To the editor: I recently installed a modest rooftop solar electricity system, motivated by the long-term payback, rising utility rates and the 26% federal tax credit. (“Here’s how California can keep the lights on while meeting its clean energy goals,” Aug. 19) My utility does not appear to share my enthusiasm. It wanted $1,000 for […]

In this article we will discuss the proper steps to wire a solar panel array to a combiner box for use in a solar electric system. For safety reasons, great care must be taken to ensure no wires are energized until all wiring is completed. This means that at least one series connection in each string […]

Passive House Buildings There is absolutely no cutting back on comfort; instead the level of comfort is considerably increased. A Passive House / Building is a building standard that is truly energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological at the same time. Passive House / Building is not a brand name, but a construction concept that can be applied by anyone and that has stood the […]

Upgrading My RV Battery Bank and 12 Volt System A LITTLE OF MY RIGS BATTERY HISTORY When we bought our 30 foot Keystone Cougar fifth wheel new it came with one preinstalled deep cycle battery rated at 85 ampere hours. Having camped for many years in a campervan with a similar sized coach battery, I […]

You can get much bigger inverters on 24V or 48V than 12V. There are a number advantages in opting for a higher DC supply voltage. – For any given load, half the DC current and losses are down by ¼. Reduced fire risk.– Better input regulation. 0.5v line drop at 12v = 4.6% supply drop […]

NEED A WAY TO ADD HOT WATER TO YOUR OFF-GRID HOME? This is not your quick 6 minute re-heat option but rather one that given enough time can serve up enough hot water for a nice outdoor shower. How much time it takes depends somewhat upon the season and the climate. It is always a […]