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electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2019/09/24 14:42]
frater_secessus [A gentle introduction to solar] |
electrical:solar:gentle_intro [2019/09/24 15:17]
frater_secessus [limitations of solar] |
| This page aims to provide beginners with a basic overview of solar power for nomads. There are oversimplifications and concepts skipped for clarity. If you would like a refresher on basic electronics, see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTvXx9tBkuU|the AltE Intro to Electronics for solar]] video. | This page aims to provide beginners with a basic overview of solar power for nomads. There are oversimplifications and concepts skipped for clarity. If you would like a refresher on basic electronics, see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTvXx9tBkuU|the AltE Intro to Electronics for solar]] video. |
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| A quick definition: the word //nominal// will crop up again and again in your reading, both here and elsewhere. In your head you can replace the word "nominal" with the phrase "so-called". //Nominal// refers to something's name, and the name for car electrical systems is "12v" even though it is very rarely literally 12.0 volts. | A quick definition: the word [[electrical:nominal|nominal]] will crop up again and again in your reading, both here and elsewhere. In your head you can replace the word "nominal" with the phrase "so-called". //Nominal// refers to something's name, and the name for car electrical systems is "12v" even though it is very rarely literally 12.0 volts. |
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| Solar is not a magic bullet; it is a compromise like anything else. | Solar is not a magic bullet; it is a compromise like anything else. |
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| **Solar is expensive for the amount of power you get out of it.** It can cost several thousand dollars to get the same amount of reliable power one might might get from a residential (or campsite) outlet with a $20 extension cord. | **Solar has very high startup costs for the amount of power you get out of it.** It can cost several thousand dollars to get the same amount of reliable power one might might get from a residential (or campsite) outlet with a $20 extension cord. Over time, though, the power is "free". |
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| **[[electrical:solar:rationing|Minimizing power consumption]] is key** to happiness with a simple, affordable solar setup. It requires a change in mindset for most folks. Electrical power becomes a precious resource to be carefully consumed. The **path to frustration** (or at least considerable expense) involves [[hvac:solar|heating or cooling with electricity]] or trying to run household appliances in a van. | **[[electrical:solar:rationing|Minimizing power consumption]] is key** to happiness with a simple, affordable solar setup. It requires a change in mindset for most folks. Electrical power becomes a precious resource to be carefully consumed. The **path to frustration** (or at least considerable expense) involves [[hvac:solar|heating or cooling with electricity]] or trying to run household appliances in a van. |
