12 votes

Has anyone implemented solar technology into their home, what has been your experience - any good resources on solar technology for the home?

Posted by acr
Tags: energy.renewable, self post, ask.survey, solar power, technology, tesla.powerwall

Does anyone have any experience with the Tesla Powerwall? I was surprised the price was relatively reasonable for what you get, but that didn't include install, materials, and all that.

6 comments

  1. [2]
    arghdos
    Link
    My parents have a solar thermal system in their home, and it has dramatically reduced their heating oil consumption. Essentially they don't turn on the furnace (i.e., for hot water) between the...

    My parents have a solar thermal system in their home, and it has dramatically reduced their heating oil consumption. Essentially they don't turn on the furnace (i.e., for hot water) between the months of April and October and it puts a large dent in the winter heating bills as well.

    The biggest issue they had was that the control system that regulated the glycol pump to the roof wasn't set up properly when it was installed. It was difficult to diagnose on their end, but once it got fixed it has worked like a charm

    1 vote
    1. acr
      Link Parent
      Thank you.

      Thank you.

      1 vote
  2. [5]
    Comment deleted by author
    Link
    1. [4]
      acr
      Link Parent
      So which battery should I get when I get one? Not a Tesla one?

      So which battery should I get when I get one? Not a Tesla one?

      1. [4]
        Comment deleted by author
        Link Parent
        1. [3]
          acr
          Link Parent
          Nah, I want to have free energy / power for my house to offset pulling from grid. I don't plan to do it soon, but when I rebuild my garage I want to put solar panels on the roof and run them to a...

          or you're just looking to install a cool thing on your house

          Nah, I want to have free energy / power for my house to offset pulling from grid. I don't plan to do it soon, but when I rebuild my garage I want to put solar panels on the roof and run them to a battery and feed my house from it. Down the line when I get my shop up, have panels on it, run them to a battery, and have power for tools and things.

          This video is pretty cool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWLzlrGGuxQ&t=1147s

          It shows consumption and all that.

          1. [3]
            Comment deleted by author
            Link Parent
            1. [2]
              acr
              Link Parent
              Thanks. It'll be 1-3 years before I do this. I say free.. I more so mean a lot cheaper energy. Installation is one time. Maintenance isn't going to be that often.

              Thanks. It'll be 1-3 years before I do this. I say free.. I more so mean a lot cheaper energy. Installation is one time. Maintenance isn't going to be that often.

              1. stromm
                Link Parent
                Don't forget maintenance cost, especially replacing batteries if you include those in your system. L-ion batteries are expensive. LeadAcid are messy and vent acidic fumes (even the sealed ones)....

                Don't forget maintenance cost, especially replacing batteries if you include those in your system. L-ion batteries are expensive. LeadAcid are messy and vent acidic fumes (even the sealed ones). LA are cheap, relative to li, but cost more to maintain.

                Replacement costs more than new because now you have hazardous disposal charges to get rid of the old.