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| Thread ID: 111642 | 2010-08-05 05:30:00 | Anyone here into DIY solar energy? | braindead (1685) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1124774 | 2010-08-05 12:36:00 | That's great info guys, thanks for steering me away from making a bum purchase!!! prefect - thanks for the tip on smart regs. Makes sense. I prob would have bought a dumb one :) tweak'e - thanks for the tip on MPPT - more expensive and they go down to 10Amps - enough for me. TradeMe actually have quite a big section on solar panels/regs (www.trademe.co.nz) You've been a big help all. |
braindead (1685) | ||
| 1124775 | 2010-08-05 21:22:00 | Amorphous panels have some advantages - they work down to much lower light levels than other types, and they are far more tolerant of leaves, bird poop etc. The disadvantage is that they are a great deal larger, but that can assist with impressing the neighbours. The larger size can be a problem problem with wind loadings on roofs in exposed areas. (Strengthening an existing structure may cost more than the rest of the installation, especially if you don't do it.) A little while ago they were also a great deal cheaper per watt than the crystalline varieties (all with 25 year warranties), but the prices of solar panels is in such a state of flux lately that price virtually has to be determined on the day you buy. Solar panels, particularly crystaline types, are more efficient at cooler temperatures. Consider using the back of the panel to pre-heat water for your regular hot water system, you win on both the extra power and the saved heat, unless you are one of the unfortunates with a climate that may cause freezing damage. However, a dud controller can degrade the best of installations, and if they damage your batteries it can really ruin your day. |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 1124776 | 2010-08-06 01:38:00 | Thanks R2x1, for the info and tips on amorphous panels. Just looking into them. | braindead (1685) | ||
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