Solar / Wind Hybrid Systems
By jimcain207
Alternative Energy
Having come through the winter months with my solar generating system, there are some observations noted that are worthy of serious consideration, especially when it comes to building your own system. Energy that is generated must be stored until it can be used. Until your system is expanded that you generate more than you use, it will be necessary to have a bank of deep cycle batteries for energy storage. The number of batteries will depend on your energy usage requirements. Too many batteries hooked up at one time will result in batteries not being charged sufficiently. Start off will one or two and gradually increase as your production increases. Looking in the not so distant future, batteries will no longer be needed when you tie into the grid due to to premise that if you generate more than you need, the electric will reimburse you for your excess energy. Once your equipment is certified by your light company, they will install a in/out two way meter, thus eliminating the need for battery storage. Although much has been said about going green and alternative energy, we must have realistic expectations. Based upon my observations firsthand, I believe it is worthy of consideration before you make a purchase and are committed to the cause. Due to the fact that the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow, I recommend a Hybrid system. Here are my personal observations:
1. Solar
During the winter, the days are much shorter which results in reduced voltage output. When it is daylight, you are producing electricity, but at a much lower scale when it is cloudy. You could say you are getting "residual" generation. This greatly reduces the charge rate of the batteries that is storing electricity. Therefore, you have more limitation what power you can draw from your system. To effectively live off the grid, you have to plan on having enough solar panels at the "residual" rate to supply everything you are trying to power up. This would require a greater number of solar panels. When the sun is shining brightly, then it is good to have the added capacity and enough to spare. In the summer time, it runs itself with little monitoring in which I am well pleased. Please be advised that this should not be a stand alone system, unless your electricity generation at the residual rate exceeds your maximum usage.
2. Wind
Generating from a wind turbine really enhances your system. The wind turbine I use starts generating at 5 MPH. I am not considered to be in a prime area for wind generation. However, since my geographical area is wide open with large fields, I believe it is fairly seldom that we don't have a breeze of some kind. My wind generator is a 650 watt generator with five blades. There are many on the market, so you have to consider what best meets your needs. It can generate when the solar panels are not producing such as at night.
3. Hybrid
By incorporating the two systems, you greatly increase your capacity to recharge your batteries. For example: At night when the sun is not shining, the wind can be charging your batteries at night when energy usage is at a minimum. The less energy you are taking away from your batteries, the more your charge rate is and they have a chance to recover. I did not realize at first how beneficial it has been when I brought these two systems together. It is a wonderful accessory that technically can be a source of generating 24 hours a day (providing you have the wind) and not be limited to just daylight hours. As the daylight hours steadily increases in early spring, I believe I will have a good increase in capacity, thus resulting in a greater energy savings. For more additional information, see the link below:
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Comments
What if you buy more batteries?
Also if you have anykind of valley formation, like the recess of a river or a creek for example, it is better if you place your wind turbine there, as the changing tempretures will create a breeze in that spot. Upwards in teh day time and downwards at night. Good luck :-)
Howdy Jim - Did you construct your own solar panels or were they prefabricated? Also, Are the batteries for this use other than batteries like those used in vehicles?
Gus :-)
GusTheRedneck--I built the majority of my panels after seeing that I could build them at a fraction of the cost of those sold commercially. I realized it was not as hard as I thought it was. I use used heavy duty truck batteries in my system. I also get them at a fraction of the cost, if not free. From what I read they are suppose to be deep cycle, marine type batteries, but because of my access to batteries at little or no cost it was worth it for me to take a chance on them. So far they have worked out good for me.
De Greek--Where I live it is wide open prairie like terrain similar to Kansas. You have to be careful not to hook up more batteries than you can charge as the discharged ones will pull down the others. I had 10 batteries hooked up at one time, but I reduced it to five until my generating capacity increases with my next panel I am about to build.
What if you get hit with severy days of cloudy rain no sun but there still is probably wind so you can charge your battery that way. Does where you live depend of if using solar or wind energy will be benificial?
JannyC--This winter I did get hit with several days of cloudiness. The residual charge I got anyway was minimal. However, the wind generator can sure charge the batteries faster at night when our usage is at a minimum. It is very beneficial for us and by our kilowatt usage, it shows to be a reduction of about 50% in our bill. I expect further reductions as the days gets longer this spring.1 kilowatt generated is one less I have to pay for.
It is today's necessity to opt for several non conventional energy source. While solar energy is immensely used form of unconventional source, it have some disadvantages as well. Reading this article i surely overcome those. Nice article. I hope by reading this hub people now opt and use this sources effectively.
Sounds like some real good points to know. I know you have, and are dealing with both kinds. Great hub.
Using natural resources for energy is growing rapidly in my opinion. This is a great hub for those in question and I hope they have checked out your other hubs concerning solar power. I work for the city parks and recreation department and we have park bathrooms that would benefit from solar lighting. I have requested that the city consider a trial program at our newest park before lights are installed by the usual energy company. We could forget about the monthly bill to them and the money meter. I want four pole lights and two restroom lights, totaling a usage of 300 watts max. If this is approved, Im going to be after your input. Have a good day...
Excellent information, thank you!
Do you have a hub where you describe how to make a solar panel? Oh, i think I will just look. I grow my own veggies too. I love it. They taste better too!
Love your hub. Anything that helps us use our natural resources is tops with me. Well written and full of information.
Interesting info!
Indeed DIY your solar panels for home use save cost.
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Very informative, and best alternative resources.
A combo or hybrid system could work for some, but wind generation can be limited in areas that do not have good wind levels. Some areas are designated as optimal wind locations, while others are not but still have some decent wind. Still others are very poor for wind and it just won't work. We do wind turbine installing in Western New York and Penn which are designated as optimal for wind generation. These areas can use wind alone with success. But the idea of a combo is sytem is good for less optional spaces.
"Quill" 2 years ago
Love anything that helps man get off the grid and become self sufficient, especially when it eliminates the use of non renewable resources...
Well written and has blessed me in many ways...
Blessings