Re: [A/S] Re: solar installation

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Roger,
 Although I hate the noise of generators, they are usually an intergal
part of any AE setup that uses solar or wind as the primary source. If
you use AE full-time, you'll probably run into a period of no sun
(and/or wind, if that's part of the equation) that's long enough to
deplete your batteries. If you have a 3-stage battery charger such as
the StatPower, IntelliPower, or have one built in to your inverter, a
few short hours with the genset will get you back in business. Using the
genset to power your converter to charge batteries will be an exercise
in frustration.

An interesting genset is the Honda "Inverter" outfit. Although I don't
know all the details, it appears as though the generator makes DC from
the engine, then runs it through an inverter to give you 115VAC. The
neat thing is that the engine speed varies, according to the load on the
output, thus lowering fuel consumption and noise dramatically when the
genset is lightly loaded. IIRC, from some of the websites, the Inverter
outfit is available in 1000 and 3000 watt sizes, and even has a jumper
cable to parallel 2 of 'em for greater output.

You'll like the solar setup a bunch!

                                      <<Jim>>