PowerSwitch

Here are a couple of Graphs I've put together to see the results so far ... The difference between 2007 and 2008 are simply by taking energy saving measures (bulbs, thermostat etc...). Then at the end of 2008 we had a PV system and some tubes installed. Gas and Electricity : http://sjaglin.homelinux...

Mitch, Really sorry about your misfortune but I will echo what others have mention further up, I think the preparation, including some simulations, is important if you buy a system and compulsory if you build your own. I started but testing a 12 volts system (13 watts), then I increased to 55 watts....

Might be worthwhile learning French then innit. Well, as I am French I don't have much efforts to do, although after 11 years, I am finding it hard to find my words. About the investment side of things, the solar hot water system is a short time investment, it will pay itself in less than 10 years ...

Same here, all our battery operated appliances have been solar charged for most of the year with only a couple of days in February because of the snow. Charging a phone with solar energy is not a great move in terms of carbon footprint but I suppose it has an educational purpose as most people have ...

Solar Panels ARE expensive, Very expensive but : - What are your savings making at the moment? (if any of course...) - People at the power don't seem to take drastic measure or make daring decisions, can't we show them how it is done? - I spent about a third of my hard earned savings for my panels, ...

I have to agree with Ian there, but it's a fresh interesting approach. I have had my solar hot water system for a month and it's only December but the heat created amazed me for this country and my orientation (West). In the summer the heat produced is going to "overtake" my needs, I there...

Hi, Interesting project, just 2 thoughts : "recharging from shore" That means from the mains? If yes, then you would need a different appliance ie battery charger for mains use (AC) What is the power of your array? Solar panels to charge such a big set of batteries will need to be quite bi...

Hi, Some might know that I am trying to involve more UK Photovoltaic users into sharing their experience on a massive Photovoltaic-users-Website called BDPV. We now have more than 1000 Photovoltaic stations registered all through Europe, only 2 in the UK but I have faith! All is free and maintain by...

I have a consultant coming around next week to look at the practicalities of Solar thermal. Nowhere am I finding any data on delivered kwhs for a given size, location, and orientation. All I ever see is that it provides around 60-70% of hot water needs for the year. Anybody got some real data or a ...

Hello,

I have taken the step of spending a bit in a solar system for our House near Bristol. For those interested, I have included a few shots on my website :

My website

The system is a 2.1kWc Photovoltaic and a 20 tubes Thermomax hot water system.

Stef

Umm, interresting opinion Adam, my PV are not really discrete, it's 14 m2 of roof in direct public eye. I am not scared, they are part of the house and therefore insured, most of it tied to the grid. Also, My neighbour also has a car which cost more than my system and is easier to steal/easier to tr...

For anyone trying to register, the British counties have now been added, they are at the end of the list of French departments.

Thanks again,

Stef

Dear All, I am in the process of having a Photovoltaic system installed in the UK on my house near Bristol. In order to make a wise choice of material and installers I did a lot of research. help: The best help I had was from a Database of user's installation showing for each site : Panels used, inv...

Hi, I am currently preparing my project for a PV + Heated solar water for my house in Bristol. I am struggling to find some information about the following aspects : - Is there a place which compares the different rates at which the energy companies buy the electricity fed into the grid from solar/w...