Paying For Itself

Even though I only have 4 panels running and they are not optimized for angle, they are genering barely enough power. It is a ‘proof of concept’ at this time.

Most of my critical loads are connected to the system. Unless it is very cloudy I have not had to use the grid much at all. The system is set to run my loads all day and night but during the day, if the battery is not almost fully charged at 3pm, the grid is pulled in to do that. Otherwise I just glide into night. In the morning I have more than 50% battery capacity.The cut off for using the grid to top off the batteries is 5pm when the cost of the grid almost doubles. I don’t think it has really kicked in yet, but I am configuring for the future.

As I was passing the freight forwarder office today I got a phone call from Ship To Hawaii. They said my 3rd battery and the rack to hold all 3 batteries in it has just arrived and is available for pickup. I would have had them put it in the truck today, however I had plywood to pick up and the wieght of these two items would damage the smooth wood. Perhaps I’ll head to town tomorrow after I unload the truck bed.

It is interesting to watch the solar panels actually start delivering DC voltage long before actual sun hits them. My controller doesn’t kick in until the panels produce 100 to 120 volts. My highest power from the panels today was 1430 watts and under best conditions should produce about 1600 watts, or even more if I get a good reflector under them. Still, for my tests I’m happy.

I will have to find a better way to mount the panels and allow me to adjust the angle through the seasons. It would be very simple if I had a few deep holes in the ground. Then I could out in posts and a cross piece to attach the panels to (like a seesaw). Then I could just push the bottom of the array up to change the angle and point t othe location for the best sun. If you have been to Hawaii you can understand why this is difficult. We live on rock, lots of rock! The panels are in the dog run area and soil there barely covers the looserocks let along have any dept to the soil. I m thnking of an A-frame like a swing set and in stead of hanging a seat below the middle, I mount the panels. In the meantime I will think about other options and perhaps come up with a better one.