Alternative Energy

Overview:

While wind and hydroelectric power generation are wonderful options if the wind or water resources are available, only solar power is universally reliable for alternative energy applications. These can be either grid-tie systems or fully independent off-the grid systems. Depending on regional grid-tie rules in place, it may be possible to have a system without batteries. Where energy trading is not in effect, batteries are necessary to be able to use the power at night that was generated during the daytime. For off-grid applications a backup generator is required to ensure that energy is never depleted even during long periods of rainy weather. For grid tie systems, no backup power generation is required.

System Design:

A modest system has been designed that accommodates for the following power supply requirements. The system assumes that refrigeration is achieved with 12/24V refrigeration, clothes drying is via line drying or by hybrid dryer, water heating is done through solar radiation or propane, and that cooking is done with propane or natural gas. The design further presumes energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting, and daily appliance usage as summarized below:

The equipment required for this system is summarized with pricing below. This pricing is FOB San Jose, Costa Rica and does not include installation. For pricing to other destinations or fully installed costs, we need to know the building location to adjust the costs accordingly.