Article 9176 of misc.rural:
Newsgroups: misc.rural
Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!swrinde!pipex!uknet!EU.net!uunet!dorite!galena!davidb
From: davidb@galena.use.com (David Butler)
Subject: Photovoltaic group buy, report #1
Message-ID: <davidb.769497205@galena>
Summary: Photovoltaic group buy, report #1
Keywords: Photovoltaic, solar
 
Sender: news@dorite.use.com (News Admin)
Organization: IQuest Network Services
Date: Sat, 21 May 1994 05:13:25 GMT
Lines: 120



There was lots of interest in PV panels, certainly enough
 to make it happen.  I was surprised at the spontaneous
 interest in SunFrost, so here are prices and some specs
 on them.  The batteries are going to be a pain.  Many
 wanted them, but probably only those within a reasonable
 distance of SF bay area/Sacramento will be able to take
 part in this aspect.  They can be shipped from Santa Rosa,
 Sacramento or San Jose.  Unless we can get 16 or more
 batteries in one drop, freight costs are very high.

 The AC chargers (PowerSource) are nice, small chargers.
 I have used four of the 75amp units for 4 years and really 
 like them.  They will certainly happen.

 The PV charge regulators, controls and instrumentation
 come with many options.  We can get Solarex and Helitrope
 at good prices.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Item #1 PV panels ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Solarex
 VLX 53  53 watts $257.99 $4.867/watt  10 year warranty
  Size=(19.72inches x 36.88inches)     wt=12lbs
  2 modules/ctn.  Can ship UPS

 MSX 64  64 watts  359.87  5.623/watt  20 year warranty
  Size=(19.75inches x 43.63inches)     wt=15.9lbs
  2 modules/ctn.  Can ship UPS

 Other Solarex modules also available.  Ask me.

 I have talked with many dealers and the Solarex factory,
 and believe the VLX is the best deal.  It appears that the
 10 vs 20 year warranty is marketing hype.  The VLX
 is a more recent design.  I plan on using the VLX-- 
 it costs 15% less.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Item #2 batteries  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 Lead acid:  L-16 $126/each in Northern Calif/   90-day warranty
             Lots of interest but shipping is gonna
             be a real killer.  They weigh 135lbs/each.
             They CAN NOT go by UPS or Fed-X.

  NiCd:  not enough interest
  NiFe:  not enough interest

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Item #3 SunFrost refrigerators ++++++++++++++++++++++++
2 year warranty

Following are prices at which we can buy 12vdc or 24vdc units:
110vac units are a bit less.

                            Energy use @  Energy use @
Model                          70 F           90 F
 RF19  $2,381.00  320 lbs   62 AmpHr/day   82 AmpHr/day
  R19   2,123.00  310 lbs   30 AmpHr/day   50 AmpHr/day
  F19   2,435.00  320 lbs  100 AmpHr/day  130 AmpHr/day

 RF16  $2,330.00  300 lbs   45 AmpHr/day   65 AmpHr/day 3 panels
 RF12  $1,698.00  300 lbs   28 AmpHr/day   45 AmpHr/day

  R10  $1,505.00  215 lbs   15 AmpHr/day   25 AmpHr/day
  F10  $1,397.00  215 lbs   55 AmpHr/day   70 AmpHr/day

  RF4  $1,204.00  160 lbs   13 AmpHr/day   19 AmpHr/day
   R4   1,204.00  160 lbs    9 AmpHr/day   13 AmpHr/day
   F4   1,204.00  160 lbs   28 AmpHr/day   36 AmpHr/day

   R1   1,102.00  100 lbs    6 AmpHr/day    9 AmpHr/day
   F1   1,102.00  100 lbs   22 AmpHr/day   31 AmpHr/day

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Item #3 Battery chargers ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Battery chargers  (input 90-130vac)
1 year warranty
 Todd PowerSrc 40amp @14.0vdc          $163.98
 Todd PowerSrc 75amp @14.0 or 14.8vdc   218.77
 Todd PowerSrc 75amp @13.5 to 16.5vdc   229.79

Other Todd products available. They make transfer switches,
 different size chargers. Ask me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Item #4 PV charge regulators ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 1 year full Warranty, 2-10 year prorated warranty
 12/24 volt field selectable
 Helitrope CC-60E 45Amp   $218.65
 Helitrope Fan-60           27.23
  (increase CC-60E from 45amp to 60amp)
 Helitrope CC-120E 90amp   309.43
 Temp compensation opt       7.27

Other Helitrope & Solarex controllers available. Ask me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Osram Electronic Bulbs ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EL-20 20watts/1200 lumens, 120vac        $18.70
Same amount of light as 75watt incandescent bulb
10,000 hr life


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 trackers:   not enough interest
 cable:      not enough interest
 inverters:  not enough interest

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you are interested in this group buy now is the time
 to decide and let me know.

David Butler (707) 895-2050
8001 Signal Ridge Rd
Philo, CA  95466-0329
david@use.com


