Solar Power Systems

[St_uk]

Hello,

Ive only just registered, but am seeking some information to help me with my college studies!

I'm basically undertaking an assignment which involves using Solar Power!
The first assignment deals with integrating this type of system to power a lighting scheme during the day time. I need to know how can I integrate this system, and what the general costs of the systems area so that I can produce a cost recovery calc. The building has 3 floors and each floor is 790 square metres. I understand there are grants available so I have to show that.


The second assignment is how could I integrate a solar power scheme into a hot water system?

Any feedback would be great!

ST_UK

[mgopilot]

Go to the links thread.

[bruce]

C'mon mgo, he was only asking

[St_uk]

Which links are you refering to?

Ive worked out how many Solar PV Panels I require which I intend to produce electricty for my lighting services.

Would anyone have any idea of how much a typical installation would cost for 115No panels. The Panels are from the BP Range.


Any info would be much appreciated

Thanks ST_UK

[mgopilot]

In the sticky at the top of this particular forum I gave http://www.realgoods.com
With the glass panels you definitely need a tracking system, seasonally adjustable or full two axis tracking like one of my systems is, and it cost $3,500 in 1998 to do it myself(8-AstroPower 75W). The other systems are fixed mount at the latitude angle with "L" aluminum, on the roof to the south(odd angle, determined with compass adjusted to true south with carpenter's level, then drawn out in scale, all "L" metal cut and drilled for bolts). Unisolar panels are plastic /stainless steel, amorphous, unbreakable, and bring in so much power (90% @ 45* angle vs. glass only 10%) that even seasonal adjustment isn't necessary. Fixed mounts cost me $20 per US64 panel, while buying them pre-made is over double. The size "L" metal will get thicker and bigger(and more expensive) the more panels you mount in one set, and depending on wind and snow for bolt size and thickness, too. With single panels 30" x 56", heavy snow and wind, I used 1"x1"x1/8" with 1/4" bolts to rafters and in section joints with locknuts, silicone sealer. With two panel mounts I used 1.5"x1.5"x3/16" and 3/8" bolts. I have seen 1x4/2x4 nominal pine lumber mounts used near ground level successfully (less wind stress). I live where hail can occur so have a manual over-ride control with my full tracking glass panel system (extra $200). The sun seeker would sometimes make the panels go horizontal for the brightest part of the sky, during a hailstorm or heavy snow. The tempered glass is vulnerable from hail at flatter angles (also vandalism or tree debris at any angle). No one wants to break what is now a $500 panel!!
Without tracking (but with seasonal adjustment) you will need 40% more panels if they are glass. Panel system is sized for daily maximum watt hours used with minimum winter sun. The battery bank size is determined by that, its temperature at worst with subsequent loss, and average maximum days without sun, converted to amp hour from watt hours. All line losses and inverter requirements have to also be considered. We have to anticipate possible future needs, too.
Good luck!!!!!

As you're UK based you could try Laurie Tennant from Engenius. He was interviewed by us last month (transcript below) and can be reached via this email - http://www.engenius.co.uk tes@engenius.co.uk

http://www.theenvironmentsite.org/Fo...pic.php?t=4243