Are you using solar electricity ?

[eyepea]

Hi,
Are you using solar electricity at your home ?

Either just a garden light or even several lights and other devices or entire solar electric system ?

I have a few questions .

Is it really cost effective ?
Solar panels are expensive . Also batteries used (usually lead acid car batteries) need to be replaced say every 2 years or so. Over the years battery cost will add up. Is it cheaper to use CEB power if you already have it?

Are you using a 12V DC system or 230V AC system using inverter ?
Which is better?. Of course AC system will allow you to use any AC device (provided the required power is available from the solar system). But if you are using only for lighting, is DC system more cost effective than AC system ? (will need 12V lights).

Nice if you can share your experiences and advice.

Thanks!

 

[eyepea]

Nobody interested in Solar electricity ?
These days I thought everyone was looking for Green energy sources
Heard there was an exhibition at BMICH recently on Solar energy.

If not a complete solar system, has anyone experimented with a DIY solar panel, controller and battery ?

All your experiences with solar electricity (brand of panel & controler, cost, wattage, battery capacity etc etc) are welcome.

Am interested and thinking of trying out a small set up. But good to lean from others experience before going homben

 

[chriela]

 

[prasadana2]

i have 2 turbines for a wind mil brought from usa...didnt have a time to fix the unit..
must fix it..need to assemble the unit..

 

[VIDUrUVAN123]

machang I;m intersting about the solar power

Can you give more info

In Sri Lanka where can we buy solar systems ?

 

[eyepea]

Ah nice to hear some are interested in solar.
(sorry I was away for some time)

You could check out -> http://www.energyservices.lk/stakeholder/solarcompanies.htm
(I have no connection with this web site. A friend sent me. This seems like a government project. So assume am not providing advertisement for the companies metioned and violating any forum rules . Admins/Mods pls remove this if so).

I asked 1 & 2 quite some time back and they did sell solar panels then. Didn't get time to ask the others. There may be other places too.

I hope someone who has put to gether a DIY solar system can share the details pls.

 

[coolnishan]