David:
Interesting ...
Just curious though. How much space do these things take up?
I know the common figure for solar energy striking the earth at sea
level is about 1000 watts per sq. meter.  Most current, affordable
photovoltaics are at about 12 - 14% efficiency, tops (although a
subsidiary of Cypress Semi issued a press release last year saying they
had developed a cell that "approached 17% efficiency" - but they didn't
put any pricing data in the release).
Of course, that is under optimum conditions. But let's be generous and
assume 16% efficiency, so that means you need 37 sq. meters or 403.6 sq.
feet of space to generate 6kw.
One company
(http://www.wattsun.com/products/wattsun_trackers/Wattsun_Tracker_Price_Sheet.html)
actually selling systems has a 300 watt system (11.48% efficiency)  that
takes up 26 sq. feet. so to get 6kw  means you need about 520 sq. ft.

Is the power output DC or is it converted to AC?  I am no expert but
isn't there a 10-15% loss of energy during conversion?
Of course, these are theoretical numbers. Are you able to orient the
cells to enjoy maximum efficiency?  Do dust and dirt affect efficiency?
 Is there a tracking system that moves the cell panels to keep them
oriented to the sun or do you lose efficiency as the sun "travels"
across the sky? If these cells are located on your roof does house
orientation and roof pitch affect efficiency?

Not that it matters since it is your property, but what do your
neighbors say about the solar cells? Are they on the roof or are they
free standing in your back yard? Does shade from trees or adjoining
structures impact output?  These may work in Arizona, but will they work
in Minnesota?

I suspect that photovoltaics are not yet cost effective otherwise
taxpayers and ratepayers would not be asked to pick up part of the cost.

Just curious.

Chuck Dolci


David Douthit wrote:

> Joe,
>
> I am currently installing a 6kw photo voltaic system and I have already
> installed a solar hot water heater.
>
> I am also trying to "spread the word" here but I am beginning to get
> strange looks. I am borrowing money, while it is cheap, (inflation
> spiral) to pay for these items. It is strange that I live in a "desert"
> in Arizona and so little effort is being put into solar energy.
>
> People simply don't believe or want to here you. Classic "denial"
> symptoms.
>
> Only 2 companies in the Phoenix area are licensed and bonded to install
> solar cell power systems.
> Only 4 in the entire state! This is incredible.
> None of the hardware they are installing is built in the USA. We may get
> so far
> "behind the power curve", literally, that we can not afford the hardware
> needed to reduce energy consumption (inflation and unemployement
> spirals!).
>
> I am very worried for my children!!
>
> David A. Douthit
> Manager
> LoCan LLC
>
> Joe Fjelstad wrote:
>
>> Thanks Dave,
>>
>> I agree that it is not No..1. I forwarded another's message for
>> consideration and it was their choice for No. 1 but it is a matter
>> of  significant
>> concern.
>>
>> Thanks also for the link. Interesting reading and there are a number of
>> counter points that I have heard but the indisputable fact is that
>> there will be
>> an end to cheap oil and we are seeing the start of that day  now.
>>
>> Humans are very selfish creatures but we are also capable of great
>> sacrifice
>> for our progeny if we see and understand threat. The question  is,
>> drawing on
>> the word's of Lincoln, can we summon " the  better angels of our
>> nature" in
>> advance of the threat becoming  overwhelming?
>>
>> Kind regards,
>> Joe
>>
>>
>>
>>
>