Dec 16, 2025, 4:22:11 PM
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Sweet Home 3D Forum » List all forums » » Forum: Sweet Home 3D bar » » » Thread: Off grid solutions » » » » Post: Re: Off grid solutions |
Print at Dec 16, 2025, 4:22:11 PM |
| Posted by okh at Jan 24, 2016, 12:59:26 PM |
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Re: Off grid solutions Some reflections on sun energy. The sun provides roughly a kW pr m³ at earth surface. Manufacturers of thermal sun collectors claim to be able to exploit up to 70% of that - which can either provide some hot air ventilation (air collectors) or quite a lot of hot water. For electricity (photovoltaic), solar has a lower output - in the range of 15% although newer systems may yield more. In practice, however, a lot of variables come into play. So looking at empirical data, it seems that manufacturers of photovoltaic panels estimate between 100 and 200 kWh/m³/year in Europe. Problem is that output is lower in the winter (when days are shorter and weather less forthcoming), which means that the installation needs to be dimensioned based on winter electricity needs. Still, thanks to low-energy lamps, you will get quite a lot of light from a relatively small, correctly angled installation. Realistically, it seems many rely on a fossil supplement to charge (top-up) batteries in the winter. Downside is that although it may only be needed in short periods, the cost per kWh is high. The small generators supplied locally give from 1,5 to 2,5 kWh per litre of petrol. Which means they exploit only a fraction of the energy contained in the fuel. The good news is that modern installations, good insulation and some clever solutions, makes self-sufficiency possible. But more important, it certainly opens up for reducing both carbon footprint and grid reliance considerably even in traditional on-grid houses. ok |
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