11 replies to this topic

[BlueMound]

Ebay to Ellison embrace microgrids in threat to utilities
http://mobile.bloomb...ies.html?cmpid=

[360texas]

We lived in Eastern Oregon for 3 years.  We were construction managers on a multi year project. 

 

Hydroelectric power is a big thing along the Columbia River. 

 

One time while driving down the Oregon side freeway I was surprised to find such a Micro-grid electric facility in Boardman, Oregon.  The plant sits just East of Boardman.  North of I-30  exit for Laurel Ln.  Look North side for Utility Ln .  Zoom and you can see the feeder power lines.

 

It is a 2 jet-engine power generator supplying electricity for small cities along the Columbia River. 

 

It sits on maybe 4 acres near rivers edge.  Cheap natural gas fueled the jet engines.

 

On Google Earth you can see it

 

45° 50' 53.04 N

110° 40' 26.20 W

Elev. 279' above mean sea level

 

Texas has excess natural gas.  I can imagine 100's of this type power generators spread across Texas.

[BlueMound]

The solar revolution is being fought by the middle class

http://qz.com/137973/the-solar-revolution-is-being-fought-by-the-middle-class/

 

They have been fighting utility efforts to impose fees on homeowners with solar systems to compensate for a loss of revenues. 

 

Why US power companies don’t want you putting a solar panel on your roof

http://qz.com/115703/why-power-companies-dont-want-you-putting-a-solar-panel-on-your-roof/

[BlueMound]

Here is a natural gas powered fuel cell for the home

 

Panasonic's Ene-Farm home fuel cell moves into a condo

http://www.gizmag.co...dominium/29487/

[JimWilson]

Its been a while since this topic was touched (and a while since I've been on the Forum)...

We installed 36 solar panels on our home this last Spring...

- $30K before Federal subsidies, $15k after.

 

Our highest electric bill thus far, $18; $11 in August (a few where they owed us).

While my billed power rate is 1/2 what it was 2 years ago (now $0.05 buy and sell),

I expect over next several years it will again climb.  The lower rate of course reduces my ROI

for the purchased solar panels.  Nevertheless, I am making 5-6% back on my investment at

today's power rates.

... oh, and it really is a "new world" when you are excited to go fetch your electric bill from mailbox.

 

During the day our panels provide almost all of our power consumption needs with excess being sold back to the grid.

Of course, at night we purchase from grid.  In all, we are running a slightly negative to less than $20 monthly bill.

[Volare]

Its been a while since this topic was touched (and a while since I've been on the Forum)...

We installed 36 solar panels on our home this last Spring...

- $30K before Federal subsidies, $15k after.

 

Our highest electric bill thus far, $18; $11 in August (a few where they owed us).

While my billed power rate is 1/2 what it was 2 years ago (now $0.05 buy and sell),

I expect over next several years it will again climb.  The lower rate of course reduces my ROI

for the purchased solar panels.  Nevertheless, I am making 5-6% back on my investment at

today's power rates.

... oh, and it really is a "new world" when you are excited to go fetch your electric bill from mailbox.

 

During the day our panels provide almost all of our power consumption needs with excess being sold back to the grid.

Of course, at night we purchase from grid.  In all, we are running a slightly negative to less than $20 monthly bill.

 

How many kW is your system? Do you have storage? Is your hot water electric? Heat?

[youngalum]

I have a 6.09kW system since 2010.  Best investment I have ever made on my house.  Now I wish it was bigger.

[Austin55]

Have y'all seen the Tesla Solar shingles?
https://www.bloomber...lar-roof-coming

[Doohickie]

Have y'all seen the Tesla Solar shingles?
https://www.bloomber...lar-roof-coming

 

And they're Made In The USA.  If they take off, they should create an economic boost to Buffalo, NY.

[Volare]

I have a 6.09kW system since 2010.  Best investment I have ever made on my house.  Now I wish it was bigger.

 

Same questions for you youngalum: Do you have storage? Is your hot water electric? Heat?

 

I'm looking at adding Solar as part of a home renovation, and I'm considering converting some items over from natural gas to electric to take advantage of the system.

[youngalum]

Not sure what you mean by storage.  I put electricity back on the grid daily.  Not as much JimWilson but my bill averages $100 or less.  Mind you I run my air at 72 in the summer, 76 in the winter and have a pool and hot tub running almost year round.   My water heater is gas fueled. 

 

If you are remotely thinking about solar, I recommend it!!

[johnfwd]

Not sure what you mean by storage.  I put electricity back on the grid daily.  Not as much JimWilson but my bill averages $100 or less.  Mind you I run my air at 72 in the summer, 76 in the winter and have a pool and hot tub running almost year round.   My water heater is gas fueled. 

 

If you are remotely thinking about solar, I recommend it!!

For me, it doesn't seem all that cost-feasible in the short term in light of the initial investment costs (with subsidy).  Say my subsidized investment cost in solar panels is $10,000 (I have a smaller house, I think, than JimWilson's).  Currently my monthly electric bill is averaging about $75.00.  If, like JimWilson, I will be enjoying $18 monthly bills with solar, that's a $57 difference each month.  At that rate, I would fully recoup my investment costs in about 175 months or 14 years.  But, don't misunderstand, I'm all for alternative energy sources, for reasons of the national economy and the environment.