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View Full Version : My PV System and Corn-Burning Stove


John Dalhaus
28th December 2006, 09:32
Upon seeing my PV system, people often ask “How much are you saving on your electric bill?” They seem surprised when I tell them “almost nothing.” My PV system is small, only 170-watts of PV and 420ah of battery storage, and while I hope to significantly reduce my electric bill someday, that’s not my primary goal. I’ve used my system as a backup source of electricity several times this year during power failures. Recently, when an ice storm knocked out power to my home for a week, I used my PV system to provide electricity to run a corn-burning stove. While outside temperatures varied between 9 and 36 degrees, I kept my home warm, and avoided frozen pipes.

I decided to install a corn-burning stove not only to serve as an emergency source of heat, but also to reduce my heating costs. I use the stove to supplement my natural gas furnace when outside temperatures are low. Corn, I learned, is perhaps the least expensive heating fuel. Modern corn stoves draw combustion air from the outside, and are therefore clean and efficient. They are also easy to use and maintain. The electricity needed to run the blowers and auger is modest, and my small PV system can easily provide enough power to run it for an extended period of time.

When contemplating a solar PV installation I was tempted to wait until I had enough money saved to build a much bigger system. For many reasons, I’m glad I decided to start small. This has been a great learning experience, and I apply what I’ve learned as I enlarge my system. I’m saving a significant amount of money on home-heating costs with my corn-stove, and apply that money to PV system upgrades. In addition to keeping warm in the event of a power failure, I’m able to run a chest freezer to prevent food from spoiling. I can cook meals, run a vacuum, keep cell phone batteries charged, watch TV, listen to the radio, and light up every room in my home. I’ve learned to conserve, and have replaced most of the lights in my home with compact fluorescent ones. I’m glad that what I’m doing helps to reduce carbon emissions and that I contribute less to global warming.

I write about my experiences here: http://solarjohn.blogspot.com

Here is a great source of corn-stove-related information: http://www.iburncorn.com

Kareem Shihab
14th January 2007, 16:31
I dont know very much about technical solar stuff so please excuse my question if it sounds like a no brainer. You are telling me that you can actually make electricity from the sun?? haha just kidding, my question is if you have a small system like your 170-watt one, how difficult is it to segregate the collected solar power. For example, theoretically could I have a outlet that came directly from the array so I could plug in my shaver? Could I have outlets around the house near regular grid tied outlets or perhaps right under them?. Or could I use the solar to directly power the lights in my house, or does all the power collected go to the grid and just offsets your normal usage. Im asking because I want to conduct an experiment.
Also once you start with a small system and you want to upgrade, beyond physically connecting more panels and maybe needing larger battery, what sort of other things would you need to add or upgrade. Thanks -K

John Dalhaus
16th January 2007, 13:17
Kareem,

I just run extension cords since the primary use of my system is as an emergency backup system. I know of others who use switching devices in order to use the existing house wiring. I don't do that because my system is so small at the present time.

I might tie into the grid when my system is larger, but not at this time.

I'm adding one panel at a time, but I'll enlarge my battery bank all at once. Someday I'll need a larger Charge Controller, and a larger Inverter. I'll upgrade as my finances will allow.

I hope this answers your questions.

Larry Hollenberg
21st January 2007, 15:08
Some years ago I envisioned a wind powered 12 volt system and installed a number of outlets around the house with the lighter type plug ins which I don't care much for. I installed a 12 volt marine battery and a fuse in the line. I used heavy copper lines for the main line and attached feeder lines to the rooms from that. It keeps the voltage up thoughout the system. I think they refer to it as a "bus" system? At any rate I then use the plug in units that convert the car type plug in to a regular two prong plug, being sure to maintain all the positive wires on the same side. I use those for lamps or to plug in 12 volt stereo, tv's ect. I also ran some lines to lights in the bath, kitchen, stairway, for use when I need them. I haven't used it in quite some time since the wind system didn't work out. I am interested in learning more about the solar system and hoping to soon learn how to install a monitoring device and a couple of panels to start out.

Mark Parsons
2nd March 2007, 13:57
John,

Just read your letter to the editor in this issue of Home Power (#118) magazine.

Very well done. Strikes a good chord. :)

You should post it on this forum somewhere. Probably under the Green Living / Lifestyle section.

Mark