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How many solar panels do I need?
Most Lasqueti systems that are designed for year-round power with minimal generator use have solar arrays in the 600-1200 watt range. Your specific needs may vary widely, but this is a short answer to a complicated question.
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How much maintenance is required?
A properly adjusted system should go many years with nothing more than battery watering and periodic equalization. The most common cause of failure is corroded connections. Smearing battery cable ends with Vaseline before assembling them eliminates corrosion in that area. All outdoor connections should be in water-tight boxes.
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How long will my batteries last?
Golf cart batteries last between 5-8 years. Premium-grade tubular plate batteries last 15-20 years when properly maintained.
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Why can I buy a battery charger at Canadian Tire that is cheaper than yours?
Automotive battery chargers are for occasional charging of car batteries. They are all voltage regulated to prevent you from damaging your battery. This same feature also prevents you from fully charging your battery, causing it to fail in 1-2 years. This type of battery charger is useless in an off-grid home. Charging batteries with a generator never works all that well. Get some solar panels...Duh!
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How much power will my solar array produce?
On Lasqueti we get a yearly average of 3.7 peak sun hours per day. During the darkest months of the year, the average is 1.9, during the summer, 5.4. Multiplying this number by the wattage of your array and your total system efficiency (usually around 70%) gives you your usable kilowatt hours per day. Therefore a 700 watt solar array will produce on average 1.8 kWhrs per day. 2.6 kWhrs per day in the summer, and only 0.9 kWhrs in the winter.
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Why is your equipment so expensive?
Firstly, I make an effort to only install top-quality equipment. Years of close-to-par dollar has made my prices competitive with U.S. online prices. If you find a lower price, I will try to match it.
Secondly, it is important to remember you are buying 25-50 years of electricity up front. Solar panels are one quarter the price they were in 1987, not adjusted for inflation.
Off grid, solar energy costs about 25¢ per kilowatt hour. Electricity from a gas generator costs about $1 per kilowatt hour. This calculation is based on a conservative estimate of your solar panels being useless after 25 years (they can last 100) and the generator was free, never needs any maintenance and fuel prices never go up.
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Isn't solar power just for rich hippies?
How much did you spend on diesel, beer and cigarettes last year?
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How do I equalize my batteries?
Call me during dinner. I can usually finish explaining before bedtime.
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My battery voltage reads 12.9. Are they full?
