Re: [VACList] Solar drain

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom,
 Although you really should make up a worksheet that shows your daily USAGE
before proceeding, the great thing about solar power is that it's hard to
make a serious, expensive mistake. The only thing I'd caution is to get a
charge controller that can handle perhaps 15-20 amps, and don't buy a small
panel initially. (less than 50 watts)

It's almost trivial to add more panels and more battery capacity if you find
out that you don't have enough. As long as you didn't make the mistake of
starting with 2 or 3 small panels that use up your roof real estate but
provide inadaquet electricity.

Best thing is to do the [very simple] arithmetic for YOUR usage situation
and go from there. If you're not a wastrel, a $1000.00 solar system will
probably make you totally indpendent of the power grid, with the exception
of A/C and heavy-draw appliances. IE: you can use your microwave to heat a
cup of coffee, but you won't cook a chicken in it.

Solar panels are far more resistant to hail than your aluminum roof. :-)

                                                             <<Jim>>