Solar Photovoltaic Panels

[GreciaBound]

Does anyone know of systems that use solar photovoltaic cells to supply backup power for household appliances, lighting, etc?

Is there any work being done with grid-tie systems, where excess power generation is sold back to ICE?

Heard of anyone using PV panels to run a small 1/2 HP backup swimming pool pump?

Thanks

[DavidCMurray]

My understanding of the laws governing utilities in Costa Rica is that there is no provision for a grid-tie system in which one might sell power back to ICE.

I looked into a PV system as an alternative to a long utility run when we were building our main house. It was prohibitively, obscenely expensive – like in the range of $85,000US. When I told the provider that that was way beyond what we could pay, he offered fewer panels and less battery backup and a cost of about $58,000.

The problem lies, in large measure, in the cost of the controller/inverter apparatus which costs the same whether you’re powering a few lights or a whole house. It’s a fixed and expensive part of the deal.

[philipbennie]

I havn’t contacted them but this company claims to offer grid tie in with coopeguanacaste
http://www.intitechsolar.com/

[GreciaBound]

Thanks pb. I am in touch with intitech, and there is another company out there http://www.interdinamic.com who quoted me a solar powered direct current (DC) pool pump system that I am reviewing. There’s also another company called Poderco that offers grid tie systems. Grid tie is a bit more complicated, requiring an inverter, but the DC system does not, so I am focusing on one of the largest electrical loads, the swimming pool pump.

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