Notes from the Ozone Richard Perez It's been a while since we had time and space to let HP readers know what has been going on with the magazine and the renewable energy industry in general. So here goesÉ Home Power Magazine You may have noticed that this issue is the largest ever- 68 pages. We're also using a heavier cover stock (not coated and recyclable) that allows higher resolution on the cover photo. We went with the heavier cover to help HP issues survive in the third class mail stream. Another new item on the cover is Home Power's UPC bar code. The Universal Product Code enables newsstands and magazine distributors to keep track of the magazines using a light pen and computer. That's right, copies of Home Power are starting to show up on newsstands around the country. What next? Thanks to all you now paying subscribers, Home Power Magazine is in solid financial shape. The revenue from subscriptions and advertising have enabled us to expand the magazine and assure its future. We are also able to compensate the people who do the work. And this has become necessary since HP has become a full time job for us. Home Power is really your magazine. Each and every letter, article, photo, and/or clipping you send us is examined and discussed. The info you see in print is what you have been asking for. For example, the articles on PV wire sizing, the Homebrew shunt regulator, the Glossary, the Index and the soldering article in this issue are direct responses to many reader requests. We are doing our level best to provide you with useful, accurate and up to date material. So, if you don't see what you want, just ask! Photovoltaics Let me say that what follows about PVs is my interpretation of current events. Since ARCO Solar sold out to Siemens, the PV industry has been nervous. The major player has left the game. The ARCO Solar sell out was part of a general divestiture of non oil subsidiaries by ARCO. What happens in the future depends a great deal on what Siemens decides to do with their newly acquired PV output capabilities. Scuttlebutt is that the PV modules to be produced in the old ARCO facilities are bound for Europe. When the deal went down, Siemens didn't want ARCO's grid intertie systems at Carissa Plains (110,000 modules) and Hysperia (20,000 modules), and these are being sold on the open market. What all this means to PV users is lotsa recycled ARCO panels, mostly 16-2000 types from Hysperia. The modules from Carissa Plains are 5 Volt types and were used under concentrating mirrors. With regards to new models of PV modules, Kyocera is introducing a new module line with increased efficiency and power output. The new Kyocera K51 PV module (LA361K51) has an output power of 51 Watts (3.02 Amperes at 16.9 VDC). These modules use polycrystalline PV cells with an efficiency of 14.2%. Other than a new, flush mounted junction box, the exterior of the modules is the same as Kyocera's J model panels. In light of recent events within PV industry, I would like to point out that Kyocera has no financial ties to the oil industry. Those installing the new MSX Solarex modules should be sure to check the wiring in the junction box. Both Steve Willey, at Backwoods Solar Electric, and I have received panels that came wired for 6 Volt operation within the junction box. While this is easily fixed with a screwdriver, you must know what is wrong. So if you've installed on of these (ours was a Solarex MSX 56) and it didn't charge your 12 Volt battery, then check the wiring box. Your panel may be wired for 6 Volt operation. A quick check of the panels open circuit voltage will show Å9 VDC if it is wired in 6 Volt mode. MicroHydro While the PV fellows are nervous, the hydro makers are staying cool. The small hydro turbine producers are developing new and more efficient models monthly. Don Harris continues to refine the stator design on his already legendary alternator based turbines. Paul Cunningham at Energy Systems and Design is putting his permanent magnet turgos far from the battery using new LCBª technology. Lil' Otto Hydroworks has reworked the water chamber to generator shaft seal and have obtained efficiencies as high as 49% from their turbines. Currently research is being done on permanent magnet alternators for small scale hydros. Batteries The biggest news in batteries is the new nickel hydride (NiH) type from Sovonics. While still gawd-awfully expensive, prices should come down as they get mass produced. Argonne National Labs just ran a test of the Sovonics NiH cells and their conclusions were much the same ours in HP15. We're also getting feedback from many readers who have converted from lead-acid battery systems to recycled nicads. The word so far has been entirely favorable. Inverters The new tiny inverters, particularly the PowerStar, are finding many new homes. Twelve volt DC systems that have been happily performing for years, are now being upgraded with these small inverters. The 120 vac appliance causing this change is usually a sewing machine, small power tool or video/stereo. First Annual Home Power "Ya done good!" Awards All the RE Dealers- you guys are turning on the lights at night. All the Energy Fair Folks Nationwide- for getting up and DOING something! Kyocera- for making PVs that don't require oil. PowerStar- for putting an inverter in our pockets. Pacific West Supply- for turning industrial waste into recycled batteries. Lil' Otto Hydroworks- for making a turbine from off-the-shelf stuff. Everyone who produced a renewable watt-hour of electricity. The future is yours! Help with your system I stand ready to help. Talk is cheap (in this case free). If you need help or info I can be reached at 916-475-3179 from 9 AM to 9 PM west coast time.