Search found 5 matches

by RunningOnEmpty
08 Nov 2011, 12:39
Forum: Solar Power
Topic: Small scale "backup" solar PV (ie not FiT)
Replies: 11
Views: 6274

Well, where we are in Stockport (south east Manchester) we get little in the way of really severe weather - we're protected from the east by the Pennines, but not up into the peaks enough to be exposed to the kind of stuff they get in Buxton. As a result we don't get downed lines because of snowfall...
by RunningOnEmpty
07 Nov 2011, 23:26
Forum: Solar Power
Topic: Small scale "backup" solar PV (ie not FiT)
Replies: 11
Views: 6274

Thanks for all the replies folks. I've spent the evening reading the "simple 12V" thread, a number of links off that, most of the pages in your blog and a fair few data sheets from various suppliers and manufacturers websites. A lot more to consider than there at first appears (as with all...
by RunningOnEmpty
07 Nov 2011, 18:52
Forum: Solar Power
Topic: Small scale "backup" solar PV (ie not FiT)
Replies: 11
Views: 6274

You make a fair point :) There's two things in my head here: 1. "Wow, you can make electricity from sunlight" (which I still basically think of as this -> <- close to magic, even though I understand the basic physics involved) 2. An awareness that the infrastructure that 'keeps the lights ...
by RunningOnEmpty
07 Nov 2011, 18:20
Forum: Living in the Future
Topic: The future megacities
Replies: 8
Views: 4987

There have been cities for thousands of years. That isn't going to change any time soon. That said, the megalopolises like Tokyo and LA are not going to survive in their current forms. I'm not sure London is looking too hot, either. I agree with other posters that there's not a lot we can do to infl...
by RunningOnEmpty
07 Nov 2011, 18:09
Forum: Solar Power
Topic: Small scale "backup" solar PV (ie not FiT)
Replies: 11
Views: 6274

Small scale "backup" solar PV (ie not FiT)

First post here (been reading a while!) so hello all. I'm thinking of putting in a small non-grid-tied PV system to allow us to be able to use radios, charge mobile phones etc in the event of a power cut (an ocurrence that is not commonplace at the moment, but is only going to get more so as time go...