Energy Saved = Lower Profits – Shame!!! - Page 2

Doug · 20-11-2006, 15:54

I am seriously considering investing in solar panels and a small wind generator; anybody got any experience of this type of energy supply?

entwisi · 20-11-2006, 16:07

The wind generators are unlikely to provide any useable power in urban areas. I looked into it and worked out that it would be lucky to give 100W and then it wouldn't be constant. Solar panels do seem to be getting to a useable state for hot water generation but you need a tank which I don't have.

Doug · 20-11-2006, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

The wind generators are unlikely to provide any useable power in urban areas. I looked into it and worked out that it would be lucky to give 100W and then it wouldn't be constant. Solar panels do seem to be getting to a useable state for hot water generation but you need a tank which I don't have.

Come to think of it nor do I. The house is South facing and gets a tremendous amount of sun, when its out. The west side of the back garden is open to the wind and by a fluke of the lay of the land is in direct path of anything that comes in from the coast which is about a mile or two away. Thanks anyway for the feedback.

jambutty · 20-11-2006, 16:46

The DD rules look fine on paper entwisi and only work if they are adhered to. Sadly some firms push the envelope and you the account holder has to go to the trouble of getting things put right and that costs YOU TIME AND MONEY. Over the years consumer affairs programmes like Watchdog have been littered with DD problems.

What was wrong with Standing Orders? Nothing!

Like you accymel I prefer to keep CONTROL of my finances.

Billcat · 20-11-2006, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

I am seriously considering investing in solar panels and a small wind generator; anybody got any experience of this type of energy supply?

I have a few friends who have gone with photovoltaic systems, and I will be installing one come spring. One advantage is that here in New Jersey, the government is encouraging this sort of investment with some very tidy subsidies.

The technology had improved a lot since I last looked into solar electricity several years back. I have a big, unshaded southern exposure on my roof, so my house is well-suited to the upgrade.

Can't wait to see my electric meter running backwards!

accymel · 20-11-2006, 16:50

ALtho with this solar powered panels would it suffice our british winter ???

If its like today its been pretty darkish & miserable all day

Neil · 20-11-2006, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

The wind generators are unlikely to provide any useable power in urban areas. I looked into it and worked out that it would be lucky to give 100W and then it wouldn't be constant. Solar panels do seem to be getting to a useable state for hot water generation but you need a tank which I don't have.

Have a look into gas fueled combined heat and power systems. You get hot water and electricity from the one unit. You suppliment your power from the grid and any spare power you make is bought back by the grid. Well that is the theory anyway. I was tempted to have a trial unit fitted at home (I work for a company that makes them).

Doug · 20-11-2006, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Have a look into gas fueled combined heat and power systems. You get hot water and electricity from the one unit. You suppliment your power from the grid and any spare power you make is bought back by the grid. Well that is the theory anyway. I was tempted to have a trial unit fitted at home (I work for a company that makes them).

That's interesting Neil, What's the unit cost of the system and how long before one can expect to break even?