PV Gap

Barbara Said:

How to hook up a portable generator to the grid to supplement my solar system?

We Answered:

Definitely not a good idea to do. Also illegal in most areas. Code dictates that generators be connected to a home electrical system with an isolation switch to prevent feeding electricity to the grid. That way if power is out, the lines will be dead . If power were out and generator not isolated the lineman could be electrocuted.
Next is cost. I have a standby generator that runs on natural gas. HAd an extended power outage last fall. Cost about $2.00 an hour to run it.

Sherry Said:

How much does it cost to add solar panals and a wind generator to a 43 foot sailboat?

We Answered:

They both have problems. Is this to operate when in motion or just when tied up? first I'll assume when in motion.

A solar panel only works in direct sun, so where would you located it where the sun would not be blanked by the sails?

Wind turbines are efficient only when natural wind turns them. If you use forward motion to turn the vanes, you wind up losing energy, as the work required to push the turbine forward is more than you can extract from their motion.

And also, where can you place it where it will not interfere with the sails?

But if you can work out these problems...

The cost depends on how large an installation you want, or can fit in.
Solar arrays for a house can cost upwards of $20000.


If this is for stationary use only, it has a much better chance of succeeding, at least the solar part of it. If you always tie up in the same orientation, the solar array can be planned around that.

Wind turbine for stationary use is more difficult, as you would have to disassemble it when in motion.



Turnkey means it gets installed for you.