Solar panels for heating / air conditioning
Good morning, Jeff,
Your article was very interesting about the solar panels on the trailer. (the big block of panels, I think they were four together)
Can you tell me if having a small system like that, or even duplicating the system, putting it on my big roof, attached to a big heater, (or an air conditioning element for the summer) lets say for a big lounge, and on all the time, can this be done?
People, here say that it cannot be done. That it has to be attached to the electric company and all that rubbish. I cannot see why if it works independently for a trailer, why it cannot work for a room (wiring apart, of course)
Please, with your knowledge, let me know more. I would like to do these small moves, one at a time, to save on my gas bills, too, too high.
Thanks for now, and I thank you in advance for your precious knowledge and will use it to the best use.
Maria
Buon Giorno Signorina Maria!
You did not say where you lived in Italy, but I have worked in many different cities in Italy and Sicily and they are all molto bella.
A system the size of the solar trailer would not power an air conditioner or heater, and if you enlarged the system you would find it very, very expensive. I know most homes there were using compact fluorescent lamps years before we were in the US due to the higher cost for power there. If you are in an area that has many power outages, you might consider a small solar system like the solar trailer to power your refrigerator, television, and lighting during a power outage.
If you do decide to do this, remember to select an inverter that matches your local electric voltage and frequency cycles as some areas use 240 volts at 50 cycle, while inverters designed for the US market are 120 volts at 60 cycles.
Italy, Spain, and Germany are far ahead of all countries, including the US, on solar incentives and I suggest that you check with your energy department to see if you can take advantage of these solar buybacks. Perhaps a grid tie system may be your best bet since it costs less, does not require batteries, and most likely would receive some type of rebate to offset the cost.
Arrivederci,
Professor Jeff Yago
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