Another cool solar electric system.

I have found another every interesting product for anyone looking for solar electric systems. It is called BlueLink solar.


It is basically an all in one solar electric system that comes on a pallet; you basically unfold it and plug it in.
Ok so it is not quite that easy, but very close.
The system has all the controls and converters on the actual unit and the unit comes fully assembled. The main thing that has to be done is setting up the connection to the house electric panel. I am not exactly sure how this is done or exactly what is needed to make this connection but from the other sites that I have read it sounds like the system has everything including 3 BP 160Watt solar panels, inverter and AC/DC disconnects, this should mean that you just need a connection to your panel, likely another disconnect (shut off switch) and a net meter (most power companies will replace your current power meter with a net meter power meter if you ask).
The cost is not too bad around $4500 US (~$4900 Can) + delivery $450 US. This does seem to be cheeper then other types of solar panels because you get the inverter, disconnects and mounting stand.

Cheap Solar Panels

I have been away for a bit but now I am back and continuing my search for solar alternatives.
Here is an interesting and some what cheaper option, it maybe worth getting one of these panels and testing it out to see how much heat it can produce.
http://www.solar-systems.ca/poolheaters.php
It is actually used for heating pools but I think with the right setup it would work well for a test bed for heading a house. At the price of only $400 for panel, pump and solar electric panel (for running the pump) it is by far the cheapest way to start off. I may just get one to try and see what I can do with it (if you just want the panel by it’s self it is only $299).

The OLD Heating System

Here is a diagram of what my heating system currently looks like. It is a very simple system where the thermostat turns on the circulating pump and the hot water in the furnace circulates to the Rads.

This system is not very energy efficient or comfortable because the Rads heat up to full temperature (160-180 deg F) by the time the room heats up enough to turn off the thermostat there is enough thermal mass in the rads to keep heating the room a few more degs. This means the house heats up and gets hot then cools down then heats up etc. See the earlier post of the new system setup that should hopefully fix this problem.

Retrofit Your Home and Qualify for a Grant!

I found this as I have been looking at websites. It is a Grant problem by the feds for retrofitting you home with energy efficient equipment.

Gants range from $3500 for installing ground source heat pumps, to $500 for solar hot water systems down to $20 for replacing a window air conditioner with a Energy Star unit.

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/retrofit-qualify-grant.cfm