How to make the best of this site

[Lowlight]

The site is not really suitable for solar but alternatives are limited. It is on a steep South facing hill (35degrees South, in New Zealand) and is surrounded by trees. Because it is a covenanted bush block, the trees can't be cut down. Sunlight is fairly good in Summer but there is no direct sunlight in the middle of Winter. The cost of getting a power connection is prohibitive ($50k+). Average wind speed is 5-6 m/s but a very tall pole for a wind turbine would be required because of the trees.

Supplementing solar with a backup generator in Winter could work. Shading is an issue and the panels really need to function reasonably well when there is no direct sunlight. There is a lot of discussion on the forum of thin film modules, mostly about problems with them. I am not too concerned about somewhat lower efficiency and shorter lifespan.

In view of the site limitations and recent developments in the technology, would thin film modules be appropriate?

[solar pete]

Hi Lowlight, No one uses thin film anymore in Oz anyways, cheers

[SunEagle]

Thin film technology may someday be viable again but for right now it has major short comings like not being able to handle the heat. But there maybe some new type of material for solar pv that will show a better efficiency and still be low in cost. Who knows they have been at it for more than 50 years

[Lowlight]

Thanks for the input. I have been thinking of combining solar with wind. Anyone had success with this?

[SunEagle]

Thanks for the input. I have been thinking of combining solar with wind. Anyone had success with this?

Wind works only in areas that have continuous blowing of about 20mph. Usually from open areas or bodies of water. The problem is you need to mount the turbines very high with hundreds of feet clear around them. Otherwise you get turbulent flow and the wind turbine does not perform anywhere near what it claims it can do. Finally since you have to mount the turbine very high the issue is getting up to it (or down to you) to perform the necessary maintenance to keep it working.