blockhill - forest garden experience & education
North Canterbury
Finally, after much discussion, deliberation and procrastination I have purchased and installed a small solar PV (photovoltaic) array and battery bank. At this stage I have 4 x 200 watt panels charging a 225 amp hour 24 volt battery bank with the option to double the number of panels given the available roof space.
My primary motivation at this point is having a robust backup power source for the freezer, solar hot water pump and drinking water pump for when the grid is down. This seems to happen a couple of times per year and when it does fail (often from strong winds) it can take several days for it to be repaired.
April 26, 2014
Measuring the sun
As part of my ambition to get a solar electric system up and running I have been conducting some tests.
My interest is in the effect of the suns angle to the panel array and the relationship to voltage. While there are probably some models put there, I have not seen any and find that actual experience is much more convincing and reliable.
My observations will influence my decision to include tracking capabilities to my solar installation.
Notice the clever little rod below the panels whose shadow (or lack of) can be used to determine if it is pointed directly at the sun.
May 18, 2011
Capturing the abundant free energy of the sun and storing it in the form of hot water is one of the easiest, cheapest, low technology ways of reducing your dependence on electricity as well as the monthly bill.
December 08, 2010
Solar - third time lucky
After several failed attempts to create a low cost, low tech solar water heater I gave in and purchased a complete kit off the shelf. It's only August but we've been having some nice fine days and the temperature has been getting up to high 50's. This unit has 20 evacuated glass tubes with some kind of antifreeze that exchanges heat with water that is pumped through the header. While I would have preferred a passive system I do like the modular nature and programmable smarts of the control centre.
August 21, 2013