Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

kbd512 · 2023-04-22 18:33:05

SpaceNut,

Keep your oil furnace unless you have a means of replacing what it provides. If you have no better way to generate home heating when the grid goes down, then getting rid of it is a mistake. If you don't need to use it, then don't use it. If you do need to use it, then at least it's there for you to use. Only someone completely divorced of the consequences to you and your family would propose doing such a thing.

I read the following comment on YouTube. I'm paraphrasing, but I think it applies here:

A wise man once said there are four ways to spend money.
1. You can spend your money on yourself, guaranteeing best value and best choice.
2. You can spend your money on someone else, guaranteeing best value but not necessarily the best choice.
3. You can spend someone else's money on yourself, guaranteeing best choice but not necessarily best value.
4. You can spend someone else's money on someone else, guaranteeing neither best choice nor best value.
The 4th way of spending money is how our government spends our money.

SpaceNut · 2023-04-22 19:47:46

KBD512 old furnace is junk not repairable in any shape or form since most of the duct work is rooted out. Replacing an old oil-fired furnace plus with a new one typically costs $2,000-$5,000 for a simple installation of a basic model, but it can cost $6,000-$10,000 or more for a larger, more energy-efficient unit with a difficult installation via a contractor but it can be done for less.

In either case reducing the amount of energy to heat would be something that would lessen that cost to make use of long term.

By the way my son has an oil-fired boiler with hot water base board heating with hot water exchanger, and it cost too much, so he bought a pellet stove to heat with using just 3 ton for the winter. Thats by far cheaper than oil or electrical.

Pellet stove would be in my basement since that is the chimney access point so that would not work as already proven out with wood stoves.

tahanson43206 · 2023-04-22 21:07:33

For SpaceNut re #102

Thanks for additional information about the oil furnace. You had said it was not working in the past, but you have added new information.

I'm not sure how we can help you to get moving on this situation. kbd512 offered his unique perspective, which seems (as I read it) to be to do nothing.

I am trying to help you to overcome whatever inertia that is keeping that furnace in your house. You might even be able to find someone to remove it at no charge, in return for whatever copper or other metals they might be able to recover.

You had indicated you can install new duct work.

You indicated there may be duct mountable electric heater/fan units that could send warm air upstairs. That would not heat the house, but it might be able to help you keep the upstairs at 50 degrees evenly, which you've indicated is the New Hampshire tough-it-out temperature.

It would be good to see some progress in this particular area. You've certainly impressed me with your mechanical skills and persistence in dealing with automotive challenges.

Removal of the old furnace would free up some space in the basement, and give you at least the opportunity to think about the best next step.

***
In another topic, Calliban very recently spoke of using iron oxide in Great Britain to hold stored heat that is fed into the home overnight. I sure would be interested to know how that particular material would compare to brick, which I had suggested might be stacked inside old ovens as a heat store. Perhaps iron oxide would be even more capable of storing thermal energy.

(th)

kbd512 · 2023-04-22 23:15:06

kbd512 said:
Keep your oil furnace unless you have a means of replacing what it provides..

That seemed reasonably self-explanatory to me, but perhaps those words mean different things to different people.

tahanson43206 said:

kbd512 offered his unique perspective, which seems (as I read it) to be to do nothing.

What part of the very first sentence of my reply indicated that nothing should be done?

SpaceNut said:

KBD512 old furnace is junk not repairable in any shape or form since most of the duct work is rooted out.

Does that mean the old furnace is actually "junk", or that the duct work to pipe the heat from the furnace, into the upper floor(s) of your home, is non-existent?

tahanson43206 said:

I am trying to help you to overcome whatever inertia that is keeping that furnace in your house.

What good would SpaceNut getting rid of his old furnace do for him if the actual problem is not having usable duct work and he can't afford the thousands of dollars of installation and purchase cost for a brand new furnace?

tahanson43206 · 2023-04-23 06:19:39

For SpaceNut re situation ....

It appears you are receiving counsel from your Junior Admin to keep your existing furnace.

You are definitely receiving counsel from your Junior Moderator to begin the process of helpful change by removing the old furnace.

You have clearly stated on multiple occasions, going back years in this forum, that the furnace is no longer operable or repairable (in your judgement).

This is a situation that will give you an opportunity to make a decision. The default is to follow the advice of your Junior Admin, and do nothing.

I expect you will do nothing, but am not sure one way or the other, so look forward to any further news from the furnace front.

In any case, thank you for providing an opportunity for something to happen.

(th)

SpaceNut · 2023-04-23 13:01:54

The basement is very moist and galvanized steel will and does break down over time. The duct work will need some to make it useable, but the furnace is a loss even for getting rid of as it's not going to fetch salvage money and may actually cost to remove it. The oil tank will need to be inspected before making use of it as well.

In either case insulating the basement interior and exterior of the cinder blocks would be the first step to increasing how warm the home would remain in winter for the least amount of money.

So what size do the numbers I have calculate to for a furnace of a given BTU or what kwhrs would that be equivalent to.

https://www.flightpedia.org/convert/140 … ts-kw.html

https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/ene … o_kWh.html

oil consumed to BTU
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/uni … lculators/

https://www.rasmech.com/blog/boiler-for … culations/

Wow I gave a mention of this but did not know it was that high if not higher.

These ‘energy vampires’ could be sucking your wallet dry: ‘As much as 20% of your monthly electricity bill’

Certain appliances — refrigerators, for instance — need to stay plugged in and turned on. But others — coffee makers, televisions, and many more — can easily be unplugged when not in use.

Steve Stewart · 2023-04-24 06:57:46

SpaceNut, I'm not sure what it is you're needing to calculate. If you're looking for BTU's needed per square foot of house, here is a climate map for the USA. This is just an estimate, it's dependent on how well a house is insulated.

Furnace Size Calculator: What Size Furnace Do I Need? (BTU Calculator)
https://learnmetrics.com/furnace-sizing-calculator/

kbd512 · 2023-04-24 07:54:48

SpaceNut,

If you don't address the moisture problem first, then I predict problems no matter what you put down there. That seems like the most logical first place to spend money, prior to purchasing a new furnace that will end up in the same state as the existing one.

If you put an electrical furnace in the basement, what's going to happen to the electronics when they're exposed to enough moisture to corrode galvanized steel?

How often do you lose electrical power during the winter?

If you have to rely upon electricity from the grid to save any money, what is the duration and frequency of black-outs caused by the winter storms up there?

SpaceNut · 2023-04-24 20:22:37

That is why the outside is being dug down to the footing and a bit below that so that I can correct any that is coming in from the ground water table rise in the area. Which does happen as I did the front of the house but only dug down even with the footer and had put in perf pipe and pea stone to cause a quick flow path. The front of the house is 4 ft in the ground and around the sides 20 ft towards the back it tapers off to being just 2 ft. with of course the back being just the 2 ft to dig a path for that 40 ft of the house length.
I plan to seal the outside and bring insulation to the total depth so as to reach below the footer covering all of the cement block that is in the ground as what is exposed until its turns into wood. Once the outside is done, I am then going after the inside walls of the basement to further insulate and seal the weather from entering as well as for the moisture.

SpaceNut · 2023-05-20 10:38:44

Watching town access channel and they are discussing a solar array building in the town. This discussion is talking about why our past 4 additional sites were deigned. In a word it was Eversource did not allow them as they did not live up to their standards as the power must connect first to their lines before it can be sent onto the grid. They also need contracts to send the power to other sellers of it. This particular site was going to sell the power to a coop company and that coop's lines do not connect to Eversource so that is a problem for the build.

here is the latest on 22023 Solar Incentives by State

Key takeaways
The federal solar tax credit gives you 30 percent of the cost of your solar system in credit when you file your taxes.
Many states offer local solar incentives you can combine with the federal tax credit.
You must own your solar system to qualify for most solar incentives. Consumers who lease solar panels will not qualify.
The federal solar investment tax credit, now known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit, runs through 2034 and offers a tax credit valued at 30 percent of the total cost of a solar system.
The federal solar tax credit was created in 2005 to make it easier for property-owners to invest in solar power. It was originally set to expire in 2006, but was extended several times. In 2020, the tax credit amount lowered from 30 percent to 26 percent and remained there through 2021. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act extended the tax credit through 2034 and increased the amount back to 30 percent for 10 years, with slight decreases the remaining two years.
Once your solar installation is complete, you can apply for the federal solar tax credit through the IRS. You’ll receive 30 percent of the cost of your solar system as a credit when you file your annual tax return.
What does the federal solar tax credit cover?
The federal solar tax credit, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, covers:
Solar panel modules or photovoltaic cells
Labor costs, including onsite preparation, installation, permitting fees, inspection costs and developer fees
Wiring, inverters and mounting equipment
Energy storage devices, like solar batteries, with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or greater (applies only to systems installed after December 31, 2022).
Sales tax on qualifying expenses
To receive the 30 percent tax credit, fill out and return IRS form 5695 (PDF) after your solar panels have been installed. The IRS provides instructions to help you fill out the form correctly. Once you’ve been approved by the IRS, you will receive your 30 percent savings in the form of a tax credit when you file your annual tax return. If the value of the credit is more than you owe in taxes, you can carry the remaining amount over to the following year until you’ve received the full amount.

So much for NH but other states give more incentives.

tahanson43206 · 2023-05-20 11:22:48

For SpaceNut .... company control of the state legislature is not unusual in United States history. Is that why a private company has veto power over the independent initiative you described in post #110?

It seems to me that if the legislature passed laws to permit this, then replacing the legislators might allow for change to occur.

Or (on the other hand) a nice juicy lawsuit might solve the problem.

Any chance of that?

(th)

SpaceNut · 2023-05-21 09:25:48

The homeowner basics of financing solar power for residential real estate

I did a bit more research and the net metering for Eversource pays just 14 cents a kwhr while they are charging 22 cents for that same kwhr.

Here is the site I was listening about

20-megawatt AC Solar Project – Public Informational Meeting

More references for how to do

Solar Photovoltaic SPECIFICATION, CHECKLIST AND GUIDE

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR SOLAR POWER EQUIPMENT TO BE REQUIRED

SMART Metering and Wiring Installation Guidelines

Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Metering Guidelines December 21, 2021

SpaceNut · 2023-06-25 13:02:09

Not seeing any topic than this one to post content to.

Heat is battering Texas's power grid. Are giant batteries the answer?

A deadly combination: No power and extreme heat. How likely is it and is Texas prepared?

Of course, I was expecting a reduction of cost per kwhr but that appears to be another month or 2 away but it's only going to be short lived returning just in time for the winter months.

Other states are planning California’s hated electric bills will soon be based on our income. Will it work? | Opinion

Standard argument that the rich can afford to pay more....most states have electric programs that do discount along with the fuel assistance programs but are those states shift that to the others?

SpaceNut · 2023-09-13 18:12:23

Tesla unveils Powerwall 3, this time with a built-in solar inverter

SpaceNut · 2024-02-17 16:39:19

What Type of Solar Panels Should You Get?

As of 2021, more than half the residential solar panels installed in the US had efficiency ratings above 20%, compared with 0.6% a decade ago, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Tracking the Sun report.

That low, wow.
https://emp.lbl.gov/tracking-sun-tool

I am finding that I need solar thermal as well to make my energy offset happen.

SpaceNut · 2024-03-29 16:27:23

I hope the hail did not damage your system as it did elsewhere Concerns Ignited After Swath of Solar Panels Are Destroyed in Texas Storms

SpaceNut · 2024-04-28 10:21:41

Not all can afford loans and look to getting grants or other for free options.
'Will they be able to take our home?': This Houston couple got tricked into a contract — to pay up to $67K — for 'free' solar panels. Here are 3 legit ways to get cash back for going green

When a deal sounds too good to be true, it very well may be. Bernard and Tasa Mosley, a retired couple from Houston, Texas, learned that lesson the hard way when they fell for a scam offering free solar panels.

Texas Is Running Out Of Electricity

Ercot, the energy company that operates much of Texas’s electricity grid, announced there could be a problem on April 29. On the 27, it announced, “At 14:30, ERCOT has updated the AAN for a possible future Emergency Condition of reserve capacity deficiency beginning Monday, April 29, 2024, at HE 20:00 through Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at HE 21:00 based on changed conditions.” In layman’s terms, the grid could reach capacity, and some customers might not have service. And it is only April. The summer will be much worse.
According to Bloomberg, August power prices were forecast to rise by 82% compared to last year. The news service also pointed out that the amount of sun and wind a day could affect electricity supply because of the use of renewable energy. This shows that, while renewables may be good for the environment, they create challenges that coal-powered electricity may not.

I though my price was bad but that sort of increase would be really bad.

tahanson43206 · 2024-04-28 10:43:12

This is kbd512's topic ...

I too hope that kbd512's solar panels were not affected by recent storms.

My understanding is that the damage he saw was to the roof and not to the solar panels themselves.

GW Johnson converted to metal roof 30 years ago, and so far he's been spared the damage that often occurs to shingle roofing in Texas.

I had a chance to install metal roofing some years ago, but I missed the opportunity. It would have been a wise investment, had I had the wisdom to recognize it. Now I need an entire new roof, and prices are far higher.

(th)

SpaceNut · 2024-04-28 10:47:16

Mine as well has shingles that were done in 2005 along with the sheathing as it had partially rotted since its construction.
At that time Fema did give money for the event that caused damage due to the continuous rain that we saw fora dozen days straight. It was just not enough even when doing the work for the replacement by myself.

homeowners in Georgia with an annual household income of $100,000 or less are eligible for the program. Cutting-edge program helps homeowners install solar panels with zero money down: 'This program levels the playing field'

Find Out if Your Home Works for Rooftop Solar Panels

What Makes Commercial Solar Panels Different, And Can You Use Them On Your Home?

Another that are helping Washington Solar Panel Incentives: Net Metering, Tax Breaks and More

Understanding the energy you use is part of the answer when knowing that sizing of the quantity of panels to buy.

15 Clever Tricks to Cut Your Energy Bill This Month

According to Forbes, the average household in the U.S. pays $429.33 per month on utility bills. Although steep, you don’t have to pay over $400 a month for water and electricity. There are plenty of clever ways to cut your energy costs.

SpaceNut · 2024-05-05 13:35:27

Is Your Roof Suitable For Solar Panels? A Quick Guide

How to Figure Out How Many Solar Panels Your House Needs

SpaceNut · 2024-05-06 17:24:10

9 Hidden Costs of Solar Panels Buyers Cant Afford to Ignore

SpaceNut · 2024-05-12 10:58:36

I sort of thought that the climate zones would work sort of the same for solar in that you neeed a factor to get closer to the reality for the panels that you really require.

How Many Solar Panels Will You Need To Power Your Home?

Your home's electricity bill shows the monthly power consumption represented in kWh or the number of kilowatts used every hour. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts (W), or the more common representation of the amount of energy a home appliance may use. For example, a refrigerator that uses 167 W over one hour will use approximately 4 kWh daily.
To determine how many solar panels you need, you'll need your annual kWh usage, which you can find by adding up your monthly kWh for January through December from your electricity bill. Alternatively, you can use the NREL PVWatts calculator, which offers a close estimate by looking at several advanced factors.
You'll also need the production ratio of your region or the amount of electricity produced by solar panels under common weather conditions near your address. Thankfully, there isn't much of a fluctuation throughout the United States and you can use the following maximum production ratios from clean energy provider EnergySage:
Northeast: 1.3
Pacific Northwest: 1.15
Southwest: 1.8
Mid-Atlantic: 1.35
Southeast: 1.5
Mountain West: 1.6
West Coast: 1.8
Midwest: 1.3
Finally, you'll need the solar panel's wattage. Divide the annual total wattage needed by the production ratio and then divide that by the wattage of your panels. For this example, let's go with the average of 400 watts per panel. Using an address in Las Vegas as an example, you'll divide 7,157 kWh by 1.8 by 400 W to get approximately 10 panels.

For roof mount you might want to rethink this as

Each panel weighs approximately 40 pounds, and the standard rectangular panel measures 5 feet by 3 feet. For a 10-panel system, that's 400 lbs of weight and a surface area of 1,500 square feet. The average roof size typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet. Even at 3,000 square feet, a 1,700-square-foot system would be more than half the available space.

How to Choose the Right Hybrid Solar Inverter

Consider Price to Performance Ratio
Consider this as you sift through your options. This ratio gives you an idea of the value you’re getting for each dollar spent. The best solar inverter for you will strike a balance. This can be between efficient performance and cost-effectiveness. Look at the following and compare these with the price:
features
power output:
Pay special attention to periods when your usage spikes. This includes summertime if you use air conditioning or wintertime if you rely on electric heating. Moreover, consider the output power of the devices you use regularly.
scalability:
If you foresee making additions to your property, you’ll want an inverter that can accommodate this growth. This includes building extensions or adding energy-intensive appliances. Many hybrid solar inverters are modular, meaning they can be upgraded with increased capacity as required.
warranty:
It’s crucial to scrutinize the warranty conditions, taking note of the warranty period and what it specifically covers. Warranties can range from 5 to 25 years, with longer warranties often indicating higher quality, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
efficiency:
Keep in mind that no inverter operates at 100% efficiency, and there is always some power loss during the conversion. However, the most efficient inverters on the market today boast efficiency rates of over 95%.

SpaceNut · 2024-05-25 12:25:22

Powering Your Home: The Ultimate Guide to Solar Solutions

Understanding the Basics of Solar Power Systems
Solar power systems consist of solar panels, an inverter, and a power meter. The solar panels, usually installed on the rooftop, capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The inverter then transforms this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home. The power meter monitors the amount of electricity your solar power system produces and the amount of electricity you consume. Any excess electricity generated by your system can be fed back into the grid, resulting in credit on your electricity bill.
If the solar panels produce less electricity than your home requires, you will still be able to draw power from the grid. This is especially beneficial on cloudy or rainy days when sunlight may be limited. If your solar system produces more electricity than you use, the excess electricity can be stored in batteries for later use. This is known as a grid-tied with battery backup system.
While the upfront cost of installing solar panels may initially seem overwhelming, it is crucial to consider the long-term advantages. Investing in solar power systems can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills over time.
On average, homeowners can save anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000 over 20 years by transitioning to solar energy. Furthermore, recent technological advancements and increased market competition have considerably reduced the cost of solar panels. Moreover, government incentives and tax credits for renewable energy have made solar power systems even more affordable for homeowners.
Choosing the Right Solar Power System for Your Home
Selecting the appropriate solar power system for your home is a crucial step in ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Several factors come into play, such as the geographical location of your home, the angle and size of your rooftop, and your regular electricity consumption. A solar consultant can help you assess these factors and guide you in choosing the right size and type of solar power system. You could opt for a grid-tied system, a grid-tied with battery backup system, or an off-grid system, each with its own advantages and suited for different needs.
A good idea if you’re new to solar panels is to start with a grid-tied system with net metering. This allows you to stay connected to the grid while still being able to benefit from net energy metering, resulting in potentially lower electricity bills.

Then again areas impacted by strong conditions will mean you have a different design use.

Inside a new disaster-proof neighborhood in Florida, where million-dollar off-grid homes already survived two hurricanes and residents pay no electric bills

BB1n1Saq.img?w=800&h=435&q=60&m=2&f=jpg

SpaceNut · 2024-06-09 14:01:18

https://organicrankine.com/orc_document … 010607.pdf

Organic Rankine cycle refrigerant expander?

SpaceNut · 2024-06-19 10:31:14

The Biggest Pros And Cons Of Installing Solar Panels

There are many reasons why homeowners might consider installing solar panels on their homes, including reducing their carbon footprint and saving on costs. Installing solar panels can save you an average of $125 monthly, according to Forbes. That means your savings could add up to $1,500 a year.
First, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of solar panel systems because they are not necessarily for everyone. On the one hand, you can save money on your energy bill, become less dependent on the power grid, and produce clean energy instead of relying on other forms, such as coal, which contributes to pollution. That being said, you must also contend with expensive installation costs, diminishing power output as the panels age, and the reality that most solar panels may end up in landfills, potentially creating an environmental problem of their own.
According to Solar Insure, more than 4.2 million households in the U.S. will use the sun to power their homes in 2024, and, according to Forbes, more than 82% of homeowners who installed solar panels would recommend them to others.
A new solar panel energy system could cost anywhere from $10,000 to around $18,000, according to Forbes, which may be financially unfeasible for some. However, there are available tax credits that can help offset the cost. Finding out how many solar panels you'll need to power your home is a good start to see if installing them is possible.

New Mars Forums

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#101 2023-04-22 18:33:05

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#102 2023-04-22 19:47:46

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#103 2023-04-22 21:07:33

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#104 2023-04-22 23:15:06

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#105 2023-04-23 06:19:39

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#106 2023-04-23 13:01:54

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#107 2023-04-24 06:57:46

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#108 2023-04-24 07:54:48

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#109 2023-04-24 20:22:37

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#110 2023-05-20 10:38:44

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#111 2023-05-20 11:22:48

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#112 2023-05-21 09:25:48

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#113 2023-06-25 13:02:09

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#114 2023-09-13 18:12:23

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#115 2024-02-17 16:39:19

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#116 2024-03-29 16:27:23

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#117 2024-04-28 10:21:41

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#118 2024-04-28 10:43:12

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#119 2024-04-28 10:47:16

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#120 2024-05-05 13:35:27

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#121 2024-05-06 17:24:10

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#122 2024-05-12 10:58:36

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#123 2024-05-25 12:25:22

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#124 2024-06-09 14:01:18

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

#125 2024-06-19 10:31:14

Re: Home Solar System to Achieve Energy Usage Offset

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