Energy Conservation, The First Step Towards Solar

[stanly]

Is this calculator help on calculate the Battery charging time and device supplying duration?

http://solarcalculator.yuniz.com/

[Mike90250]

These are all great ideas to do to make your home more energy efficient. We normally don't even think of some of these. The changing of your light bulbs is a big savings. I've changed mine to the energy saving lights about 5 years now.

Busted

[russ]

Hi Michelle - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

Russ

[michelle]

Brand New!

Hi,
I'm just jumping on the Go Green bandwagon and am most interested in harnessing the power of the sun.
This thread is very interesting. As a child my dad would always tell us to turn off the light and now as a parent myself I can sure appreciate what his deal was
As a parent sometimes doing the laundry late at night is unavoidable but having to do it to avoid rate hikes is just wrong.
A lot to think about.

[solarsandiego]

This is a really good list that everyone should read, not just those thinking about solar panels!

[Sunking]

Well here is the deal with TOD rates. If you look into it, most of the states that have TOD rates are importers of electricity. Meaning they do not generate enough electricity to supply their own needs.

They have to import because of their own self imposed economic and environmental policies. They have artificially inflated the cost of building and operating generating plants to the point no public or private entity will dare build generating capacity. Those very same states have the highest electric rates in the country which is driving manufacturing and those jobs with tax dollars to other states.

As the saying goes: Money goes to where it is put to work, welcomed, and appreciated.

I most definitely agree with this post. It sure is very informative. I was even amazed that there are some utility companies that has rating scales which they will charge a person more during peak hours??! Energy conservation is definitely a must nowadays, most especially that there is a looming energy crisis if we continue with our dependence on fossil based energy..

[russ]

If the cost were linked to an actual power cost to the utility it would be one thing.

Unfortunately there is no such linkage.

Russ

[Sunking]

All Hail the "Smart Meter" and the "Time of Use" that it brings. (and the remote disable)

The scary thing is the REMOTE DISABLE is coming. I do not like SMART meters or TOD rates. I am a Libertarian, and IMO that is something to take up arms and replace the government by force.

[Mike90250]

All Hail the "Smart Meter" and the "Time of Use" that it brings. (and the remote disable)

[Sunking]

TOU (time of use) charges are used by many utilities and will no doubt be used more in the future.

It is an easy way for the utilities to force people/companies to consider reducing power consumption which is often possible once it is looked at.

Russ it is really a marketing gimmick used to bring about huge rate hikes on customers. People bills can literally go up 400% artificially all with the governments blessing.

[russ]

TOU (time of use) charges are used by many utilities and will no doubt be used more in the future.

It is an easy way for the utilities to force people/companies to consider reducing power consumption which is often possible once it is looked at.

Russ

[esthdam]

Ok...I'm really surprise to know that companies have peak and off peak charges?!

Nice suggestion though

[russ]

I mentioned running the dishwasher etc late at night - the reply I get I won't bother to mention! I expect I can work that around but forget the washer & dryer!

Russ

Cool!

Nice suggestions!

I especially liked this one;

-Run your dishwasher and wash your clothes at night. A lot of utility companies have rating scales where they will charge you more during peak hours. Find out from your utility company when the lowest rates apply.

LOL. I never knew that there were instances like this.