Posts tagged with "solar energy"

Never Lose Power

Today I did a one year inspection on a Mi-Grid 4000. This is primarily a check on the batteries and to do the yearly maintenance on the generator. With the exception of a few dead bugs inside the generator enclosure (how did that cricket get into the air cleaner?!?), it looked as good as the day it started it up.

One anecdote from the Owner. Earlier in the year, there was a terrible storm. They thought nothing of it. There was one flicker of the lights, but that was it. The next day, he attended a local luncheon where the primary topic was the 5-6 hour electric outage. He looked dumbfounded and said: “What Outage?”.

EXACTLY!!! With Mi-Grid, you never lose power.

If Mi-Grid is setup in UPS/Backup mode, and the utility goes out, it switches in less than a second to the inverter and batteries. If the batteries become depleted, the generator starts up and comes to full speed, THEN it switches over. You don’t lose power. And when the Generator finishes charging the batteries? It switches back to inverter BEFORE the generator shuts down.

With Mi-Grid, you simply never lose power!

Getting ready for a Hurricane – from Mi-Grid

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I live in the Gulf Coast area and hurricane preparedness is extremely important. About every 10 years, my area is hit with a hurricane, tropical storm or other disasters. It is much more important to prepare ahead, than wait until the announcement by the weather forecasters.

Run or Hide?

The saying is run from the water, hide from the wind. It means if your area will flood, get out of there! If your area won’t flood, you can “hunker down”, protect yourself and generally stay in your area.

Run from the water. Flooding is no joke. There isn’t anything you can do except evacuate. If you are in a flood-prone area, your preparedness is to have an inland location in mind, and your irreplaceable items “ready” to go. Know your evacuation route. Consider side roads and county roads which the rest of the public are not familiar. Keep extra fuel handy since there is usually a run on fuel just before the storm. Be prepared with a few days of food and water, since it may take time to evacuate. Remember, there will be LOTS of other people, so it will take much more time to get out of your area than normal.

Hide from the wind. Most people should stay where they are. First, the roads will be clogged with the people who need to evacuate. People in areas which won’t flood do not need to leave. If they do, they make the evacuation routes worse. So stay if you are not in a flood-prone area.

What do you need if you will be in a place to stay?

Food, water, and shelter. Your house is generally enough for shelter. If you are inland, the winds may be strong, but they generally not high enough to destroy your house. Most serious damage is storm surge and flooding. You may consider boarding up windows. Focus on the south and east windows, as this is usually where the wind comes from. Also look around your yard and remove anything which the wind can move. If you have a pool, tables and chairs can go in the water.

Food and water. Most people think they need bottled water. The water that comes out of your tap is EXCELLENT. But the power may be out and the water pumps off. So store water. How? Trash cans. Buy new ones!!! And you might want to put line them with trash bags. You also want to fill bathtubs and have a small bucket for pouring into toilets for flushing. Just buy the trash cans early and store them away unused.

Food you have a lot of choices if you prepare ahead. You can buy survival food. Not super tasty, but it is better than nothing. You can buy canned food. If anything needs heat to prepare, make sure you have a portable stove and fuel. Have a minimum of 2 weeks of food for every person in the house. That is about how long it will take to get emergency systems in place!

One real issue is post hurricane. In many places, the power may be out for weeks. Many people use generators to help them through. Portable generators need fuel and long-term storage of enough liquid fuel for 2 weeks can be a problem. They are loud!

Permanently installed natural gas or propane generators are much better. They have a big fuel source and they are not as noisy as portable units. They do require maintenance, so be prepared to change oil and spark plugs every 100 hours or every 4 days!

The best solution is a hybrid solar system combining solar panels, energy storage and a generator. It provides the power you need with minimal use of the generator. And the solar panels will save you money the rest of the time!

For help with hurricane preparedness, contact Tetra West Technology and ask about a Mi-Grid!

Update: Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries vs. The Tesla Power Wall

I’m updating this blog post based on recent revelations about the Tesla Power Wall. The 10kWh Power Wall was abandoned and never produced. The 7kWh Power Wall has been down graded to 6.4 kWh and has a different cycle life than what we were lead to believe. See this article at InvestorIntel.

http://investorintel.com/cleantech-intel/tesla-energys-incredible-shrinking-powerwall-warranty/

There are a few things to consider here with comparing the capabilities of stored energy. First, the best way to compare apples with apples is to compare the total kWh life vs cost. Total kWh life is the usable energy storage multiplied by the cycle life at that usable storage level. This even allows comparison of the same battery using different depths of discharge.

Storing Energy

This “cost” is the battery portion of electric cost in storing and then using the power, only. You still have production costs associated with your solar array! Here are the facts:

PW7 has a cycle life of “3000 cycles”, 6.4 kWh usable storage and costs $3000.
3000 / (6.4kwh * 3000) = $0.143/kWh – Update, the PW7 actually is 6.4 kWh. So the real value is $0.156/kWh
- BUT – Based on the above article, the battery will degrade quickly, losing 20% of it’s capacity in under 1000 cycles.
- It will LAST for many years, but by end of life at 3000 cycles, it has lost 40% of its capacity.
- This will increase the effective cost of the power pack to around
- Total Capacity over 3000 cycles will be 14,720 kWh. –> $3000/14720 kWh = $0.204/kWh
- This is type of degradation is TYPICAL of all Lithium-Ion batteries

High-quality AGM batteries at a 50% DOD have a life of 1800 cycles. A 2.4 kWh battery costs around $350.
$350 / (1.2 * 1800) = $0.162 / kWh – still less expensive than Power Wall

Nano Carbon AGM batteries at a 50% DOD have a life of 3000 cycles. A 2.4 kWh battery has a cost of $400.
$400 / (1.2 * 3000) = $0.111 / kWh

In conclusion, the PW7 has a higher total life cost compared to a standard AGM battery, and is 50% more expensive than a Nano Carbon AGM.

Mi-Grid vs. The Tesla Power Wall

Now let’s compare a PW7 system to a Mi-Grid 2000. The Mi-Grid 2000 is designed to connect to 8-10 kW of Solar, produce 8kW of inverter power, has 38.4 kWh of battery storage. It also includes a 12 kW Natural Gas Generator. The total cost to install a Mi-Grid 2000 with 8kW of solar panels is around $45K.

The Power Wall needs a Grid Tied inverter that is designed to work with it. Fronius makes one that is 8kW. It ties to the battery & solar panels to your utility power. It needs a separate automatic disconnect to separate it from the utility when the utility power fails.

The PW7 is limited to a maximum discharge of 2kW. To match the Fronius Inverter you will need to supply four PW7s. The PW7 system is not integrated. It must be assembled on site, using an electrician. Total cost to install 8kW of solar panels, PW7, Fronius inverter, control system, safety equipment and a backup generator will add up to $60K.

What is Net-Metering?

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Net Metering is a method of billing used by some utilities. Solar Production in excess of your immediate needs is exported to the utility. The utility measures the outflow and credits them against your inflows of electricity. You pay only on the “net” inflow.

For most Grid-Tied Solar PV, the solar energy is converted and fed into the existing AC electric system. This is done without regard to how much power is needed at any given time. The excess flows “Out” into the electric lines. The energy is available to be used by others.

Net metering is a simplified method of compensation for these out flows. Your electric bill is calculated at the “net” difference between what you consume and what you produce. You use 2000 kWh per month. The solar array produces 1500 kWh. You pay for 500 kWh. Simple, huh?

Except, the price you pay your utility really comes from two different pieces: Energy and transportation. In electric bills in most of Texas, you see both retail electric energy charge and the energy transportation charge. Remember, there are costs in maintaining the electric lines, PLUS the cost of maintaining the power plants you use when the sun isn’t shining.

When I “make my own” energy, I am reducing the energy I buy from the utility. When the sun isn’t shining, or not enough, I buy power from the utility. But if I make too much, I have to do something with it. I sell it to the utility. But this energy I sell has to be transported to other users. The utility transports the power.

Most grid tied users see the utility as a “storage” system. They “store” power and then use it later. But it isn’t really stored. When power is pushed onto the grid, a power plant somewhere has to reduce output to compensate. But the power plant can’t shut-down because it has to be available to provide power in case more power is needed. For example, when a cloud goes by.

When solar makes up a tiny percentage of the network, it doesn’t affect the overall economics of the power system. It may in the end be cheaper for the utility to bill “net meter”. But as the percentage of installed solar goes up, the “loss” by the utility goes up with it. It must compensate by raising the price of electricity. Your neighbors without solar pay.

It really is fair to compensate a solar producer only for the electric generation portion of the power. As renewables become more wide-spread, net metering will be reduced and eventually abandoned. Hawaii, California and Germany are abandoning net metering. Massachusetts, like many states, reached the limit of net metering.

Mi-Grid stores your excess renewable energy for your own use later. You truly are “NET” with the meter, since you do not sell power to the utility, you save it for yourself to use when you need it.

Net Metering is going, going, gone!

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Germany, like most of the utilities in the United States, are limiting or abandoning net-metering. Mi-Grid allows you to effectively net-meter without a Utility Net Metering Plan. Battery based system store excess energy for you to use later. You only buy power used beyond what the renewables produce. Power is only sold if usage is very low and renewable production is high.

Germany Votes To Abandon Most Green Energy Subsidies

Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries vs. The Tesla Power Wall

Storing Energy

This “cost” is the battery portion of electric cost in storing and then using the power, only. You still have production costs associated with your solar array! Here are the facts:

PW10 has a cycle life of 500 cycles, 10 kWh usable storage and costs $3500
3500 / (10kwh * 500) = $0.70/kWh – This is why it never made it to production and was cancelled!
PW7 has a cycle life of 3000 cycles, 7 kWh usable storage and costs $3000
3000 / (7kwh * 3000) = $0.143/kWh – Update, the PW7 actually is 6.4 kWh. So the real value is $0.156/kWh
High-quality AGM batteries at a 50% DOD have a life of 1800 cycles. A 2.4 kWh battery costs around $300.
300 / (1.2 * 1800) = $0.139 / kWh – still less expensive than Power Wall
Nano Carbon AGM batteries at a 50% DOD have a life of 3000 cycles. A 2.4 kWh battery has a cost of $350.
350 / (1.2 * 3000) = $0.097 / kWh

In conclusion, while the PW7 is has a similar total life cost compared to a standard AGM battery, it is 50% more expensive than a Nano Carbon AGM.

Mi-Grid vs. The Tesla Power Wall

The PW7 is limited to a maximum discharge of 2kW. To match the Fronius Inverter you will need to supply 4 PW7. The PW7 system is not integrated. It must be assembled on site, using an electrician. Total cost to install 8kW of solar panels, PW7, Fronius inverter, control system, safety equipment and a backup generator will add up to $60K.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE – NEVER LOSE POWER, SAVE MORE WITH SOLAR

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Hybrid Energy System

Energy management system combines power from multiple sources including: Solar, Utility Power, Energy Storage and Auto-starting Generator.

Remote Power – Power Anywhere

2kW to 80kW continuous power, surge power for starting Air Conditioners, pumps and motors, 6kW to 160kW.

Solar Powered

Power from Sun, even works on cloudy days. Solar and batteries supply pow-er during the day. Switches to genera-tor power if batteries are depleted. In times of high power demand or low sunlight, generator supplements pow-er while recharging batteries, then shuts down, reducing fuel and noise.

Large Storage system

Inverter/Batteries operates many hours standalone. In times without fuel, Mi-Grid provides critical power.

Fully Integrated system

Includes Energy Management system, Inverters, Charge Controllers, Trans-fer switches, Energy Storage, Outlets and Generator

Easy Installation

Pre-packaged and tested systems minimizes electrical installation costs. Solar panels and mounting hardware with multiple designs for your unique needs. 130-150 mph designs available.

Never Lose power

Seamless transition between sources. Power never goes out. Like a computer UPS!

Saves Fuel

Generator fills only when renewable sources are not available. Up to 90% savings versus traditional generators. Pays for itself in as little as 6 Months.

Reduced Maintenance

Generator only runs when needed. Mi- Grid generators run at most a few of hours per day. Time before maintenance is significantly increased. Traditional generators run 24/7. With run time reduced by run 90%

Not just for Off-Shore

But Mi-Grid is not just for off-grid. Mi- Grid works great in high cost power areas, or areas with unreliable or intermittent power. Typical Electrical savings are 30% over standard grid-tied solar while providing multi-source power reliability and backup. With Mi- Grid you never lose power.

Come see us!

Tetra West is presenting on “Reliable Renewable Energy” in Room 606, 3- 3:30PM, Wednesday May 4th. Or come by Booth 873, between the Astrodome and NRG Arena. See Mi-Grid Today!

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Power RVs, Food Trucks, Mobile Businesses and More

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ENERGY INDEPENDENCE – NEVER LOSE POWER, SAVE MORE WITH SOLAR

Hybrid Energy System

Energy management system combines power from multiple sources including: Solar, Utility Power, Energy Storage and Auto-starting Generator.

Power RVs, Food Trucks, Mobile Businesses and More

From 2kW to 8kW continuous pow-er, surge power for starting Air Conditioners, pumps and motors, 6kW to 24kW.

Solar Powered

50-80% power from Sun – even works on cloudy days. Solar and batteries supply power during the day. Switches to generator power once batteries are depleted. Generator runs 1-3 hours/day supply-ing power while recharging batteries, then shuts down, reducing fuel and noise. Solar panels charge even while driving.

Large Storage system

Inverter/Batteries can operate standalone for many hours, including air conditioning!

Fully Integrated system

Includes Energy Management system, Inverters, Charge Controllers, Transfer switches, Energy Storage, Outlets and Generator – Pre-packaged.

Easy Installation

Solar panels and installation kits Available. 1kW and 2.5kW Solar Flexible Flat Panels kits for easy roof mounting.

Never Lose power

Seamless transition between sources. Power never goes out. Like a computer UPS!

Saves Fuel

Generator fills in when renewable and utility sources are not available. Operates at high power, running everything & recharging batteries. Shuts down when batteries full. Up to 90% savings versus traditional generators. Pays for itself in 10-18 Months.

Reduced Maintenance

Generator only runs when needed. Mi-Grid generators run typically a couple of hours per day. Time before maintenance is significantly increased. Traditional mobile generators run all day. Inexpensive generators are loud and require constant maintenance, typically lasting only a season or two.

Freedom

Independence. Go anywhere the road takes you. Always have pow-er. Save money. Less noise. Reduce or eliminate your carbon footprint.

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