I have a PV panel that runs my 12 volt circulator pump on my SHW system. Some folks just hook the PV to a 12 volt pump with no controls, that works but has some issues in the winter and cold mornings and in the afternoon, so I have a fairly simple controller that looks at the temp at the top of the panel and only runs the pump when the top of the panel is hotter than the tank. So even with the power out I will end up with a tank of hot water but unless I want to hook a hose its not of much use. The SHW system went in before the PV so at the time it made sense. as it saved the electrical use of running a circ pump. Given the HPHW heaters are so inexpensive, I wouldn't install a SHW system and would just install a few more PV panels to run the HPHW heater but since its installed I use it.
My neighbor added roof bling!
- Thread starter EatenByLimestone
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I finally got to chatting with him and he's making just over 26 kwh per day. The system must be networked as he pulled it up on his phone. He did notice the fall off in production from the trees and they are planning to take them out.
Lake Girl
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Far less than the 40% predicted ... what kind of out is in the contract if it underproduces so drastically?
About 320-400 kwh/mo, at 40%. 26 per day x30 days/mo=780 kwh/mo. Seems good to me. Am I missing something?
26 X 30 = 780
Am I figuring that wrong? Should he be producing more now to make up for snow and low sun in winter? If he has sunny days it looks like he will be producing almost call of the 800 he uses. Now, I bet he will start trying to conserve and drop his usage by a couple hundred kwh.
Am I figuring that wrong? Should he be producing more now to make up for snow and low sun in winter? If he has sunny days it looks like he will be producing almost call of the 800 he uses. Now, I bet he will start trying to conserve and drop his usage by a couple hundred kwh.
Lake Girl
Moderator
Sorry - long day and brain is mush
Winter months means shorter days but photo cells are supposed to function more efficiently in colder temps...
Winter months means shorter days but photo cells are supposed to function more efficiently in colder temps...
I wonder if he has incentive to cut the trees down. He buys electricity at a discounted price. If he produces more than he uses, does he sell that? Or do those profits go to the company that owns the panels?
It might pay him more to reduce consumption.
It might pay him more to reduce consumption.
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