hello from ontario

Re: hello from ontario

If you have grid power, then a pure off-grid system is a pretty expensive solution for a problem you do not have.

If you have frequent/long power outages and they allow net metered (of FIT) in your area, a Hybrid system (Grid Tied/Off Grid for emergency power) can be an interesting solution.

A pure Grid Tied system is the least expensive ($$$/kWH) system you can install and has the least amount of maintenance requirements/costs. However, it sounds like your power company has put a cap on new GT connections for now...

The other solution if you have "rare" and relatively short power outages (days or week or two), a backup genset can be a good solution. However, if you have an all electric home (hot water, heating, cooking, etc.)--Gensets and Solar are pretty expensive.

Conservation, conversion to natural gas/propane/etc. for heating and/or using solar/genset to run a minimum amount of electrical loads will reduce the size of system and reduce backup fuel storage needs.

In general, ignoring FIT ($0.85 per kWH Feed In Tariffs), conservation is almost always a better investment into your home/business before spending on a solar PV system.

-Bill

Re: hello from ontario

IF you can get Grid Tied with 1 year net metering (or the FIT program), you can save money if you have expensive power rates...

In my area, they run from $0.09 per kWH to $0.44+ per kWH (residential Time of Use, tiered--more power you use, the higher rate you pay).

If you have subsidies for GT solar, you can get the rates down in the $0.15 per kWH or less range these days--but you have to pay the installation costs up front.

If you use the FIT program with $0.85 per kWH or so payback from the utility, you still have to trust that the utility/government will pay the FIT rates for XX years into the future. Looking at what is happening in Europe--that may not be a good bet.

Going back to using a kill-a-watt meter (individual appliances) or a T.E.D. equivalent (for whole home) can really help you identify the costly loads... In the end though, you have to decide what is worth cutting vs what is worth paying for.

Power usage is a highly personal matter. And solar is not cheap.

If you are into solar projects, there is a thread here that has a whole bunch of random information and links that may give you some ideas. Solar Thermal projects are great DIY type projects and can really save you a bunch of money... Downside is the plumbing, tanks, pumps, which all seem take fiddling to address leaks, aging, air locks, etc.

Working Thread for Solar Beginner Post/FAQ

-Bill