Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Feb 18, 2007 7:50 pm I would like to know if antone has and/or is running there home on solar?? Is there any major set backs besides the cost. I have been told about a set up that can put power back into the grid that you sell back to the power companies Re: solar powered house?????? 2Feb 18, 2007 8:25 pm bda20,
Yes, there are places where solar power is fed back into the grid. Basically the power companies buys the electricity at the same rate that they sell it. At first this sounds rather generous, however when you consider that you are selling electricity at peak demand times, the deal is not so good. The power companies particularly like the assistance during very hot days when air conditioning units are going full bore, which is also when solar electricity is at its peak. Check your local electricity authority to see if they allow you to fed power into the grid. I'd be surprised if the didn't. I’m about to design and build a house and will be including solar cells (and feeding excess power into the grid). I’ll also reserve some space for batteries at a later stage. To get your setup working you will need a bank of solar cells on your roof and an inverter. The inverter converts the low voltage dc to mains voltage ac, which can be used within your house and any excess fed into the grid. Feeding the power into the grid is the only economical setup at the moment. /if you want to store power away to use during a blackout then you will need batteries (basically car batteries). This becomes expensive and the batteries only last a few years. One day a more economical long lasting electric storage mechanism will exist and then it will be worthwhile to locally store energy. Cheers, Casa Re: solar powered house?????? 3Mar 12, 2007 7:50 am I would also love to have solar electricity in the house I am about to build. I got a lot of brochures on it and the cost is about 13K with approx 3K govt rebate. This will still blow my budget but I am keen to get it few years down the track.
Casa, do you have any info whether it makes a difference in installing later on vs integrating during construction?None of the retailers could answer my query... they were just keen to find if I was getting it done NOW! regards, VP Re: solar powered house?????? 4Mar 12, 2007 7:01 pm If you are in Sydney, you can visit nelsons ridge's display village, and check COSMO's display home, the one there has the BP brand solar power setup and feed back to the grid. The solar power feed back simply just reverse the meter reading when the power sell back to the system. Re: solar powered house?????? 5Mar 14, 2007 12:36 pm bda20 I would like to know if antone has and/or is running there home on solar?? Is there any major set backs besides the cost. I have been told about a set up that can put power back into the grid that you sell back to the power companies I have been planning my self sustainable house for what feels like forever now. (about a year). Part of that plan is for an off grid solar power system. My search lead me to the SunCube. http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au In terms of 'bang for the buck', no standard flat panel can match the 'theoretical' power generation of the SunCube. I say 'theoretical' because it is not due for release in Australia until April. Despite that, I suggest you check it out. The SunCube uses a 9 segment fresnel lens. Each segment magnifies the sun down to a very high quality PV. The entire unit, lens and all TRACKS the sun.. When the sun comes up the the morning the unit turns to face it.. And it follows it until sunset.. This gives you far great energy potential than any standard flat panel that can only work at full potential when the sun is directly over it.. ie: once a day. No. I don't work for or have any affiliation with Green and Gold Energy.. Other than the fact that I have been watching their progress via their Yahoo SunCube group. (SunCube 'use' to be called 'SunBall' if you are having trouble finding the Yahoo group).. When it was SunBall it won the 2005 New Inventors award. Brad Re: solar powered house?????? 6Mar 19, 2007 8:21 pm Vpand,
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you, but my account was deactivated without warning or reason. I’m back as Casa2. With a little planning I don’t think it makes a big difference whether you install photovoltaic solar cells now or later. Try to make your north facing roof slope the right amount for ease of mounting the solar cells. From www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs47.htm we have, for a grid-connected system, that the angle should be the latitude minus 10 degrees. So for Sydney (latitude = 34 degrees), the ideal roof angle is 24 degrees. (Melbourne latitude is 38 degrees, Brisbane latitude is 27.5 degrees.) Although it normally costs more to do something in two steps, in the case of photovoltaic cells you need to consider that prices are falling with time as volumes increase and new technologies are introduced. So I think it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. The government is currently offering a rebate of up to $4000 for a solar cell system. See www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/index.html for details. Basically you get $4 per watt up to a maximum of $4000 for a 1000 watt system. The cost of solar cells is about $10 per watt, so you get back about 40%. On top of this you’ll need a grid-connect inverter, which range from $2000 to $5000 depending on wattage. A 1000W system would cost about $8,000 to $12,000 all up. My suggestion is that if you can afford it now, for convenience, do it now. However, if you want to do it later, as long as your roof is about the right slope, it shouldn't cost you any more. Cheers, Casa Re: solar powered house?????? 7Mar 21, 2007 9:03 pm Casa2 Vpand, My suggestion is that if you can afford it now, for convenience, do it now. However, if you want to do it later, as long as your roof is about the right slope, it shouldn't cost you any more. Of course, with the SunCube, the slope of your roof does not matter.. The unit will turn itself towards the sun.. In fact, if your house faced North for example, you could mount the SunCube on Southern roof. There are 2 types of SunCube coming out. A grid connect version that comes with a built in inverter. This unit costs $1500 last time I checked. Then there is the version that I am going to get.. This does not come with an inverter.. Cost $1200. Check it out. No flat panel can compete with it. Re: solar powered house?????? 9Mar 21, 2007 9:38 pm Casa2 Dobly, Not sure if I like the look of the SunCube on my roof, or taking up space anywhere else. What's the (peak) power output for the $1200 unit? Cheers, Casa The $1200 unit without the inverter is rated a 600 kWh. I'm not sure what the (peak) rating is. As for the look, like I said, you can put it up high, but on the back of, or least visible side of your house.. For me, I'm not that fussed about the 'look' and personally I don't mind the idea of a row of SunCubes across the roof. Would look kinda high tech to me. You can see all the versions on this page.. http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/products.htm He is in the process of signing contracts with companies all over the world to produce and sell the units. Korea, India, Spain, Italy and more. http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/pressrelease.htm Re: solar powered house?????? 10Mar 22, 2007 7:59 am Dobly,
I think you're on a winner. I've checked the web site and your peak power output is 600 Watts. At $1200 this is a great price ($4 per Watt, compared to normal solar panels costing $8 to $10 per Watt). In fact, when you think about it (and if my thinking is correct), SunCube will cost you nothing. The government has a rebate of $4 per watt, which is exactly how much your SunCube costs. If it qualifies (and I can't image why it wouldn't), then the governwmn will pay for up to 3 SunCubes will no cost to you. See www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/index.html for details. If you look into it, pleae let us know how you go. It may be a case of free SunCubes for everyone! Cheers, Casa Re: solar powered house?????? 11Mar 22, 2007 8:10 am Casa2 Dobly, I think you're on a winner. I've checked the web site and your peak power output is 600 Watts. At $1200 this is a great price ($4 per Watt, compared to normal solar panels costing $8 to $10 per Watt). In fact, when you think about it (and if my thinking is correct), SunCube will cost you nothing. The government has a rebate of $4 per watt, which is exactly how much your SunCube costs. If it qualifies (and I can't image why it wouldn't), then the governwmn will pay for up to 3 SunCubes will no cost to you. See www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/index.html for details. If you look into it, pleae let us know how you go. It may be a case of free SunCubes for everyone! Cheers, Casa Casa My understanding is that the SunCube is not part of the rebates program.. From what I gather, it is to do with the hoops one must jump through to get that approval. Greg Watson, the dude behind the SunCube is not concerned about the rebate program. The SunCube is so efficient you call easily get enough power for whatever you need at less expense that what it would cost you in 'flatties'. (flatties = 20th century flat panel solar technology). http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/im ... ofiles.jpg This image sums it up. Look at what the SunCube can do from early morning to late afternoon.. Fixed 'fatties' can't compete.. No wonder they need a rebate. At this rate I'll not have SunCubes on my house until 2008 (I have not even bought land yet) Re: solar powered house?????? 12Mar 25, 2007 12:57 pm Hi all,
I investigated the option of going solar in my Townsville home but is simply is not cost effective... yet. We are one of the solar cities but my house is unaffected because they are only using homes on Magnetic Island and new homes in a particular new development. Anyway, my (limited) research brought up sliver cells (http://www.originenergy.com.au/environm ... sliver.pdf) which are still in their development stage really. Although I am a keen environmentalist, I don't think that the SunCube will catch on. I have a 1920s Queenslander, and I really think that the SunCube would detract from the charm of it. I watch with interest with solar energy, hope it comes around sooner than anticipated. Re: solar powered house?????? 13Mar 26, 2007 11:54 am "Greg Watson, the dude behind the SunCube is not concerned about the rebate program."
Shame that since with the rebate, I would almost certainly go down this route, without it, I'll just sit and watch things develop. I am sure I am not alone in this. 3xb solar powered house?????? 14Mar 26, 2007 2:53 pm Hi All
New to this forum, but not to the SunCube (SUNBALL).. Not affiliated to them, but wish I was... I think that the issues raised here about look and rebates are a little blinked.. No intention to offend so please don't take offense.. come from a long line of straight talkers.... If we agree that * There are issues throughout this planet with Global warming. * We want to leave our Children/ Grand Children / Great Grandchildren something to play on and enjoy. * We think that the little bit each of us does makes a difference. * All hope IS NOT lost, then maybe we need to stop worring about how pretty our roof looks or about the fact that we don't get the rebate but pay $7,000 LESS for more power output.. Seriously, if these Suncubes are able to do what they claim, and be at a price that demonstates the inventor is not pushing the price up 400% like some other technologies, then what is the hesitation really about? As for the rebates, it comes down to who has the bigger lobby group and the best Golf lunches I'd say.. Anyway.. not meaning to get high-horsed and certainly will understand if I am requested to not post here again, but i couldn't help but offer another view-point.. Re: solar powered house?????? 15Mar 26, 2007 3:42 pm Pierre,
I guess the reason the look is important is that most people do not want to live in a house that has an unattractive look. That may simply mean that these things are only good as an extrernal power generation facility. Put another way, most people here would not want a mini coal powered power plant at their home either. Asthetics do matter when selling a home and the loss in resale value of your home has to be considered in the equation. Also remember that council may not like them either. As for rebates, the guy is basically cutting himself out of great marketing which is odd given that he has been so thorough with everything else. He is also (in my opinion) a bit evasive on his forum when answering questions. That doesn't affect the product per se but it does mean that sales to people other than devoted followers will be a harder sell. For a relatively little effort, he could make it so that it would be almost crazy not to consider this product even if you are not intrested in the environment. Factoring in costs over a 25 year period may be fine for some, but I suspect that the vast majority won't go with it. If you really want to get the environment cleaned up, every effort should be made to get the majority on board. A bit of effort could potentially achieve this but seems to be being snubbed. As for lobby groups/ golf etc, I just don't buy it, it is a great excuse though isnt it?? I personally am likely to buy green power from my existing power company. I will keep an eye on how things develop and take it from there. There is a number of other technologies coming through the pipeline that I'll be keeping an eye on (eg.CIGS). Time is on my side as I am currently building and wouldn't be able to buy for about a year anyway. I ran some figures through the spreadsheet and came back that I would have to wait 16 years before I could get a return and that was without taking out a loan. The figures were drastically different when I considered a government rebate. Anyway, I certainly appreciate your opinion and I am far from writing these things off. As you acknowledge, these things are unproven in a realworld environment and we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully they will prove to be a real wonder power source. 3xb Re: solar powered house?????? 16Mar 26, 2007 4:50 pm 3timesbuilda Pierre, I guess the reason the look is important is that most people do not want to live in a house that has an unattractive look. Asthetics do matter when selling a home and the loss in resale value of your home has to be considered in the equation. Yep.. I agree.. but in 5 to 10 years, will it be a sight people want to see? Don't know to answer my own qu.. but I would hope so.. Also remember that council may not like them either. With all the Green push, I think we'll find a lot of councils jumping to at the least assess all options.. I hope so anyway... fingers crossed.. and I DO mean ALL options.. not just SunCube.. As for rebates, the guy is basically cutting himself out of great marketing which is odd given that he has been so thorough with everything else. Yep.. I agree about the rebates.. it IS almost a nose dispite your face situation and would sure make it a HUGE go if he could get 25% like the flatties.. even though it would be less $ wise it would show acceptance.. He is also (in my opinion) a bit evasive on his forum when answering questions. That doesn't affect the product per se but it does mean that sales to people other than devoted followers will be a harder sell. For a relatively little effort, he could make it so that it would be almost crazy not to consider this product even if you are not intrested in the environment. I hadn't noticed the evasiveness , but I don't read every entry and will take your word for it. Maybe he's the type who think that if he can work it out then others should for themselves also.. If that's the case, then I don't agree with that attitude.. Factoring in costs over a 25 year period may be fine for some, but I suspect that the vast majority won't go with it. If you really want to get the environment cleaned up, every effort should be made to get the majority on board. A bit of effort could potentially achieve this but seems to be being snubbed. What would you suggest would be a better way of getting a larger number of people interested in this kind of thing? Surely not just $'s or have we reached that point in our evolution? I wonder?? maybe we have.. As for lobby groups/ golf etc, I just don't buy it, it is a great excuse though isnt it?? Not his comment, that is my comment.. I'd love to have a chat with a politician to see just how strong and powerful these lobby groups are.. up to now for me it is only on hearsay that I based that comment and retract it unreservedly if shown to be unfounded.. I personally am likely to buy green power from my existing power company. Yep.. I do that already... I will keep an eye on how things develop and take it from there. There is a number of other technologies coming through the pipeline that I'll be keeping an eye on (eg.CIGS). Time is on my side as I am currently building and wouldn't be able to buy for about a year anyway. I ran some figures through the spreadsheet and came back that I would have to wait 16 years before I could get a return and that was without taking out a loan. The figures were drastically different when I considered a government rebate. Fully Agree.. as I said.. I'd love SOME rebate.. to encourage us all to consider the alternatives.. no lobbying should be needed.. just working initiatives that add value to the effort... Anyway, I certainly appreciate your opinion and I am far from writing these things off. As you acknowledge, these things are unproven in a realworld environment and we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully they will prove to be a real wonder power source. Yep.. me too... thanks for honest opinions and comments 3xb Re: solar powered house?????? 17Mar 27, 2007 8:48 am 3timesbuilda "Greg Watson, the dude behind the SunCube is not concerned about the rebate program." Shame that since with the rebate, I would almost certainly go down this route, without it, I'll just sit and watch things develop. I am sure I am not alone in this. 3xb Thing is if you look at the data, 2 Suncubes (ie: $3000 worth) can do the same job at $10,000 worth of flat panels! Even if you took a $4000 rebate off the flat panels ($6000), you are still better off with Suncubes. By a long way.. And that is just with 2 Suncubes. If you work out that you needs say 10 Suncubes (that's a lot of power), imagine what that is going to cost in flat panels!! Not only that, but how much space would the flat panels take up? A $4000 rebate is not a deal breaker. Re: solar powered house?????? 18Mar 27, 2007 5:08 pm Greg Watson of Suncube just posted a link on the Yahoo user group to an image on his site that shows estimated power output from a single Suncube, depending where you are in Australia.
http://www.greenandgoldenergy.com.au/im ... tralia.JPG This thing is gonna be awesome. $1500 for a Suncube with a built in inverter $1200 for a Sunbube (DC) without an inverter Bring em on! Re: solar powered house?????? 19Mar 28, 2007 11:40 pm Hi all,
Am a little confused about the power output of the suncube, had a look at their site and found this in the 1500 buck inverter one Output 240 Vac, 1 Amp, 50 Hz using an in-built AS4777 approved grid connect inverter. 240v @ 1amp = 240w@240v a standard 120w 12v panel will put out 10 amps ( 120w divided by 12 volts=10 amps) 10 amps x 240volts +2400 watts (less the usual 10-20% loss) maybe my math is wrong but these things dont seem to put out that much power Re: solar powered house?????? 20Mar 29, 2007 12:50 pm crunk81us,
Yes, a problem in your maths. Suncube = 240 W Standard panel = simultaneously 120 W (correct) and 2400 W (incorrect) So basically the Suncube puts out twice the peak power. The real beauty however is that since the Suncube tracks the sun, it's output remains fairly high day long. The flat panel quickly reduces power output as the sun moves from being perpendicular to the panels. So the Suncube, for the same amount of money, has a higher peak power output and keeps closer to the peak output power as the sun moves across the sky. Cheers, Casa I looked into it a few years ago and my conclusion was to just build a carport that will support panels and get a system installed separately. The company I looked at had… 1 6476 You’re on the right track, wire brush in a grinder then a zinc rich epoxy primer then a top coat of some sort, like a waterproofing membrane. Raising the concrete would… 1 7020 How good is Simeon?! Always taking time to help others out! Wish we were building in NSW and could work together. Thanks for all that you do! 7 6550 |