Times are changing

Why power generators are terrified of solar

by Giles Parkinson, of RenewEconomy

Here is a pair of graphs that demonstrate most vividly the merit order effect and the impact that solar is having on electricity prices in Germany; and why utilities there and elsewhere are desperate to try to rein in the growth of solar PV in Europe. It may also explain why Australian generators are fighting so hard against the extension of feed-in tariffs in this country.

The first graph illustrates what a typical day on the electricity market in Germany looked like in March four years ago; the second illustrates what is happening now, with 25GW of solar PV installed across the country. Essentially, it means that solar PV is not just licking the cream off the profits of the fossil fuel generators — as happens in Australia with a more modest rollout of PV — it is in fact eating their entire cake.

“People are annoyed by their growing bills — even if they reduce their usage, the bills are still going up,”

“Customers are making decisions on what they are spending — 20-30c/kWh — not on what they export,”

Read the whole story at
http://www.crikey.com.au/2012/03/27/why-generators-are-terrified-of-solar/

efficient fridge

I have found this site that show what can be really done if one wants to change. This is the link http://mtbest.net/chest_fridge_1.pdf
I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did. I must also thank Tom for allowing me to share it with you. You can look at his site here http://www.mtbest.net/index.html

Thermaly efficient electric jug

When will some manafacturer come up with a electric jug that is insulated?

Lighting

If I were to build a new house I would insist that all light would be Led lights running on 12 volts from a battery pack powered by a small solar pannel. Cost savings would be about 11% of the total bill. say about 20 dollars a quarter. The cost of these lights is about ten dollars each the solar pannel is for 40 dollars and the batteries would be say 100 dollars. Eight lights  one battery pack and solar pannel and wiring would cost in the vacinity of say $500 This would give a pay back 500 devided by 20 times four which would equal 6.25 years. But it would cost similar amounts to install 240 volt system. Then there is the 12 volt system can be installed by anyone whom has the ability, against the electric trades person at trades wages.
The there is the fact that the middle bulb below has high amounts of toxic materials inside.

Solar air heating is a way to save money

The below video is worth a look and there are many more like them
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsF9RvVxFc4&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqOnalvUSuM

Solar energy has been around for a long time

 The below video is definately worth looking at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTzvyRBYW8o

Rip offs

I have heard of where the energy providers do not pay for the power generated by the home solar system. You are basically at there whim as to weather you get paid. I read of it happening a lot. Best to go batteries and control your own future. No bills and bother with, and not even an electrician if the system is of low voltage. Just keep your usage low and balanced that is generate what you use.