alternative power (Fairbanks, Kenai, Delta Junction: to buy, price, association)

[ltdontcare]

Hey Gang,

Are there many people on the Kenai that use solar or wind for power? I'm talking about staying on the grid and using the alt power.

In Delaware, we can stay on the grid and sell the power back to the elec. co. all day long at the higher day rate (the meter spins backward) , then in the evening when everybody is home, buy it back at a lower night rate.

I am wondering if there is enough wind and sun to make the investment worth while. Here, the state and fed will pay 1/2 up to $20,000 and it would take 5-6 years for the system to pay off the other $20 g's.

Thanks

[Rance]

I don't know of any "on the grid"...but I do know a few on an island that have no other source.

[Fortaz]

I wouldn't think solar power would work that good in Alaska, because the sun is at such a low angle that its not as strong as further south, even when its up all day. Also, south central AK tends to be cloudy a lot of the time. Wind power would probably work good though.

[mal_flisk]

Solar is not a valid choice in winter. Hydro is problematical (frozen rivers, lowered water levels). Wind might work in the Aleutians, but if it don't blow, and your batteries run down, you're SOL (stands for sort of lonely, heh heh). You can get a small genset, but oil changes MUST be down every 250 hours. Rebuilds at a minimum of every 20,000 every (might be cheaper to buy at that point), filters have a cycle of their own. 5 kW minimum for a small home, 10 kW for an average. Fuel supplies - don't get me started.

[Rance]

Originally Posted by Fortaz

I wouldn't think solar power would work that good in Alaska, because the sun is at such a low angle that its not as strong as further south, even when its up all day. Also, south central AK tends to be cloudy a lot of the time. Wind power would probably work good though.

I know 7 or 8 folks on this island are very happy with their solar power. They can go 3 days in very overcast or cloudy conditions, then would have to run a gen set to charge the battery bank. Otherwise they do just fine with the amount of sun we have...all year round. And this is in southcentral. Some are even on the north side of the island where it tends to shade sooner.

[mal_flisk]

Color me embarassed. I have to admit, I have installed solar for the state weather stations, part of a package including wind and small gas gensets.

Being proved wrong in my own profession: Priceless! LOL

[Rance]

These guys are running power inverter and have small refigerators, washer/dryer, satelite tv's, lights. It's very cool!

[camano lady]

What about using solar power in the Delta Junction area as a alternative source of power. Is it a fesible idea?
Thank you for the info.

[Rance]

I have no idea yet as to the cost of what the guys on the island are using. My guess would be around 10 grand. It might take a few years to pay for itself if your on the grid. But it might be very handy in the middle of winter when the big wind knocks out power or a heavy dump of snow. And that happens at least 2 or 3 times every winter in my area.

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by camano lady

What about using solar power in the Delta Junction area as a alternative source of power. Is it a fesible idea?
Thank you for the info.

Hi, Give Golden Valley Electrical Association a call, they may be able to tell you about their wind power study the did in Delta a few years ago. I would start there, because you do have lots of wind there and high winds what ever you put up in the air has to be very strong! Solar panels bolted together turn into sails. Alaska battery in Fairbanks sell to that market also and could give you some more information. How far are you from mountains in the south? Your sun angle is very important.
Just some ideas.