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Non-Tech : Alternative energy -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Stephen O who wrote (1182)	10/14/2004 3:16:56 PM
From: Stan	Respond to of 16955

That's a good question. I have wondered about that too. I will try to find that out tonight when I talk to the company's engineer. It does seem that there should be some useful energy throughout the day to convert for your home's use without batteries. Generally speaking, there is only an average of 4.6 hours a day of useful sunlight when south-facing panels are getting the best absorption. So, this bell-curve of input throughout the day affects what the inverter can convert to 120VAC. Clouds affect it somewhat too. So, batteries supply a constantly high amount of energy for your house in blackouts or during low/no sunlight.

To: Stephen O who wrote (1182)	10/14/2004 6:13:50 PM
From: Stan	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 16955

Stephen, Just talked with a company rep about the direct use of panels during blackouts. According to him, the utility company has some agreement with on-grid net-metering systems like the one I want to install. They do not want "islanding" of systems. Consequently, the inverters that the utilities require are designed to disconnect the home panels during power outages. Before the rebate is granted, there are 3 inspections: local, state and utility. The utility ensures the home is not islanding. The batteries require a different setup that I do not quite understand, and is expensive. I am getting pricing on this feature next week. By the way, anyone in NJ that is interested should know that New Jersey will begin a phase-out of the current rebate plan this December.