So now I have a solar PV system how do I make the most of it???

orrery

Cardew wrote: »

If the half filled big kettle uses 3 times more electricity than the small kettle, then logically you are boiling three times more water.

Precisely. I suspect that the way we use a kettle is similar to how lots of people do. The small kettle acts as an enforcer, as it isn't possible to overfill it.

However, my motivation was to get the consumption covered by solar for the majority of the day.

So, the actual effect of my solar focused parsimony is to make savings of more that 1p per brew - even when discounting the solar contribution. So, the kettle pays for itself within the year, we save a few shovelfuls of CO2 and I can spend more time polishing my halo.

The_Green_Hornet

EricMears wrote: »

It does seem a little strange that anyone without solar panels should feel they have anything to contribute to a thread entitled "So now I have a solar PV system how do I make the most of it???" .

I have to agree with you there Eric. You have to be one sad individual if you haven't got solar panels (or ever intend to install them) to come onto a forum thread just to pick faults in what everyone else with solar panels are trying to do but then I suppose it takes all kinds.

Anyway, I suggest you do what I did and stick him on your ignore list. At least then you will only get to see other people's responses to his repetitive utterings.

EricMears

grahamc2003 wrote: »

Hello Eric. I see you've given your opinion on the 'Home Powerpack'.

Strange, I didn't realise any had been sold.

Or, just a minute, you're not passing opinions without owning one are you?

No, I have no opinion on the 'Home Powerpack' and you certainly won't have seen one.

I do however have a strong opinion on the misuse of epetitions by people urging the government to spend my taxes on a project that's already being investigated elsewhere.

grahamc2003

orrery wrote: »

Precisely. I suspect that the way we use a kettle is similar to how lots of people do. The small kettle acts as an enforcer, as it isn't possible to overfill it.

However, my motivation was to get the consumption covered by solar for the majority of the day.

So, the actual effect of my solar focused parsimony is to make savings of more that 1p per brew - even when discounting the solar contribution. So, the kettle pays for itself within the year, we save a few shovelfuls of CO2 and I can spend more time polishing my halo.

You're payback period for your new slow-speed kettle could have been much quicker had you previously used a Baby Burco to boil up several gallons for your cup of tea. Could even become a matter of seconds payback if you had previously tapped off a bit of low pressure steam from a gas turbine at £45k startup costs to soak your teabag.

Of course your savings comprise two elements (hoho), one a saving which can be made whether or not you have panels (i.e. boiling the correct amount of water), and secondly a saving due to measures to maximise the solar benefit (the lower powered kettle). I'm not sure simply combining those two elements and attributing the savings solely to solar is the correct method.

EricMears

The_Green_Hornet wrote: »

I have to agree with you there Eric. You have to be one sad individual if you haven't got solar panels (or ever intend to install them) to come onto a forum thread just to pick faults in what everyone else with solar panels are trying to do but then I suppose it takes all kinds.

Anyway, I suggest you do what I did and stick him on your ignore list. At least then you will only get to see other people's responses to his repetitive utterings.

I have seriously thought about a few entries on the ignore list but on the whole I quite enjoy watching people making fools of themselves. Perhaps I should persuade a few members of the Pedestrians Association' to join our similar forum for owners of a particular make of car ?

grahamc2003

The_Green_Hornet wrote: »

I have to agree with you there Eric. You have to be one sad individual if you haven't got solar panels (or ever intend to install them) to come onto a forum thread just to pick faults in what everyone else with solar panels are trying to do but then I suppose it takes all kinds.

Anyway, I suggest you do what I did and stick him on your ignore list. At least then you will only get to see other people's responses to his repetitive utterings.

I haven't noticed Cardew picking many faults in what I do with my panels. I suspect, he picks faults where there are faults to be picked, as in your posts on the rare occasions when they contain something other than ad hominem attacks or silly and naive attempts to promote censorship.

John_Pierpoint

Of course, you could always do it the pensioner's way: Boil an over full kettle first thing in the morning, using economy 7 and put the contents into a giant vacuum flask for use during the day.

Here is another purchase that will be financially irrational for 90% of its purchasers too.


Does it pass the Cardew test?

sly_dog_jonah

I've now got several users on my ignore list. If others ignore them too, and stop quoting back and forth then maybe (just maybe) we might get back on topic.

Having said that of course this thread is always likely to go off on tangents when newbies post about the performance (or lack) of their panels, how to monitor output, whether panels need cleaning etc. The less bickering there is though the more likely people will actually contribute or ask a question.

Cardew

EricMears wrote: »

It does seem a little strange that anyone without solar panels should feel they have anything to contribute to a thread entitled "So now I have a solar PV system how do I make the most of it???" . I certainly joined the debate hoping that someone would be offering useful pointers on how to maximise the advantages of having them.

One minor error that's crept in (and quoted above): just because a building is 'listed' doesn't necessarily mean that solar panels can't be fitted- it just means that you can't assume automatic planning consent. There have been several recent examples of very old churches (which should have listed status) being allowed to fit panels on South facing rooves which canot be seen from the ground. Or of course, many listed buildings would have a few spare acres of land and could put a ground mounted array in the South meadow.

Am I supposed to have a listed building? I know Don implied that I have - however there is very little he manages to get correct, and that statement does not improve his record.

I keep my Arab stallions in the South Meadow and having consulted with my head groom he is not keen on your idea - besides as it is such a long way from any of the buildings on my estate, there would be unacceptable transmission losses.

My butler thinks panels would ruin the appearance of the servant's wing - he is such a snob.

Meanwhile if I see FIT(pun intended) to attempt to quantify potential savings utilizing solar PV, I will continue to post my views.

Martyn1981

sly_dog_jonah wrote: »

I went for a £99 Rotak 36 when we moved into our house. Does the job well but if you've a bigger garden you way want a larger size like Doc N suggested. Ours is 1400W so easily less than our generated power on a good day, which today most certainly isn't - the grass will appreciate the rain though I'm sure.

Yeah, I'd second that, got a Rotak 36 too. Haven't had to use the strimmer for 2 years since getting it. Never believed those little fins on the side would work, but very good. Also extremely light if you don't use the grass box, and just mow a bit sooner.

As Sly says, too small for a very big lawn.

M.