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The mtngeogeek home PV system consists of 18 solar panels (1,320 watts), L16 deep cycle batteries, charge controller, inverter, and meter. The system is sized so that if we have at least 1 partly sunny day in 5 we will have plenty of power. In a pinch we have a generator for backup. Although we primarily work from our Ridgway Office, for those clients that desire that only solar power be used to work on their web site, we will schedule time to work from the home office to accommodate those requests.

(graphic from Storey's Basic Country Skills A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance, ©1999 Storey Communications Inc.)

 

Configuration of the mtngeogeek off-grid home PV system. A generator is configured to provide emergency backup.

The 18 panels are connected as 2 arrays. Both arrays feed power into the batteries. The charge controller regulates the flow of power collected into the batteries. The inverter (below) converts DC to AC and the meter displays the amount of power being collected and used by the home, office and studio in real-time.

 

Our photovoltaic systems (PV) insulate us from the unreliability of the utility grid. As long as there is power stored in the battery banks our lights, computers, and power is always on.

 

Geologists think that we all will burn out of fossil fuel resources in the 21st century. The most abundant natural resources on earth are sun and water. Harvesting sunlight for electricity makes perfect sense. There is no air pollution, no water pollution, no brown cloud, no noise, negligible maintenance, and no monthly utility bills. We make excellent coffee with non-electric stove-top espresso makers, vacuum pots and French-presses. The kids remember to turn the lights off. Incentives to convert homes and buildings to alternative power systems vary by state and utility company and continue to increase. Incentives include State Incentives, Tax Credits, Grants, Net Metering (In many states you can sell your surplus electricity to the utility company), Rebates, and Loans. The Database of State Incentives or Renewable Energy (dsireusa.org) is an excellent place to start learning about which incentive programs are available to you.

 

How does it work? (Click here for the long version). Silicon crystals in the photovoltaic (PV) panels become semiconductive when exposed to sunlight. Solar cells contain the electrical charge produced by the silicon crystals and direct it from cell to cell. A PV panel consists of many solar modules which in turn consist of several solar cells. A PV array any number of panels connected together. The PV array is placed in an area that receives full sunlight year-round. The angle of the array is optimized to collect the most sunlight in every season at its location.

 

The PV cells produce direct current (DC). The DC current can be converted by an inverter to AC current to power typical appliances immediately with the excess stored in batteries (similar to car batteries) for later use. A voltage regulator or charge controller controls the flow of the DC current reaching the batteries to keep them from under- or over- charging.

 

» More information about solar and alternative energy systems can be found on the Great Solar Works web site (www.solarwork.com).

 

MtnGeoGeek's host servers are owned and operated by aiso.net. They are powered by 120 solar panels (over 10,000 watts). The system uses batteries to store power, and can access grid power in case of an emergency (this has never been needed). Solar tubes in the roof allow natural light into the work spaces and thick insulated walls help keep the temperature constant and cool. The servers are guaranteed to be up 99.99% of the time. Web mail is included with all hosting. Call for prices and details: 970-626-4045.

 

2 south-facing PV arrays power the servers in California.