Might be time to get a generator
- Thread starter Ti
- Start date
If I could find one for sale, I would.....Everyplace we called yesterday was sold out.
Maybe time to invest in Solar ? Seems like sun is something that we are not in short supply of (I know.. by the time it was installed, the heat would would already be long past.. hopefully).
Maybe time to invest in Solar ? Seems like sun is something that we are not in short supply of (I know.. by the time it was installed, the heat would would already be long past.. hopefully).
sfsuphysics
Active member
Solar is a great option, especially if you install it yourself that'll bring the cost of said system down a bunch. California still has a rebate on it as well IIRC (less of a rebate if you install them yourself)
A big problem now though is that Europe is making a huge push for going renewable so it really has reduced the availability (read: no cheap deals)
A big problem now though is that Europe is making a huge push for going renewable so it really has reduced the availability (read: no cheap deals)
Vincerama2
Active member
Ah, the old Solar Debate!
Jimsar's the resident "expert", since he's got panels up (2kw?)
I keep wanting to do it, but also keep not wanting to spend the money, though every year I wait is one more year not included in the amortization...
Despite the big CA solar push, I don't see it getting cheaper. Like Mike said, the Europeans (Germany and Italy?) are gov't subsidizing panels, so therefore all the panels get shipped to Europe where they can get way more money for them...and if WE want to buy the panels, we have to compete with the gov't funding over there.
However, competition and demand has GOT to make this cheaper at some point!
V
Jimsar's the resident "expert", since he's got panels up (2kw?)
I keep wanting to do it, but also keep not wanting to spend the money, though every year I wait is one more year not included in the amortization...
Despite the big CA solar push, I don't see it getting cheaper. Like Mike said, the Europeans (Germany and Italy?) are gov't subsidizing panels, so therefore all the panels get shipped to Europe where they can get way more money for them...and if WE want to buy the panels, we have to compete with the gov't funding over there.
However, competition and demand has GOT to make this cheaper at some point!
V
Vincerama2
Active member
Home Depot sells BP panel installations (not the panels themselves).
You get PG&E rebates, which are slightly higher if you pay someone to install it (as Mike mentioned).
http://www.pge.com/selfgen/
remember ... google
V
You get PG&E rebates, which are slightly higher if you pay someone to install it (as Mike mentioned).
http://www.pge.com/selfgen/
remember ... google
V
sfsuphysics
Active member
Heheh yah Jim is the resident expert, I did all that theory stuff during grad school so I know how the innerworkings are and how to maximize energy, but Jim is the guy to talk to about the nuts and bolts of the thing.
Tom: Here's a couple link
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/solar/
Tom: Here's a couple link
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/erprebate/
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/energy/solar/
sfsuphysics
Active member
hhehehe, I dunno how many we'd need for a group buy, I could go for 3kWh worth of panels.. or however many I can fit on my roof with sun tracking motors 
(just couldn't afford that now 
).
(just couldn't afford that now ).
sid700,
power output is likely going to be your main concern. If the generator is not powerful enough to run the equipment that you want to, then it won't be of much use to you. You need to calculate your power needs and buy accordingly.
Like us, I know that our sequence pump pulls about 220 watts, our refrigerator pulls about 200 (but can spike to 350 when it cycles, so we don't use the ice or water dispenser), our 20" fan pulls 140 w (yea, it is a horse for power consumption). So, to run those 3 items we need at least a generator that supplies at least 100 watts (910 W + 10%).
Most appliances are rated in amps on their info labels.
HTH
tacocat,
Already sold out in the Northern East Bay stores. We just bought some deep cell batteries and inverters and hope that we have enough power to make it through any further outages.
power output is likely going to be your main concern. If the generator is not powerful enough to run the equipment that you want to, then it won't be of much use to you
. You need to calculate your power needs and buy accordingly.Like us, I know that our sequence pump pulls about 220 watts, our refrigerator pulls about 200 (but can spike to 350 when it cycles, so we don't use the ice or water dispenser), our 20" fan pulls 140 w (yea, it is a horse for power consumption). So, to run those 3 items we need at least a generator that supplies at least 100 watts (910 W + 10%).
Most appliances are rated in amps on their info labels.
HTH
tacocat,
Already sold out in the Northern East Bay stores. We just bought some deep cell batteries and inverters and hope that we have enough power to make it through any further outages.
tacocat
Premium Member
Nice philosophy. Yeah, we have to power chillers here in Fresno, so we need the extra juice and I need the 240v outlet for the chillers. Yes, they are loud. Super loud in fact. I think I will offer some to them as well.
Speaking of loud:
Honda motors are typically the quietest. Subarus are supposed to be decent, and Briggs and Stratons will rattle your teeth.
Vincerama2
Active member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7807178#post7807178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sparkss
Thanks Vince and Mike.. I just was tied up with work and what not and hadn't had the time to do any realistic searching.
As for the solar panels... I just have 2 words for you :]
Group Buy
Hehehehe
Ok, but I can make believe, can't I ?
Unfortunately, Germany is doing the mother of all group buys!
But in seriousness, a "group buy" on panel installs might actually yield a discount. I wish someone here worked in the industry!
V
