DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi, my name it's Paul and I've been looking at a renewable system for a while.
What I have in mind, I can't seem to find in anything I've tried to search.
I can't find any advisors or specialists to come to assess either.
Please reply if you could assist and I will fill in further details on my thoughts of what I would like to fit.

Many thanks,
Paul

Location is important, and how much do you want to produce? I remember a guy using a bike hub dynamo and aiming it up/down the valley, no way to move in out of wind, as wind only blows up or down valley never across so no point having it move.

6 Wh was enough to light the toilet block, but as you look for more power, it gets more complex.

The small wind chargers and solar panels fitted to narrow boats both use the same box, the box turns the power to voltage required to charge a battery, old systems used a heat sink to get rid of any extra, but most modern systems have a variable voltage, the black box works out what voltage will give maximum output so volts in is not same as volts out.

The same applies to large arrays, the box converts output from solar panel or wind generator to a fixed voltage.

So in real terms you can't make the box, even if you had the ability you could not match ready made for price.

In the main solar and wind are used either when no mains, or when you get a government hand out. To get government hand out your forced to use some one registered on the scheme, it is not possible to get the grant without using them.

And off grid power is normally a lot smaller. I have built my own wind charger on the Falklands out of wagon parts and yes it worked, although not that well.

But there are loads of solar panels made for caravans and boats, so look on caravan or boating forums if you what to work off grid.

A lot will depend on what you have available to generate power. If you live next to a river? you could be laughing. But in a sheltered wood, you have got no chance. Watch out on wind turbines as you might fall out with neighbours & with these, you quite often will need planning. It's usually easier with solar panels if facing the right way.

Your focus would probably be on green energy since it is renewable energy. Found here(https://usave.co.uk/utilities/energy/gu ... suppliers/) some suppliers that might fit in your needs perfectly. Some are cheaper than others so you will have options from wich you can pick. If you are still wondering should you switch to green energy let me remind you that green energy companies generally far better levels of customer service than their traditional counterparts, so you will be in for a more stress free experience. And one very important thing: you will be helping to save the environment.

Father-in-law had domestic hot water solar panels fitted in North Wales thought they worked well until smart meter fitted and central heating pilot flame went out, then found it was using the central heating, so electric bill went down and gas bill went up.

Many of the so called green energy firms are big con, be careful.