batteries to grid tie inverter

[martinc]

does it make sense to charge batteries all day with solar panels then dump this energy at night via the grid tie inverter until batteries are drained?

[russ]

Hi Martin - None whatsoever on a residential basis with available batteries. You would be selling very expensive power cheap.

Some reference works on batteries.

1) search for DOE HANDBOOK PRIMER ON LEAD-ACID STORAGE BATTERIES

2) Trojan Battery users guide http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/UsersGuide_English.pdf

3) Battery blunders http://homepower.com/view/?file=HP114_pg54_Dankoff

4) Trojan Battery presentation http://www.aeesolar.com/trainings/pr...Conference.pdf

Russ

[Sunking]

does it make sense to charge batteries all day with solar panels then dump this energy at night via the grid tie inverter until batteries are drained?

Sure does it makes your battery manufacture rich, and you poor. What it boils down to is you make the electricity for about $1.75/Kwh, and then sell it for 10 cents. What a deal huh? It is called economic stimulus plan.

[martinc]

so then is it better just to tie in the solar panels to the grid tie and have it just slow down my meter?

[Sunking]

so then is it better just to tie in the solar panels to the grid tie and have it just slow down my meter?

Yes or Net 0 usage. Problem is you live in TX. We have no Net Metering Laws in TX, low electric prices, conservative mind set, and do not believe in your neighbors buying your luxury items to make you rich. We are kind of stupid here in Tx, we believe you should earn and work for what you get, not hand outs from government.

An example other states have extremely high electric rates, will pay for 60% or more of your electric system at your neighbors expense, and force electric utilities to pay retail rates or even more for the electricity you generate which raises everyone electric bill. Add that all up and in 5 to 10 years you can break even.

In TX you do not have those subsidies other than federal rebates.Tx utilities make their own policies. They may pay you retail, but most only pay wholesale. Well except the Island in TX called Austin.

[martinc]

thank you guys for the advice. look forward to my science project.

[Sunking]

Martin you are just going to have to do research and put pencil and paper to it. Get the facts; not sales pitches, hype, or promises.

[martinc]

i have lost lots of sleep reading and trying to comprehend everything. i think that by changing my electric dryer to a gas dyer and changing my furnace to a gas furnace, i can dramatically reduce my electric bill.

[Mike90250]

i have lost lots of sleep reading and trying to comprehend everything. i think that by changing my electric dryer to a gas dyer and changing my furnace to a gas furnace, i can dramatically reduce my electric bill.

but your gas bill will go up ! (but gas is about 1/2 the cost per BTU than electric)