[aprssig] TAPR Dayton Solar Talk

[Bob Bruninga]

> I'd love to try... cells on my roof.. or preheat... hot water...
> (Is there another list somewhere where we should be posting this ?)

Yes, SolarDIY at yahoogroups.com for Ham radio solar ideas...


> is there an electrical "one way" valve for the electricity?

Yes, all grid-tie systems have that fundamentl characteristic.  They can
only push current against an existing waveform.  If the 60 Hz waveform goes
away, they shut down in a few milliseconds.

> How well P.V. cells would work in S. Ontario
> is anybody's guess. Anyone with experience ?

That is VERY EASY to answer and everyone should do it.  Just google for
PVwatts, the on-line solar power calculator.  It takes only a few seconds to
get a calculation for ANY size array, facing any direction ant any angle at
any location.  AND the calculations includes a 10 year weather model for
exactly your area.  It is the industry standard and is used by EVERYONE...
and it is so much fun to play with ideas and see the results.

Remember, the only thing that matters with solar grid-tie is the total
annual production.

Bob, WB4APR