Solar PV and Battery Impact

I have been watching the development of Solar photovoltaics (PV) for many years.

Initially as part of a design project for a all terrain expedition vehicle / motorhome. A roof predominantly covered with PV panels and a bank of 10 deep cycle batteries. I also went to a Caravan and Motorhome show and saw a PV panel mounted on a devise that looked like a satellite dish support, but instead of having a dish, it had a PV panel. It tracked the sun, to maximise power generation.

The Oyster SunMover System is an intelligent GPS controlled solar tracking system. It can automatically track the suns path throughout the day and adjust as necessary to maximise solar energy capture making it more efficient than standard fixed solar panels.

The system itself consists of a 75W solar panel attached to a specially designed electronic mechanism which is controlled internally via its own control system in the roof unit making installation simpler. On average the system is capable of harvesting approximately three times the power of a 75W fixed solar panel on its own. This is even more important in the winter months where the angle of insolation (the angle of the suns rays on the earth) is much greater i.e. the sun is effectively lower in the sky. The Oyster SunMover can adjust the elevation (the angle of the solar panel) to maximise energy harvest throughout the year.

This was a long time ago, and I can't remember if the make was Oyster or the price. However, at over £2000 before being discontinued, for just one panel, it was not directly pursued.

Roof

Draft proofing and partial internal insulation

The next project was to do with the bathroom. It was cold and draughty. Some of the tiles above the bath had popped and allowed water from the shower to flow where it was not wanted. A temporary repair had been done, but it was not ideal. Also, David is tall, and the roof is sloping. Time for a change. Reduce the drafts, insulate, and move the bath shower into the room to increase the height.

My report on reducing the carbon footprint of a 1920's home

This report will set out to discuss the opportunities and challenges regarding the attempted reduction of the carbon footprint of my 1920's built home.

The proposed structure is;

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. The Problem
4. Impact Overview
5. Options
6. Actions
7. Conclusions

 It will be an ongoing report with a life of its own, and will probably take a number of years to write.

Disclaimer:

This is only my opinion. It does not constitute a recommendation for any course of action or company. This report is, in part, a collection of articles some of which have been written over a decade ago. Such articles may each have their own footer, including a map and globe. Both articles and the report are not intended to be kept up to date. Prices, charges, cost, and values change over time, as do efficiencies and inefficiencies. Technology also changes over time. What was the bees knees may not still be so.