Solar arrays

[OccupantRJ]

This might be interesting for the alternate energy enthusiasts on the board. Here in NC there is a company called Strata Solar that that has been building solar arrays right and left. They are arranged densly enough around me that there are at least three within 30 miles of my house. Two of those I pass daily on my route to work. Here is a link to the ones located in NC. These are a strange sight here in tobacco land.

http://www.stratasolar.com/utility/utility-project-spotlight/

 

[where2]

Let the flurry of responses now begin from those who say it's not cost effective. (I'm not one of them).

 

[Mavawreck]

I've actually installed that panel system before, its a bear getting all those panels to line up. Especially when the racks are out of plumb.

 

[where2]

I've actually installed that panel system before, its a bear getting all those panels to line up. Especially when the racks are out of plumb.

Should have hired a surveyor. My whole PV rack is square and all 6 rails are in one continuous plane (3 rails per panel for 170mph winds). Then again, I'm a surveyor and building stuff that's not square irritates me like nails on a chalk board.

I used a string line just to get my brackets on my roof in nice neat rows.

 

[2ManyProjects]

Let the flurry of responses now begin from those who say it's not cost effective. (I'm not one of them).

That would depend almost completely on:

A. - What definition of "cost effective" you happen to choose; and

B. - How far the economic playing field is being tilted by artificial means (typically, government intervention).

 

[OccupantRJ]

There are now 6 of these solar arrays inside a 30 mile range of me. Two of those are under construction right now. I guess the local farmers have found a new cash crop.

 

[RPH]

The large grain operations around me all have installed large arrays for the grain drying. Even the John Deere dealership installed them. Told me his electric bill has dropped to nothing. I have been tossing around the idea of running the barns on a system.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Let the flurry of responses now begin from those who say it's not cost effective. (I'm not one of them).

Agree,

Every one is entitled to their opinion on this, no doubt.

We just installed a 6KW setup on the Shed Downunder.

Pay back, return on investment - I don't care one bit.

Investment in our sustainable future - you bet.

 

[walrus]

.

Investment in our sustainable future - you bet.

Do the panels put out more energy in their lifetime than they took to produce? I don't know one way or the other, like to see some info about that.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Do the panels put out more energy in their lifetime than they took to produce? I don't know one way or the other, like to see some info about that.

That's an interesting question

The main driver behind us installing the system was to cut our energy bills as we come closer to retirement. The prices here are going through the roof.

 

[paranoid56]

Do the panels put out more energy in their lifetime than they took to produce? I don't know one way or the other, like to see some info about that.

yes, currently they produce more power then they took to create. even if using coal power to create them

now that hasn't always been the case, i would need to find the study again, but i think since 2009 or early was when the cross over happened.

 

[Mustang51js]

You need to call the company and see what the options are,alot of people are leasing the panels and paying a flat rate. The only issue I see with that is your still paying a monthly bill even if you produce more energy than you use,and the company gets that back. Another thing to think about is you are still on grid power at night unless you plan on getting a lot of expensive batteries. And lastly you have to think about the weight on the roof,around here which you prob don't worry about is the snow and I know they passed some code for spacing because of fire fighting issues.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Started this thread in September. I am now passing 6 of the solar arrays just on my route to and from work, 66 miles round trip. These things cover multiple acres each. There is another 2 miles in the opposite direction from my house. These things are popping up like flowers in spring around here. Zinc plated tubing sales are on the rise, for sure, both for the structures and for the security fencing.