watervole: (Default)
Judith Proctor ([personal profile] watervole) wrote2011-03-22 01:09 pm
  • Add Memory
  • Share This Entry
Entry tags:

Overcast = 1/3

I've uprated 'overcast' from 1/4 to 1/3 generation.  I'd forgotten that my power is likely to hit max a little after the middle of the day as my roof isn't directly south.  I'm at about 600W generation now.  (I think my max will be around 18-19KW under ideal conditions)

600W is enough for background, but if I cook toast I go well over.  I was surprised how much difference it made to power use if I turned down the grill temperature by one point.

It pays to remember that the relationship between temperature and the energy required to reach it is definitely NOT linear.
Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[identity profile] raspberryfool.livejournal.com 2011-03-22 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm following your adventure with solar power with interest, I was daydreaming of having them installed here. My main drawback is that my heating and cooking are all gas, and converting would be a high cost exercise. And my roof is east/west. Also, my main electricity usage is in the evenings, with lights, computer etc. Still, it's interesting reading and I think you've made a good choice there.
ext_15862: (Default)

[identity profile] watervole.livejournal.com 2011-03-22 03:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Solar wouldn't make much of an impact on cooking costs. The power needed is more than you can generate and the time of day is poor.

The east/west roof is the real reason not to do it.

[identity profile] raspberryfool.livejournal.com 2011-03-22 07:59 pm (UTC)(link)
The roof gets full sun each side for half a day, so panels on each side might be worthwhile. I wouldn't want to clean the snow off them in winter though. :-)

I'd love to generate my own power, but I think that the cost of solar panels would probably take years to pay for themselves anyway. I'll keep looking at the option though; it's something I'd need to research properly before spending money on it. I'm glad your panels are working well for you, hopefully they'll reduce your power costs considerably.
ext_15862: (Default)

[identity profile] watervole.livejournal.com 2011-03-23 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
The roof gets full sun each side for half a day, so panels on each side might be worthwhile.

Double the cost for only a little extra power. Very unlikely to be worth it. MIght be worth asking about solar hot water.
Flat | Top-Level Comments Only