Electrical Cost to Run Your System
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jiriki
New member
http://www.greenenergyohio.org/govres/
Ohio Governor's residence posts his solar stats from his 3.2kw setup.
I looked at this last year and wasn't too impressed with what he gained. It didn't seem worthwhile to install such a system.
His system generated 1,572kwh for 2009 (Jan to present). I use more than that a month. Maybe Columbus just doesn't get enough sun?
According to my AEP bill, my rate is 6.9 cents/kwh. Doing the math, I would save around $108 if I had a solar panel that generated 1,572kwh from Jan 2009 to present. I hope I have this wrong because I would really like to have a solar solution. With batteries, it would to some extent work as a UPS if managed properly.
Ohio Governor's residence posts his solar stats from his 3.2kw setup.
I looked at this last year and wasn't too impressed with what he gained. It didn't seem worthwhile to install such a system.
His system generated 1,572kwh for 2009 (Jan to present). I use more than that a month. Maybe Columbus just doesn't get enough sun?
According to my AEP bill, my rate is 6.9 cents/kwh. Doing the math, I would save around $108 if I had a solar panel that generated 1,572kwh from Jan 2009 to present. I hope I have this wrong because I would really like to have a solar solution. With batteries, it would to some extent work as a UPS if managed properly.
Paul B
Premium Member
MarineFishGuy
Capn Jack Sparrow
I have considered solar panels too, but our roof is shaded by some big trees.
From what I have read, orientation (true S, not magnetic) and tilt angle can have a dramatic affect on panel output.
Columbus is in between 3.5 and 4 hours of peak sun per day averaged over the year.
However his 3.2kW unit should still be putting out more than it is if the panels are properly oriented.
http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/solareclips/2003.11/20031111-2.html
From this link we see a 1.5kW system can produce 1275kWh in its first 120 days of use, or an average of 10kWh per day.
I had been looking at something in the 5-7kWh range to make it worthwhile. However that is from 24-36 panels.
With rough dimensions of 40" x 68" that is a lot of roof.
My roof slants in multiple different directions meaning it would be quite a challenge to orient the panels for peak production.
There is a 3.2kW kit on Ebay for a little over $12K. It says it only needs 300sqft for installation.
It does not include the batteries, it is a grid tie system.
They estimate it could produce 4800 kWh/year, or a little more than one moths worth of use in my case.
From what I have read, orientation (true S, not magnetic) and tilt angle can have a dramatic affect on panel output.
Columbus is in between 3.5 and 4 hours of peak sun per day averaged over the year.
However his 3.2kW unit should still be putting out more than it is if the panels are properly oriented.
http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/solareclips/2003.11/20031111-2.html
From this link we see a 1.5kW system can produce 1275kWh in its first 120 days of use, or an average of 10kWh per day.
I had been looking at something in the 5-7kWh range to make it worthwhile. However that is from 24-36 panels.
With rough dimensions of 40" x 68" that is a lot of roof.
My roof slants in multiple different directions meaning it would be quite a challenge to orient the panels for peak production.
There is a 3.2kW kit on Ebay for a little over $12K. It says it only needs 300sqft for installation.
It does not include the batteries, it is a grid tie system.
They estimate it could produce 4800 kWh/year, or a little more than one moths worth of use in my case.
kev2me
New member
Looks like residences can get up to $25,000 in Ohio:
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OH30F&re=1&ee=1
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OH30F&re=1&ee=1
MarineFishGuy
Capn Jack Sparrow
I was just reading that too.
$3/W but it is also adjusted if you do not meet "ideal" conditions". In theory that would be $9600 for a 3.2kW system.
It must be grid tied and it must be installed by an eligible installer as well as inspected before grant funds are distributed.
The grant application must be executed before Any purchases are made.
IOW, Read the link before you do anything to make sure you follow the rules, but it sounds like a good program.
$3/W but it is also adjusted if you do not meet "ideal" conditions". In theory that would be $9600 for a 3.2kW system.
It must be grid tied and it must be installed by an eligible installer as well as inspected before grant funds are distributed.
The grant application must be executed before Any purchases are made.
IOW, Read the link before you do anything to make sure you follow the rules, but it sounds like a good program.
Paul B
Premium Member
They tell you exactly how much power your system will generate before you lay out any money. My system is making much more than they said it would make so far. I know in the winter it will not generate as much though.
They also tell you exactly how much the utility company will give you back and you get a letter from the utioity company stating it. They also tell you exactly how much you will get back in tax.
They also tell you exactly how much the utility company will give you back and you get a letter from the utioity company stating it. They also tell you exactly how much you will get back in tax.
jiriki
New member
I assume they will base it on historical data based on the actual sunlight we get. I'd love to see more data from other Columbus based installations. So far, I've only found the Ohio Governor's installation. Either we do not get enough sun or his installation was not ideal.
I do know I do not get sunburned here in Columbus with all the golf I play. I do anywhere else I play however.
I do know I do not get sunburned here in Columbus with all the golf I play. I do anywhere else I play however.
Paul B
Premium Member
They have a sattelite map of your home and from that can tell how much sunlight you get. They alst get a copy of your electric bill for the past year.
Even on a rainy day I produce electricity but only about 400 watts.
On the inverter it tells me that I have saved 71,000 lbs of CO2 greenhouse gasses and at this moment I am generating almost 3,000 watts. It is very hot and sunny here in NY now but as it gets warmer, the panels have a higher resistance and the power output actually drops. It is better on a cooler sunny day than when it is 100 degrees.
The most I generated was 4,000 watts, that was in the spring.
My house today with the AC on is barely even using 3,000 watts
Even on a rainy day I produce electricity but only about 400 watts.
On the inverter it tells me that I have saved 71,000 lbs of CO2 greenhouse gasses and at this moment I am generating almost 3,000 watts. It is very hot and sunny here in NY now but as it gets warmer, the panels have a higher resistance and the power output actually drops. It is better on a cooler sunny day than when it is 100 degrees.
The most I generated was 4,000 watts, that was in the spring.
My house today with the AC on is barely even using 3,000 watts
jh2pizza
New member
I looked at this in January. Our home is positioned perfect for something like this, but the grants are not covered for us due to being on an electric co-op. (who did not pay into the fund) 
To me, something like this is a no- brainer. Power will not drop in price in my lifetime.
To me, something like this is a no- brainer. Power will not drop in price in my lifetime.
Steven Pro
New member
I spend $110 per month on the greenhouse, but figure that is going to go up some as more skimmers are added.
dendronepthya
Premium Member
My greenhouse runs about $150 a month on average. It used to be closer to $100 but we added lights which are helpful for us and marginally helpful for the corals. The big cost in a greenhouse is heating in the winter though, not so much electricity.
This is one of the main reasons I downsized. Could not justify the amount of money I was spending in this economy on my fish tank no matter how much I loved it. If you want to stay in this hobby I would highly recommend not adding up the monthly cost to run a large saltwater tank.
sammie
New member
In my opinion if you can afford it and it's something that you enjoy there is no reason, good economy or not not to keep a reef. For the golf nuts, what does a round of golf cost at an average club, $50, $75per week or more? If your a car nut, what does a few "goodies" under the hood run these days much less 93 octane gas to feed the monster.
Electric is a rip off, we all know, that but giving up something you really enjoy due to giving $50 a month to the "establishment" so what. Get the government to give you a grant and add some solar panels, play the game....
Electric is a rip off, we all know, that but giving up something you really enjoy due to giving $50 a month to the "establishment" so what. Get the government to give you a grant and add some solar panels, play the game....
oldreefer76
New member
Now that is just to funny :beer:
