also, peak sunshine is not the number of hours that the sun is out. Even in the summer in California where I live, when the days are 16 hours long, we only get 6 hours peak sun.

Also count on losing 25% of the energy, just in the inefficiencies of charging and discharging a battery.

Lead-acid batteries are the typical choice for cost reasons. This type of battery will be damaged if allowed to discharge too far, so you probably would not connect a fridge to such a small system, only things that are non-critical, and you could turn off at any time. Either that, or you would have a much larger system.

Ella Said:

how to hook up solar panels to meter?

We Answered:

Im an ex solar installer. I dont know all the details but I know of 2 companies in hawaii that are doing what youre talking about - and yes, it feeds power back into the grid and makes your meter turn backwards.

uh... darn... locate a company that does that stuff and they will tell you best how and what and why. The electric comapny will know less as they are (believe it or not) behind the times.

21st century technologies is the co. in hawaii. the owner is way cool. its a full-on expensive system though, not some cheesy diy thing. its gnarley. you need the special panels and all that.

Photovoteic panels are really expensive. The system costs like 10k + but pays for itself after perhaps 6 years and then you reap the monthly check from the electric company for life (instead of you paying them)

Inh hawaii, the sun is strong = $$$ for solar. good luck in your....quest? whatever, man. Hope you find what youre looking for.,

Marvin Said:

I have begun experimenting with solar energy?

We Answered:

Lead acid batteries can be charged at C/20 (full charge in 20 hours) indefinitely, provided you make sure to keep water levels above the top of the plates by adding distilled water as needed. Your batteries are probably 85 amp-hours, so at 3.5 amps you are charging at less than C/20 which is 4 1/4 amps per battery (8.5 amps for two in parallel). If you add more charging capacity (more than about 10 amps if you charge all the batteries at the same time), you'll need a controller.
If you wire and fuse both batteries and solar panels individually, you can use #12 house wiring (about 8 amps max a circuit for 12v work) at substantial cost saving. Use the heavy wire from charge controller to fuse distribution to batteries and from fuse collection from batteries to inverter.