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Energy Systems Cut Power Costs

Posted on: Thursday, 22 September 2005, 21:00 CDT

Solar Electric Specialists is a local Canterbury-based company that specialises in the design and installation of alternative energy systems.

"Alternative energy systems are gaining popularity in rural applications, where the access to grid- based electricity is limited," says Solar Electric Specialists' manager, John Veix. "Since deregulation, it is not uncommon for new connections to the grid to receive estimates of $10,000 to $15,000 or more for installing a new cable for electricity connection."

Not surprisingly an option to use an alternative through solar and wind electricity generation to provide this essential service has become increasingly popular.

"These systems can also be used for baches, holiday homes, campervans or small offices," says Veix.

An alternative energy system is basically a deep-cycle, battery- based electricity system which provides for the use of electrical items. Because 230V AC cannot

be stored, the deep-cycle batteries provide storage for 24-hour electricity use. When coupled with an inverter, the DC energy is converted into 230V AC.

"The four most popular means of charging deep-cycle batteries are: solar PV (photovoltaics), wind, micro-hydro and diesel or gas generator," says Veix.

"Solar energy is plentiful and available at most locations.

"In a hybrid system, wind energy is a popular complement to solar energy because it is more readily available at times of the year, such as winter, when sunlight is not so available," he says.

In fact, wind energy is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. In the future, it will become commonplace to find wind turbines connected to utility grids, as well as powering stand- alone systems in isolated villages. "Small wind generators have been around since the 1930s, with small battery- charging systems used for stand- alone supply for homes and businesses, rural electrification, and remote power applications."

Commercially available wind generators range from 400W upwards and are usually three-bladed. One of the advantages of a wind generator is that electricity can be generated whenever the wind is blowing, day or night.

The sizing of the system components needs to be based on the electrical devices (loads) that the system will use, and include load growth as well as the wind resource available at the site.

"In addition to the wind generator and controller, other costs are the tower, deep-cycle batteries, balance of system, including wiring, fuses or circuit breakers and switchgear, optional inverter and any other backup systems."

Towers for small wind systems come in a variety of designs. The most common are guyed, tilt-up towers that are easy to assemble and install. The advantage of this system is that it is assembled and maintained while on the ground.

Solar Electric Specialists can advise on wind generators and alternative energy systems. The company designs and installs solar and wind electricity generating systems. It has received numerous awards for energy efficiency and conservation and can supply deep- cycle batteries, charge controllers, and energy-efficient appliances.

"It is always easier to save a watt than it is to generate one," says Veix. "For every $1 spent on energy efficiency, $5 is saved in reduced system costs. Therefore, energy efficiency comes to the fore, and one of the easiest ways to save energy is by use of energy- efficient lighting and appliances such as refrigeration/freezers."

Lighting efficiency is achieved by using fluorescent or compact fluorescent lights in preference to incandescent bulbs.

Specialised refrigeration is available that is low-energy in use. This is important in a stand-alone house. Standard refrigeration units are not as efficient as low-energy ones, and they are rated by kilowatt hours used per day or per year.

"Solar electric specialists is available to help you plan and design a system within your means," says Veix. Most alternative energy systems are modular and can be added to as the requirement for electricity changes.

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Source: Press, The; Christchurch, New Zealand

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