If I can, I may start on getting some solar parts to start lowering My bill, since 250w panels are at about $350 each. But to do that there's a hump of $2,562.00 to get past(Free shipping), I already have an electrical plug outside and the 6 panels can be attached to the wall, My walls are almost facing south and get sun for 12-14hrs a day. That should cut into the bill. I have a list of parts for such a system on Amazon, the mount chosen can be used on a roof or a wall, but are intended for panels up to 150w, panels above 150w need double the brackets I've read at Renogy's website.

1.5KW PluggedSolar Grid Tie Inverter, Just Add Solar Panels and Plug-in to wall, 120VAC Outlet, UL and Utility approved Grid Tie Inverter (UL-1741). Sola​r Panels Not Included. Breakthrough in Solar. 5-Years Full System

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

I envy you, lots of sun most of the year, and a suitable wall to hang panels on.
Here's me stuck with a roof that faces the wrong way, little sun for about six months of the year.....
Looking at the prices of that system you would need to set aside about $4,000 to get going with a 1.5kW system, which even if it is only half as effective as the publicity says would do a "reasonable dent" into your power bill.



A couple of things do intrigue me, well one in particular - Why do so many low cost installations not include a "transfer switch", but shut down when the grid side fails. Surely part of the reason for using PV generation is to be able to ride out short power dips without loosing your mains....

(I know if I were able I would be installing a solar system with 2-3kW of panels, a small battery to give a few minutes of brown out cover, and a transfer switch to allow "continuous" power. OK, I know that would be double the size of the sort of system you are looking at, but it would deliver about the same power as yours due to the lower solar energy/square metre we get here.)

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Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?

I envy you, lots of sun most of the year, and a suitable wall to hang panels on.
Here's me stuck with a roof that faces the wrong way, little sun for about six months of the year.....
Looking at the prices of that system you would need to set aside about $4,000 to get going with a 1.5kW system, which even if it is only half as effective as the publicity says would do a "reasonable dent" into your power bill.



A couple of things do intrigue me, well one in particular - Why do so many low cost installations not include a "transfer switch", but shut down when the grid side fails. Surely part of the reason for using PV generation is to be able to ride out short power dips without loosing your mains....

(I know if I were able I would be installing a solar system with 2-3kW of panels, a small battery to give a few minutes of brown out cover, and a transfer switch to allow "continuous" power. OK, I know that would be double the size of the sort of system you are looking at, but it would deliver about the same power as yours due to the lower solar energy/square metre we get here.)

So why doesn't power keep on being generated during a power outage? A grid tie system is designed to shut off when no electricity is detected, since people are working on the power poles and lines somewhere and they don't want live voltage on the line when that is going on.

I don't know of any transfer switch Rob. It's either be on batteries and off grid, or be grid tied and no batteries from what I've read. Could that be done? Possibly, I just don't know enough to say.

For Me this will take a bit for Me to do, since $2,562.00 is required to start and that does not include even 1 solar panel, this is what the solar(photovoltaic) panels(up to 6) plug into and the panels are about $350ea for 250w on Amazon, the kit can be used with panels as low as 180w minimum, but the limit on the amount of panels is still 6. 180w x 6 = 1080w vs 250w x 6 = 1500w, in case anyone is curious.

An example of the installation.

The kit I think gets one this:

I'd need to add one dedicated circuit for this and another breaker.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

If you read the Q&A for the controller you are looking at you will see that it shuts down in the event of loss of mains. This is to comply with the regulations in the US - you can't feed power into the grid if there is no volts on the grid - and the simplest way of doing this is to shut the inverter down if the grid fails.

A transfer switch is a device to swap the source of power from an inverter to the grid, and isolate the other input. They are used in a lot of standby power systems, and are "grid safe", meaning that when drawing power from the inverter the grid is isolated. In a grid-return system (like a solar PV system) the transfer switch is installed between the incoming meter and the distribution board.

There are two limits when looking at the output from solar panels to the control box. First, and most easily understood is the maximum power. The second is the output voltage (DC) from the panels to the control box, this may be as low as 24v, or as high as 200V - it just depends on how the controller has been designed. This is probably why there is a limit of six panels on the control box you are looking at.

btw, the UK prices for solar cells, inverters etc. is about the same number as you pay, but the currency is GBP - so about 1.5 times your price :-(

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Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?

Google has released a program called "Project Sunroof"
The program will use data you may not have realized that Google even had to tell you how much money you can save by turning your roof into a photon harvester. Right now it only works in San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno CA and Greater Boston MA. They plan to expanding it.

Oh I can buy panels by the case for about $225 each. There are typically 24 in a case.

Google has released a program called "Project Sunroof"
The program will use data you may not have realized that Google even had to tell you how much money you can save by turning your roof into a photon harvester. Right now it only works in San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno CA and Greater Boston MA. They plan to expanding it.

Oh I can buy panels by the case for about $225 each. There are typically 24 in a case.

Yeah, I applied for that, I already found out that it isn't like most things Google, available here.

I could get the 250w panels for $230(Min order 2) from what I've read, though one has to order 2 minimum there, almost $265 for a 300w panel(min order of 2), directly from Renogy, to do this asap, I'd have to use gofundme, yes I have an account, since solar is a bit of a ways off for Me at the moment, I'm still doing repairs here on the house, electrical is next, since My a/c is on an old flaky outlet, I think I could put the a/c on a short 16/3 extension cord, buying the outlets is easy, 2 cost $1.47 here at the HomeDepot, I just can't do the work, even though I understand what goes on, My knees will hurt if I try to do the repairs, it's hard to get up and without a lot of light, I can't see well anymore.

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Google has released a program called "Project Sunroof"
The program will use data you may not have realized that Google even had to tell you how much money you can save by turning your roof into a photon harvester. Right now it only works in San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno CA and Greater Boston MA. They plan to expanding it.

Oh I can buy panels by the case for about $225 each. There are typically 24 in a case.

Yeah, I applied for that, I already found out that it isn't like most things Google, available here.

I could get the 250w panels for $230(Min order 2) from what I've read, though one has to order 2 minimum there, almost $265 for a 300w panel(min order of 2), directly from Renogy, to do this asap, I'd have to use gofundme, yes I have an account, since solar is a bit of a ways off for Me at the moment, I'm still doing repairs here on the house, electrical is next, since My a/c is on an old flaky outlet, I think I could put the a/c on a short 16/3 extension cord, buying the outlets is easy, 2 cost $1.47 here at the HomeDepot, I just can't do the work, even though I understand what goes on, My knees will hurt if I try to do the repairs, it's hard to get up and without a lot of light, I can't see well anymore.

If you think the park or a group of owners might be willing to commit to buying the energy from a 24 panel system I could probably get the financing.

Google has released a program called "Project Sunroof"
The program will use data you may not have realized that Google even had to tell you how much money you can save by turning your roof into a photon harvester. Right now it only works in San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno CA and Greater Boston MA. They plan to expanding it.

Oh I can buy panels by the case for about $225 each. There are typically 24 in a case.

Yeah, I applied for that, I already found out that it isn't like most things Google, available here.

I could get the 250w panels for $230(Min order 2) from what I've read, though one has to order 2 minimum there, almost $265 for a 300w panel(min order of 2), directly from Renogy, to do this asap, I'd have to use gofundme, yes I have an account, since solar is a bit of a ways off for Me at the moment, I'm still doing repairs here on the house, electrical is next, since My a/c is on an old flaky outlet, I think I could put the a/c on a short 16/3 extension cord, buying the outlets is easy, 2 cost $1.47 here at the HomeDepot, I just can't do the work, even though I understand what goes on, My knees will hurt if I try to do the repairs, it's hard to get up and without a lot of light, I can't see well anymore.

If you think the park or a group of owners might be willing to commit to buying the energy from a 24 panel system I could probably get the financing.

I only have contact with the park Manager, they're more interested in updating the park, as the state has requested this and that be done and fixing what really needs fixing and that can be fixed, like all but 15 mobile homes in here, since some are boarded up to keep from being vandalized. Of the 15, 2 are owned privately(a double wide that is owned by someone called Gabby and the other is My single wide) and 13 are marked 'Demo', since the park has determined they would cost too much to rehab, though when they'll be demolished, is another matter, since the park doesn't have a lot of money, though it does have a sign up saying mobile homes/spaces are for rent, that can be seen from the i15 fwy, space rent here is $215 a month, that's what I pay. I'm just lucky the park isn't closing, so far...

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Solar panels are much more lucrative than using the regular distribution net. I don't know the situation in the States but people with solar panels in Belgium have to pay their share to the distribution net as well now since July 1st which adds an huge amount to their monthly invoice. For instance: a person living in Genk, who paid 10 euros a month, has to pay 52 euros now, owning solar panels with a converter ability of 6 kWh.

People who install their panels now do not receive any certificates anymore.

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rOZZ
Music
Pictures

lol i would tell em to go to hell what kinda ripoff is that and why are ppl putting up with being robbed like that

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I came down with a bad case of i don't give a crap

chick magnet

say wut?

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I came down with a bad case of i don't give a crap

people with solar panels in Belgium have to pay their share to the distribution net as well now since July 1st which adds an huge amount to their monthly invoice. For instance: a person living in Genk, who paid 10 euros a month, has to pay 52 euros now, owning solar panels with a converter ability of 6 kWh.

What the F....
Solar panels are not even connected to the distribution net.
I thought solar energy was free for all...

Here even individuals can monetize their solar panels!
https://translate.google.se/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kyab.se%2Findex.php%2Fse%2Fnyheter%2F99-solpaneler-elcertifikat&edit-text=
Pity though that we don't have so many sun hours here.

we all know solar is the answer to everyting

Distribution charges are an issue here in the US as well. I cannot speak for all utilities, but PG&E already has a distribution charge built into the energy bill. If you do reduce the amount of energy you purchase from them, the distribtuion charge does not change. Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge. If you disconnect from the grid, you have now entered a gray area where there is no existing law to direct what the utility can do. Belive me they are lobbing for the right to require everyone, connected or not to pay a distribution charge.

Distribution charges are an issue here in the US as well. I cannot speak for all utilities, but PG&E already has a distribution charge built into the energy bill. If you do reduce the amount of energy you purchase from them, the distribtuion charge does not change. Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge. If you disconnect from the grid, you have now entered a gray area where there is no existing law to direct what the utility can do. Belive me they are lobbing for the right to require everyone, connected or not to pay a distribution charge.

So you are charged a lot of money when using "green" energy that you produce yourself...
No incitaments to change to energy types that doesnt affect the climate...
What's next?
Death Valley straight ahead!

Distribution charges are an issue here in the US as well. I cannot speak for all utilities, but PG&E already has a distribution charge built into the energy bill. If you do reduce the amount of energy you purchase from them, the distribtuion charge does not change. Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge. If you disconnect from the grid, you have now entered a gray area where there is no existing law to direct what the utility can do. Belive me they are lobbing for the right to require everyone, connected or not to pay a distribution charge.

if i'm not connected how they gonna charge me no account no charge and even if they would send me a bill for nothing i would not pay a dime

the power company tried to screw with me before after i prooved they been messing with the electronic meters ... they ended up paying me back 8500$ for the years they ripped me off

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I came down with a bad case of i don't give a crap

Chris S as usual you miss the mark, since all you have to go on is guesswork based on what I post, not on what I don't post, I run a taught ship for the most part.

As to solar, a guy can dream of reducing the bill? Can't I?

I mean there are places that will install solar for zero down, in a lease type arrangement, but like others they don't install on mobile home roofs, at least not yet.

I think most installers think all mobile homes are made of tissue, since 1978 it's been mandated that mobiles have 2"x4" construction throughout, also no formaldehyde, no steel/iron water pipes and no lead(paint or otherwise). 2"x6" exterior walls are found on some mobile homes after 1978, though not here on this one. I can't comment on the floor joists of course, at least beyond speculation, but the mobile is 13.5' wide, but I think the joists might be either 2"x10" or 2"x12" in size, plus there is a steel I beam frame supporting and attached to the mobile home.


Lenders that do lend on mobiles won't lend to anything older than 1978, which means cash only for older mobiles.

I'm lucky I have cpvc pipes for the most part, I do have some copper pipes, which I intend to remove, that and eventually remove the water softener that uses salt, I don't want to add salt to the water table.

And this thread was not started to focus on Me, it was and is to focus on SOLAR, so BACK OFF!!!

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The T1 Trust, PRR T1 Class 4-4-4-4 #5550, 1 of America's First HST's

Distribution charges are an issue here in the US as well. I cannot speak for all utilities, but PG&E already has a distribution charge built into the energy bill. If you do reduce the amount of energy you purchase from them, the distribtuion charge does not change. Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge. If you disconnect from the grid, you have now entered a gray area where there is no existing law to direct what the utility can do. Belive me they are lobbing for the right to require everyone, connected or not to pay a distribution charge.

if i'm not connected how they gonna charge me no account no charge and even if they would send me a bill for nothing i would not pay a dime

the power company tried to screw with me before after i prooved they been messing with the electronic meters ... they ended up paying me back 8500$ for the years they ripped me off

As I said there is no law on how to treat non-customers yet. It is being debated. Existing customers are paying a distribution charge. Here is how PG&E is dealing with customers. If you listen carefully, you will hear PG&E has a basic fee. That is the transmission, taxes and other fees.

Because energy companies are seeing less and less revenue as people add generation capacity, they see a point in time when they will not be able to maintain the energy network. Companies argue that an energy network is essential and that government should start taking steps to insures it's continued existence. There have been several suggestions that range from charging people who do install solar more to establishing a flat transmission fee that will be paid by everyone. Again, these are suggestions. The debate continues, but it is an issue that (IMHO) will be legislated within the next 5 years.

Distribution charges are an issue here in the US as well. I cannot speak for all utilities, but PG&E already has a distribution charge built into the energy bill. If you do reduce the amount of energy you purchase from them, the distribtuion charge does not change. Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge. If you disconnect from the grid, you have now entered a gray area where there is no existing law to direct what the utility can do. Belive me they are lobbing for the right to require everyone, connected or not to pay a distribution charge.

¨
Geeze.

Even if you 100% self produced (solar, wind, bio-fuel, hydro) you will still see the distribution charge.

Who owns the sun, the winds, bio-fuel, water?
And to distribuate that energy, who owns that right!