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Author Topic: wind power or solar power  (Read 1095 times)

tex703

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wind power or solar power
« on: September 23, 2011, 11:40:21 AM »
My wife and I want to reduce our reliance on the electrical grid and since we live in Texas we had a few rolling blackouts this summer b/c it was so hot.  I have been doing some research on both wind and solar power and haven't figured out which would be better.  Living in Texas we get lots of sun all year around and then again we get decent wind as well.  I guess what I am asking is if anyone currently uses either wind or solar power to reduce their costs and consumption from electrical providers and what advice can they give to which is better.

I am leaning towards solar since it is passive and I can line my roof with large solar panels, thus getting more electrical output with larger solar panels.  With wind I would have to install at least 2 small/mid-size turbines to my roof and they would be noticeable.  I think I would still get good electrical output from the turbines but the wind doesn't always blow or that the mph of the wind current could be extremely low thus inhibiting electrical production.
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Mr. Dare

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2011, 05:00:14 PM »
   Personally I would go with whichever one you have the most of... sounds like solar is the way to go for you. How far into your research on alternative energy systems have you gotten? Outback has a new 8kw beast of an inverter/charger out this year that looks really promising! For solar or wind you will need to add a charge controller to the system, but the Radian will also use grid or generator power right out of the box. You can "stack" them to make a great big uninterruptable power supply for the whole house, and add solar or wind (or both) when you can afford it to free you from the grid entirely. They are pricey, but they have been around for a long time and have a great reputation. They also have smaller models that are more affordable as well. You can down load owners manuals and installation manuals from their web site: http://www.outbackpower.com/products/sinewave_inverter/radian/
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tex703

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2011, 10:00:22 AM »
Thanks for the link. 
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Observer

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2011, 12:19:26 PM »
 
 
  I would second the factor that Mr.Dare touched on. Build in redundancy in the power system. If you can get to where you have three sources like solar wind and backup genset you will be unlikely to suffer power interuption. The larger your battery bank the longer you can run obviously and the goal is to keep the bank charged with as little genset use as you can get away with.
 
 Is small unit hydro an option in your location? If so you might end up with the five prongs of power adding hydro and grid to the other three. Do not rule out hydro just because there is no stream either, It is doable with a well on a hilly piece of property on a lmited basis and you need an overflow pond but it can be done. It is much easier with a creek though. Buy more converter/inverter than you need so you do not have to upgrade again later.Batteries can often be scavenged its a storage device and most six or 12 volts that will hold a charge can be used at least for a while.Deep cycle batteries are preferable of course.
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Tahn

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2011, 02:25:09 PM »
I have 4 125 watt solar panels which provide most of my power but I also have a small 400 watt wind turbine.  I get very little power from it in comparison BUT when the clouds are out (as now) the wind is often blowing (as now)  and it makes a big difference on how long the batteries stay charged. Of course with my small system, I can't run a lot of stuff but it usually keeps me on line with a few elect. lights and radio. If I added more, it would be solar not wind.

I would not put a wind turbine close to or attached to my cabin. Too noisy. SCREAMS in a strong wind.
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Wild Bill

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2011, 03:30:16 PM »
This subject interests me..

We have been toying with the idea of going off grid, or at least get that stinking electric meter spinning backwards, and I've done a bit of research on the matter but I'm nowhere near as far along as y'all..

I was thinking a combination of solar panels on the roof and a 30 foot windmill (we're already getting one to aerate the pond mechanically), and windmills don't look out of place on a farm (especially around here).

Ideas?  We got pretty much a mix of sun/wind.  The wind ALWAYS blows here, mostly from the Southwest, it's just a matter of how hard it blows, so the windmill would be feasable.... but then, we get lots of sun too, so I'm conflicted.. only so much $$$ to go around, ya know?
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Rarick

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2011, 06:58:25 AM »
Do you have a stream running thru your land?  Wikipedia.com and look at microhydropower.    I also have a regular farm windmill that was made to pump water, it does that and compresses air which I have stored in a tank.   Chuck a pneumatic drill up to the generator and the compressed air replaces batteries.............

There are some fairly cheap microhydro units out there that give you 1 or 2 Kw.
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synchro

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Re: wind power or solar power
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2011, 09:37:15 PM »
We live off of 1000 watts of panels.  (with generator backup)
If you want to save money, just adopting the mindset that we have to
live by will put you at the minimum billing for an electric utility.
(Try to live your life off of one 10 amp circuit)
(Get back to me on how that works out for you)
If you have no grid tie, go with what you have the most of.
Solar panels are much less impact.
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