Energy

Solar, wind, fuels, and all general discussions about energy systems used to power/cook/heat/cool/ the home or communities.

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  1. Berkeloid

    Solar panels instead of shade cloth

    As with most industries throughout time, There is the all about me principle, whereby I am here to do X and bugger anyone else. By that in the solar farm industry, the extra cost involved in...
    As with most industries throughout time, There is the all about me principle, whereby I am here to do X and bugger anyone else. By that in the solar farm industry, the extra cost involved in raising the panels to be high enough for the underneath to be usable and productive, would be too...
    As with most industries throughout time, There is the all about me principle, whereby I am here to do X and bugger anyone else. By that in the solar farm industry, the extra cost involved in raising the panels to be high enough for the underneath...
    As with most industries throughout time, There is the all about me principle, whereby I am here to do X and bugger anyone else. By that in the solar farm industry, the extra cost involved in...
    Berkeloid, Sep 8, 2019
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    258
    Mark Seaton
    Sep 13, 2019
  2. Steve

    Hot Water - What do you think?

    Reminds me of the old wood chip heaters with a new twist
    Reminds me of the old wood chip heaters with a new twist
    Reminds me of the old wood chip heaters with a new twist
    Reminds me of the old wood chip heaters with a new twist
    Steve, Jul 29, 2015
    Replies:
    19
    Views:
    3,214
    Raymondo
    Apr 23, 2019
  3. ClissAT

    Carbon Pricing Explained using Chickens

    ClissAT, Mar 12, 2018
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    611
    ClissAT
    Mar 12, 2018
  4. ClissAT

    Batteries, a possible downside

    mmm not sure if they have thought about that. None of us have the knowledge to organise it, we would have to bring people in who knew more about it. But I think there was some talk that we would...
    mmm not sure if they have thought about that. None of us have the knowledge to organise it, we would have to bring people in who knew more about it. But I think there was some talk that we would need a .... not sure what it s called, but sort of like a relay or transformer or stabiliser and...
    mmm not sure if they have thought about that. None of us have the knowledge to organise it, we would have to bring people in who knew more about it. But I think there was some talk that we would need a .... not sure what it s called, but sort...
    mmm not sure if they have thought about that. None of us have the knowledge to organise it, we would have to bring people in who knew more about it. But I think there was some talk that we would...
    ClissAT, Oct 22, 2017
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    1,138
    Robyn67
    Nov 19, 2017
  5. stevo

    Tesla Powerwall?

    Yeah the builder there said it was over $55k worth. Very happy with paying $2000 they also gave us $20k to spend on upgrades. Of course we will end up spending more but at least it helps.
    Yeah the builder there said it was over $55k worth. Very happy with paying $2000 they also gave us $20k to spend on upgrades. Of course we will end up spending more but at least it helps.
    Yeah the builder there said it was over $55k worth. Very happy with paying $2000 they also gave us $20k to spend on upgrades. Of course we will end up spending more but at least it helps.
    Yeah the builder there said it was over $55k worth. Very happy with paying $2000 they also gave us $20k to spend on upgrades. Of course we will end up spending more but at least it helps.
    stevo, Dec 11, 2015 ... 2
    Replies:
    33
    Views:
    4,990
    Daniel.Mav
    Jun 28, 2017
  6. Mark

    Bashing solar panel owners again for higher electricity prices

    Here's one I found amusing in the US: To save money, Kentucky Coal Museum turns to solar panels. There is some irony when even a place dedicated to coal decides to go solar!
    Here's one I found amusing in the US: To save money, Kentucky Coal Museum turns to solar panels. There is some irony when even a place dedicated to coal decides to go solar!
    Here's one I found amusing in the US: To save money, Kentucky Coal Museum turns to solar panels. There is some irony when even a place dedicated to coal decides to go solar!
    Here's one I found amusing in the US: To save money, Kentucky Coal Museum turns to solar panels. There is some irony when even a place dedicated to coal decides to go solar!
    Mark, Apr 21, 2015 ... 2
    Replies:
    25
    Views:
    3,399
    Berkeloid
    Apr 11, 2017
  7. Steve

    Question What size rain water tank?

    We have a 5000gal tank for washing, shower, cooking, drinking for 4 people lasts us 6 months. Aquaponics system uses 5000gal a year. 1/4acre veg and fruit garden uses at least 25000gal per year
    We have a 5000gal tank for washing, shower, cooking, drinking for 4 people lasts us 6 months. Aquaponics system uses 5000gal a year. 1/4acre veg and fruit garden uses at least 25000gal per year
    We have a 5000gal tank for washing, shower, cooking, drinking for 4 people lasts us 6 months. Aquaponics system uses 5000gal a year. 1/4acre veg and fruit garden uses at least 25000gal per year
    We have a 5000gal tank for washing, shower, cooking, drinking for 4 people lasts us 6 months. Aquaponics system uses 5000gal a year. 1/4acre veg and fruit garden uses at least 25000gal per year
    Steve, May 3, 2015 ... 2
    Replies:
    26
    Views:
    5,846
    David - coona
    Feb 13, 2017
  8. Ash

    Recommend SolaX X-Hybrid inverter for solar energy generation

    AtLaguna, sorry that I haven't responded to you but I never saw your message! SAE installed my set up too, pretty much the same as yours and I added a couple more battery modules myself...
    AtLaguna, sorry that I haven't responded to you but I never saw your message! SAE installed my set up too, pretty much the same as yours and I added a couple more battery modules myself thereafter. The fault needs to be drilled into the SAE group first, the electrician who was responsible for my...
    AtLaguna, sorry that I haven't responded to you but I never saw your message! SAE installed my set up too, pretty much the same as yours and I added a couple more battery modules myself thereafter. The fault needs to be drilled into the SAE group...
    AtLaguna, sorry that I haven't responded to you but I never saw your message! SAE installed my set up too, pretty much the same as yours and I added a couple more battery modules myself...

    Thread Images

    Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 6.02.43 PM.png image.png image.png 1.png Power curve.png PV 25-5-16.png
    Ash, Feb 11, 2016 ... 2
    Replies:
    39
    Views:
    10,685
    Ash
    Feb 11, 2017
  9. Mark

    Wind Farms do you think they are ugly?

    I see through the media recently they (govt & coys) are preparing us for more large spikes in energy prices. It's disgusting how much Australians pay for power it just constricts the economy and...
    I see through the media recently they (govt & coys) are preparing us for more large spikes in energy prices. It's disgusting how much Australians pay for power it just constricts the economy and hurts poor people. If windfarms contribute to the unreasonable escalating cost of power then...
    I see through the media recently they (govt & coys) are preparing us for more large spikes in energy prices. It's disgusting how much Australians pay for power it just constricts the economy and hurts poor people. If windfarms contribute to...
    I see through the media recently they (govt & coys) are preparing us for more large spikes in energy prices. It's disgusting how much Australians pay for power it just constricts the economy and...

    Thread Images

    DSC_0644.jpg
    Mark, Jul 12, 2015 ... 2
    Replies:
    32
    Views:
    4,793
    Mark
    Nov 1, 2016
  10. Mark

    Origin Energy puts a TAX on households with solar panels!

    The shed is well sized to take enough panels indeed and I was pleased it was suited to the purpose. I had no idea you can 'upgrade' to a 3 phase system, and haven't even looked into what that is...
    The shed is well sized to take enough panels indeed and I was pleased it was suited to the purpose. I had no idea you can 'upgrade' to a 3 phase system, and haven't even looked into what that is and why someone would want one. I had hoped that the electricians would advise me what I need to...
    The shed is well sized to take enough panels indeed and I was pleased it was suited to the purpose. I had no idea you can 'upgrade' to a 3 phase system, and haven't even looked into what that is and why someone would want one. I had hoped that...
    The shed is well sized to take enough panels indeed and I was pleased it was suited to the purpose. I had no idea you can 'upgrade' to a 3 phase system, and haven't even looked into what that is...

    Thread Images

    image.jpeg
    Mark, Nov 30, 2015 ... 2
    Replies:
    33
    Views:
    4,623
    Ash
    Feb 23, 2016
  11. Tim C

    Evaporative cooler converted to 12 volt to run on solar

    Much cheaper than buying a whole new unit and running it off mains :)
    Much cheaper than buying a whole new unit and running it off mains :)
    Much cheaper than buying a whole new unit and running it off mains :)
    Much cheaper than buying a whole new unit and running it off mains :)

    Thread Images

    camera 376.jpg
    Tim C, Sep 25, 2015
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    2,018
    Mark
    Sep 25, 2015
  12. Tim C

    The vehicle of the future? DIY Electric Bike

    Hahaha... yeah well they tax carbon so perhaps they'll find a way!
    Hahaha... yeah well they tax carbon so perhaps they'll find a way!
    Hahaha... yeah well they tax carbon so perhaps they'll find a way!
    Hahaha... yeah well they tax carbon so perhaps they'll find a way!

    Thread Images

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    Tim C, Sep 24, 2015
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    2,648
    Mark
    Sep 25, 2015
  13. Letsgokate

    Solar quotes

    Will do, Mark. I'll give a run down on the new technology and walk through the set up process as it develops. Construction begins in early November.
    Will do, Mark. I'll give a run down on the new technology and walk through the set up process as it develops. Construction begins in early November.
    Will do, Mark. I'll give a run down on the new technology and walk through the set up process as it develops. Construction begins in early November.
    Will do, Mark. I'll give a run down on the new technology and walk through the set up process as it develops. Construction begins in early November.
    Letsgokate, Nov 17, 2014 ... 2
    Replies:
    21
    Views:
    2,869
    Ash
    Sep 11, 2015
  14. stevo

    Solar Station

    Not weird - it is interesting! But I'm with you... nothing new to see here.
    Not weird - it is interesting! But I'm with you... nothing new to see here.
    Not weird - it is interesting! But I'm with you... nothing new to see here.
    Not weird - it is interesting! But I'm with you... nothing new to see here.
    stevo, Jul 9, 2015
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,222
    Mark
    Jul 12, 2015
  15. stevo

    End of Coal? - ABC Four Corners

    China are building one of these, we should be as well. Of course we don;t have the smarts in this country anymore but I guess we could import some physicists to make it happen?
    China are building one of these, we should be as well. Of course we don;t have the smarts in this country anymore but I guess we could import some physicists to make it happen?
    China are building one of these, we should be as well. Of course we don;t have the smarts in this country anymore but I guess we could import some physicists to make it happen?
    China are building one of these, we should be as well. Of course we don;t have the smarts in this country anymore but I guess we could import some physicists to make it happen?
    stevo, Jun 16, 2015
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    2,020
    Director
    Jun 27, 2015
  16. Mark

    Grid level battery electricity storage coming soon

    Yep. We currently have a 1.5kW system along with a solar hot water unit and even then they have almost covered our electricity costs in autumn and spring (but we use the A/C for heating for winter).
    Yep. We currently have a 1.5kW system along with a solar hot water unit and even then they have almost covered our electricity costs in autumn and spring (but we use the A/C for heating for winter).
    Yep. We currently have a 1.5kW system along with a solar hot water unit and even then they have almost covered our electricity costs in autumn and spring (but we use the A/C for heating for winter).
    Yep. We currently have a 1.5kW system along with a solar hot water unit and even then they have almost covered our electricity costs in autumn and spring (but we use the A/C for heating for winter).
    Mark, Jan 21, 2015
    Replies:
    19
    Views:
    3,260
    Ash
    May 5, 2015
  17. bearded1

    Thinking about making biodiesel; -any experience here?

    I have had the same idea. A diesel genset for when the wind/sun don't keep up. Once you have set up and got your oil it may take a few goes to get it perfect. An old fella I know gets the clear...
    I have had the same idea. A diesel genset for when the wind/sun don't keep up. Once you have set up and got your oil it may take a few goes to get it perfect. An old fella I know gets the clear 20L used oils. They are left to settle then the oil is syphoned off the top into another 20L container...
    I have had the same idea. A diesel genset for when the wind/sun don't keep up. Once you have set up and got your oil it may take a few goes to get it perfect. An old fella I know gets the clear 20L used oils. They are left to settle then the oil...
    I have had the same idea. A diesel genset for when the wind/sun don't keep up. Once you have set up and got your oil it may take a few goes to get it perfect. An old fella I know gets the clear...
    bearded1, Apr 7, 2015
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    1,757
    Tim C
    Apr 24, 2015
  18. Mark

    Question What is the biggest gas cylinder you can buy?

    Well that is very interesting Kate! Thanks for all those figures and it does seem rather incredible how much you do save by using the 9kg gas bottles and re-filling them yourself :shock: My last order...
    Well that is very interesting Kate! Thanks for all those figures and it does seem rather incredible how much you do save by using the 9kg gas bottles and re-filling them yourself :shock: My last order through Origin just recently cost $139.50 but the one before that was $152.50 so it seems domestic...
    Well that is very interesting Kate! Thanks for all those figures and it does seem rather incredible how much you do save by using the 9kg gas bottles and re-filling them yourself :shock: My last order through Origin just recently cost $139.50 but the...
    Well that is very interesting Kate! Thanks for all those figures and it does seem rather incredible how much you do save by using the 9kg gas bottles and re-filling them yourself :shock: My last order...
    Mark, Dec 3, 2014
    Replies:
    15
    Views:
    3,166
    Mark
    Apr 5, 2015
  19. Mark

    Gas prices to rise $400 per year

    Tim I agree it is a possibility living back on the riverbank. Talk is Australia will be a third world country in the future. Not sure if we will see it in our lifetime. Waste is definately a...
    Tim I agree it is a possibility living back on the riverbank. Talk is Australia will be a third world country in the future. Not sure if we will see it in our lifetime. Waste is definately a cause for high costs on all including gas. I think high prices have a lot to do with the Work place...
    Tim I agree it is a possibility living back on the riverbank. Talk is Australia will be a third world country in the future. Not sure if we will see it in our lifetime. Waste is definately a cause for high costs on all including gas. I think...
    Tim I agree it is a possibility living back on the riverbank. Talk is Australia will be a third world country in the future. Not sure if we will see it in our lifetime. Waste is definately a...
    Mark, Oct 20, 2014
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    1,400
    Jenni
    Oct 29, 2014
  20. stevo

    my 12v offgrid system

    Too right, plus at least you have options should the power go out for any length of time. Reminds me of the beer ad with the dog on the treadmill, powering the TV.:cheers:. My keg cooler up north was a...
    Too right, plus at least you have options should the power go out for any length of time. Reminds me of the beer ad with the dog on the treadmill, powering the TV.:cheers:. My keg cooler up north was a solar pond pump wetting towels wrapped around the keg in a cut off drum. As long as the keg was in the...
    Too right, plus at least you have options should the power go out for any length of time. Reminds me of the beer ad with the dog on the treadmill, powering the TV.:cheers:. My keg cooler up north was a solar pond pump wetting towels wrapped around the...
    Too right, plus at least you have options should the power go out for any length of time. Reminds me of the beer ad with the dog on the treadmill, powering the TV.:cheers:. My keg cooler up north was a...
    stevo, Jul 6, 2013 ... 3 4 5
    Replies:
    97
    Views:
    14,081
    Tim C
    Aug 8, 2014
  21. stevo

    Question Hot Water Systems?

    If firewood is abundant you could always make a "donkey" Nearly all shearers quarters in the outback are supplied by these. Usually a header tank supplying a heavy galv 44 gallon drum, that is...
    If firewood is abundant you could always make a "donkey" Nearly all shearers quarters in the outback are supplied by these. Usually a header tank supplying a heavy galv 44 gallon drum, that is mounted in a brick or steel frame. They usually have a blow-off riser pipe that is higher than the...
    If firewood is abundant you could always make a "donkey" Nearly all shearers quarters in the outback are supplied by these. Usually a header tank supplying a heavy galv 44 gallon drum, that is mounted in a brick or steel frame. They usually have...
    If firewood is abundant you could always make a "donkey" Nearly all shearers quarters in the outback are supplied by these. Usually a header tank supplying a heavy galv 44 gallon drum, that is...
    stevo, Jul 9, 2013
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    1,812
    Tim C
    Aug 8, 2014
  22. Lee-Mika

    Design help with a off grid solar system.

    The 2 wind generators I have are made from dc treadmill motors.(From the dump shop-$10 each) One is brushed and the other brushless. From memory they are 100 vdc rated at 2500rpm. This just means...
    The 2 wind generators I have are made from dc treadmill motors.(From the dump shop-$10 each) One is brushed and the other brushless. From memory they are 100 vdc rated at 2500rpm. This just means that for 12 or 24v you run it slower. My controller is a Coleman-air from USA. I think it was about...
    The 2 wind generators I have are made from dc treadmill motors.(From the dump shop-$10 each) One is brushed and the other brushless. From memory they are 100 vdc rated at 2500rpm. This just means that for 12 or 24v you run it slower. My...
    The 2 wind generators I have are made from dc treadmill motors.(From the dump shop-$10 each) One is brushed and the other brushless. From memory they are 100 vdc rated at 2500rpm. This just means...

    Thread Images

    2012-11-26 18.37.59.jpg 2012-11-26 18.40.10.jpg 2011-02-19 22.02.28.jpg
    Lee-Mika, May 13, 2014
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    1,811
    Tim C
    Aug 8, 2014
  23. stevo

    Solar Roads

    The first video has been removed by the user? If this concept and footage is actually true I could see it initially being adopted by companies and govt as a way to power remote locations like...
    The first video has been removed by the user? If this concept and footage is actually true I could see it initially being adopted by companies and govt as a way to power remote locations like mining compounds or military installations - it's basically smart paving and making the most out of a...
    The first video has been removed by the user? If this concept and footage is actually true I could see it initially being adopted by companies and govt as a way to power remote locations like mining compounds or military installations - it's...
    The first video has been removed by the user? If this concept and footage is actually true I could see it initially being adopted by companies and govt as a way to power remote locations like...
    stevo, May 23, 2014
    Replies:
    1
    Views:
    1,035
    Mark
    May 27, 2014
  24. stevo

    Renew Economy

    yeah he's a bit of an extremist. Someone was asking me about if they could go offgrid to try save money, I told them "it'd cost you heaps to set up, and your fridge is way too big" :ROFL:
    yeah he's a bit of an extremist. Someone was asking me about if they could go offgrid to try save money, I told them "it'd cost you heaps to set up, and your fridge is way too big" :ROFL:
    yeah he's a bit of an extremist. Someone was asking me about if they could go offgrid to try save money, I told them "it'd cost you heaps to set up, and your fridge is way too big" :ROFL:
    yeah he's a bit of an extremist. Someone was asking me about if they could go offgrid to try save money, I told them "it'd cost you heaps to set up, and your fridge is way too big" :ROFL:
    stevo, Feb 21, 2014
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    1,932
    stevo
    May 23, 2014
  25. stevo

    Avanco Solar Isolator Recall

    Who knows? You'd think the regulators would come with some documentation detailing the normal working temperature range so people wouldn't get concerned and could check if theirs is running within...
    Who knows? You'd think the regulators would come with some documentation detailing the normal working temperature range so people wouldn't get concerned and could check if theirs is running within the expected range if need be. :dunno:
    Who knows? You'd think the regulators would come with some documentation detailing the normal working temperature range so people wouldn't get concerned and could check if theirs is running within the expected range if need be. :dunno:
    Who knows? You'd think the regulators would come with some documentation detailing the normal working temperature range so people wouldn't get concerned and could check if theirs is running within...
    stevo, May 14, 2014
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    1,126
    Mark
    May 16, 2014
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