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Planning Your Own System |
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There are many factors involved in planning your own system: *How much electrical energy is needed?
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System Sizing
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SYSTEM SIZING
Sizing your solar electric array, batteries, inverter, water pump, etc, starts with having a good perspective of what your personal energy demands are going to be. The availability of sunshine in your particular location is another key factor. Another major factor involved in sizing your system is your ability to use energy wisely--to conserve and exercise efficiency (especially in periods of extended cloudy weather). Using the most efficient appliances and using them when you really need them will keep the cost of your system down. *Conservation and Efficiency are the keys to success with the Renewable Energy Lifestyle! (We can only imagine how things would be if this was the bottom line for everyone on the planet.) NEW CONSTRUCTION AND YOUR SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM If your solar electric system is part of a bigger plan which includes building your dream house, then, there are Îdesignâ factors to consider that may help reduce your energy needs: *Natural Day Lighting--Locate windows (and skylights) such that they light up your most frequented spaces. Even on cloudy days a well thought-out window placement can eliminate the need to turn on lights during the day time. Also consider the interior wall s and the light that can reflect if they are light in color. South facing windows will not only provide a lot of light penetration but will passively help heat the house in the winter when the sun is at a low angle. A properly extended eve will eliminate solar penetration during the summer. *Natural Cooling--A lot of electricity can be used, via fans, just to beat back the heat of summer. Properly placed vents for cool air entry and hot air exit will keep air in motion and lower the temperature in the house. Allow air to enter at the lowest point in the house, preferably on the north side and have an oversized vent for hot air exit at the highest point in the house. Locate your refrigerator in a cool spot, and/or recess it in a wall and add rigid insulation around it. This can dramatically cut down compressor run-time and/or gas consumption. Insulate your house well, it will hold heat better in the winter and it will hold back radiant heat through your roof and walls in the summer. Solar electric modules are not cheap, so you want to get your moneyâs worth if you are going to live off of their energy. Living in the northern hemisphere requires us to THINK SOUTH---
specifically Due South, especially in the winter time. Figure that the strongest solar energy will occur between 9 AM and 3 PM. In the Ozark region, at noon at our latitude (36 degree north, give or take a degree), the sunâs lowest angle comes in at 30 degrees around Dec. 22, and stays in a southerly orientation. With the low winter angle, the chances of trees or a hillside shading your solar array is more possible. Keep this in mind when planning their location, cause you need all the sunshine you can get during the short winter days. If you are on a southern slope, then you may not have this problem, but a northern slope may be a problem. The roof of your house may be the best location of your solar array if shading is going to be a factor. The true south aim of your array can be off as much 20(and your solar output will be decreased by only 6% (10(off will result in a 2% loss). Keeping your array on the ground makes for an easier installation. (See the section on How Many Modules? for more on solar orientation.)
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