Alternative Energy Supply and Design by Oasis Montana Utilizing PV, Wind Power, Efficient or LP Propane Appliances Oasis Montana Inc.
Renewable Energy Supply and Design
406-777-4321or 4309
Tech. Support: 1 (406) 777-4321 or 4309
e-mail: info@oasismontana.com
Home Page: www.oasismontana.com

Archived renewable energy newsletters from Oasis Montana solar electric power supply and design
January 2009 Renewable Energy Newsletter

Index

Battery backup

Example system with batteries

Pricing(Jan.09)
solar panels
Charge controllers
Outback Power
Gas refrigerators & freezers
Gas stoves

Solar water pumping

Utility-tied example system

Kill-a-watt meter

Energy Star dorm fridge

DC fridge or freezer

System organization

Office upgrade

RE incentives

AC solar module?

RE news bites

Quotable Quotes

About us
 

 GREETINGS FROM OUR SOLAR POWERED OFFICE: Well, we wanted to get this flier out in October, but a very busy fall delayed this. Our spring ‘08 was chilly (yet our last winter’s temps didn’t get below zero here). We had a hot enough summer to have a terrific garden and no late frosts damaged our fruit crops—the apples and plum trees were full, and the raccoons let us have our apricots, peaches and even the grapes too (they LOVE grapes). And we only had one day of smoke this past summer here, from forest fires in Idaho. Believe me, the occasional summer rains we had and lack of smoke let everyone breathe considerably easier.

For those of you who aren’t “on line”, or are beginning your project, we have an extremely informative Product Catalog on disc for $10 ($18 out of country)—essential for your energy library! Products, system sizing, pricing, components, importance of energy efficient appliances, battery care, and wind turbines are just some of the topics covered. If you are on-line, you can see example systems (costs, components and power output) at www.oasismontana.com/systems.html
To assist your information input, we’ve tried to develop as much on-line information as we can. For solar water pumping, see www.PVsolarpumps.com; for utility-tied photovoltaic systems, visit www.grid-tie.com; for efficient AC appliances, DC ’fridges, coolers and freezers see www.eco-fridge.com; for natural and LP gas appliances, see www.LPappliances.com. Our main index page is www.oasismontana.com and we now offer composting toilets at www.eco-potty.com. Visit our web pages and stay a while!

BATTERIES FOR BACK-UP POWER: In the wake of some of history’s most destructive hurricanes, storms and fire seasons, we have been getting many calls from people asking for a system that would allow them to utilize grid power, yet have independent power when a black-out hits, without the noise, hassle and fuel consumption of a generator.  There are several inverter companies that are making equipment that does just that.  Outback Power has taken a couple of their famous battery-based inverters and given them the ability to interact with the grid.  Used along side one of their new FlexMax charge controllers and a power source, you can charge up your batteries, which when full will remain in stand-by mode for the next power outage.  Once the batteries are full the inverter begins performing like a grid-tied inverter—powering the home and then sending the excess power back to the utilities for credit.  When a power outage hits, the inverter turns to the batteries to power your critical loads to get you through the dark times.  Unlike traditional battery based systems, the battery bank is much smaller since you are only powering those critical loads for a day or two at a time. In most cases we recommend 4 to 8 gel or AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries.

Here is an example system that will provide power for a home’s critical back-up loads (4 CF light fixtures, efficient refrigerator, TV & VCR for a couple of hours, and a 3/4hp well pump—the latter being powered for 10-15 minutes a day) for 3 days in a solar climate similar to New Orleans, LA. 780W Grid-Tie PV System with Battery Back-up:
 

6 Kyocera KC130TM solar modules
1 DPW pole top mounting rack
1 Outback GVFX3524 Inverter
1 Outback FM60 charge controller
2 60A 150V DC breakers
1 Outback Mate controller
1 Hub 4
2 Remote temp sensors
1 Midnight E-Panel (stretched)*
1 X-240 transformer
2 #10-2 10’ Module output cables
4 #10-2 33" module interconnects
2 15A 150v DC breakers
1 Midnight PV3 combiner Enclosure
1 SOV Lightning Protection
6 Concorde 12V/212Ah AGM batteries
1 Battery interconnect kit

Equipment total -- Call for pricing.  On average the system will produce ~2600 watts per day in New Orleans, LA (zone 4)

*The E-panel includes: inverter breaker, AC input and bypass, shunt, buss bars, terminal blocks, din rails, wall mounting brackets, charge controller bracket, and lots of other hardware—ALL PRE-WIRED!

If you are interested in this (or any other battery based grid-tie system), call us with the loads you want to power and we’ll propose a system for your project.

Midnight Solar e-panel   Left: Midnight Solar E-Panel

Right: Outback Power GVFX
Inverter/Charger mounted on the
E-panel.
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” —P.J. O’Rourke

Politicians are obsolete problem solvers.”
—R. Buckminster Fuller
Outback Power Inverters

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SOLAR PANEL PRICING
Call for availability, freight costs, and quantity pricing.

Mitsubishi PV-UD175MF5, 175W, 7.32A, 23.9V (65.3” X 32.8”)  Call for pricing.

Sharp NT-175UI, 175W, 4.95A, 35.4V (62.01” x 32.52”)  Call for pricing.
ND-L3E1U, 123W, 7.16A, 17.2V (59.06” x 26.08”)  Call for pricing.
ND-80EJE 80W, 4.67A, 17.1V (47.28” x 20.88”)  Call for pricing.
(expect price increases by mid-to-late winter on Sharp products)

NEW FROM KYOCERA: KD Series (3-6 month lead time—pallet quantities only)
KD205GX-LP, 205W, 7.71A, 26.6V (59.1” x 39”)  Call for pricing.
KD180GX-LP, 180W, 7.63A, 23.6V (52.8” x 39”)  Call for pricing.
KD135GX-LP, 135W, 7.63A, 17.7V (59.1” x 26.3”)  Call for pricing.
KC85T 85W, 4.75A, 17.9V (39.6” x 25.7”)  Call for pricing. 
STILL AVAILABLE: KC130TM, 130W, 7.2A, 17.4V (56.1” x 25.7”)  Call for pricing.
(these 130s are the modules with the junction boxes - - in stock at this writing!)

Suntech STP170, 175W, 4.83A, 35.2V (62.2” x 31.8”)  Call for pricing. 

Uni-Solar US-64 64W, 3.88A, 16.5V (53.78” x 29.18”) $389 (currently discontinued)

Evergreen ESA-195-RL, 195W, 7.16A, 26.7V (37.5” x 61.8”)  Call for pricing.
(in pallet quantities of 30)

BP SX-30U, 30W, 1.78A, 16.8V (23.4” x 19.8”)  Call for pricing.
BP SX-20U, 20W, 1.19A, 16.8V (16.7” x 19.7”)  Call for pricing.
SOL-1012, 10W, .58A, 17.2V (14.49” x 12.2”) Nice little modules!  Call for pricing.
Dura-Series modules, nearly identical to the old ‘MSX Lite’ series, same 5 yr. warranty
BSP-1012LSS, 10W, 17.3V, .58A, 17.5” x 10.5”  Call for pricing.
BSP-3012LSS, 30W, 18.8V, 1.66A, 26.5” x 20”  Call for pricing.
Other modules offered when available (Yingli, Sunwize, Kaneka, Sanyo, Alpine, Solar World, etc.). Call for your availability and freight.
Regarding MOUNT STRUCTURES for solar modules--
We offer a variety of styles to suit your project, including A-frame roof or ground mounts, top and side of pole mounts, flush mounts, tilt mounts, RV racks, as well as Zomeworks or Wattsun Trackers. Call for your cost, avail-ability and freight. At this writing, some racks may have a 6 week lead time.

CONTROLLERS & REGULATORS are essential for complete battery charging while preventing overcharging. Sizing a charge controller is based on the input amperage and voltage of the solar array.  Call for pricing.

  • Sungard 4 (4.5A by Morningstar)
  • Sunsaver 6 (handles up to 6.5A) (with low voltage disconnect option)
  • Sunsaver 10 (handles up to 10A) (with LVD option) also available in 24V
  • NEW Sunsaver Duo 12V 25A (charges two batteries,w/ display & LCD) --great for RVs!
  • Prostar PS15 $112; PS15M (with meter); PS 30; PS 30M
  • Tristar Charge Controller, 60A, 12 to 48V, multiple settings & screens; 45A
  • Tristar Digital Meter for their 45A or 60A charge controller; 5 yr. warranty on Morningstar products
  • Xantrex C-40 (handles up to 40A) for 12, 24 or 48V systems (formerly Xantrex CM (digital volt meter for C-40 and C-60) known as Xantrex C-60 (handles up to 60A @ 12 or 24V)
    Two year warranty on all Xantrex controllers.
  • Outback Power 60A Controller (MPPT, 60A with varying voltage input)

We can provide most brands of solar charge controllers, from Blue Sky Energy (formerly RV Power Products) to Specialty Concepts. Call or email us for availability and your pricing.

Morningstar SunSaver MPPT solar controllerMorningstar's New SunSaver MPPT solar controller with TrakStar Technology™ is an advanced
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid PV systems. Now people with smaller systems can get the benefits of MPPT charging that have only been available to folks with larger systems. The SunSaver MPPT is well suited for both professional and consumer PV applications. Its charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved system performance, featuring a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest. This product also provides load control to prevent over-discharge of the battery. The controller (15 amps at 12/24 volts) enables the use of high voltage and also thin film modules for off-grid PV battery charging, providing a means to use up to a 36V array to charge a 24V or 12V battery. The SunSaver MPPT is epoxy encapsulated for environmental protection, and is fully adjustable via on-board switches or PC connection. This controller is less expensive than other MPPT controllers and is affordable in smaller PV systems up to 400Wp (w/ 24V input). With a peak efficiency of over 97% and almost no power losses, smaller systems now have a way to get maximum power!
For more information about this new charge controller, visit the manufacturer’s web site at www.morningstarcorp.com.

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Outback Power Components

Sealed inverters: FX2012T, 2524T, 3048T  Call for pricing.
Vented inverters: VFX2812, 3524, 3648  Call for pricing.
Grid-tie, mobile, marine and export versions available on most of these sine wave inverters.
MATE system display & controller  Call for pricing.
PSX240 Transformer  Call for pricing.
Communications Manager HUB-4, $185; HUB-10  Call for pricing.
FLEXmax60 MPPT 60A Charge Controller  Call for pricing.
FLEXmax80 MPPT 80A Controller  Call for pricing.
There are way more Outback Power products than we have room to list….call or e-mail for more information. info@oasismontana.com or visit their web page at www.outbackpower.com They’ve
got a nice product catalog there you can download too, at
http://www.outbackpower.com/catalog.htm.

GAS APPLIANCES:

Propane refrigerators, freezers, ranges, cooktops - www.LPappliances.com for information.
Servel propane refrigerator, 8 cu.ft. capacity  Call for pricing.
Crystal Cold 12 cu.ft. capacity propane ’fridge  Call for pricing.
Crystal Cold 15 cu.ft. capacity  Call for pricing.
Crystal Cold 18 cu.ft. capacity  Call for pricing.
Stainless 18 cu.ft. capacity (w/ black textured sides)  Call for pricing.
NEW 21 cu.ft. capacity White Crystal Cold ‘Fridge  Call for pricing.
(it’s the biggest propane refrigerator manufactured! Also available as a special order is a 19 cu.ft. black model.)  Call for pricing.
Blizzard 15 cu.ft. capacity upright freezer  Call for pricing.
Blizzard 22 cu.ft. capacity upright freezer NEW  Call for pricing.
The Servel propane refrigerator can be converted to use natural gas; call for pricing. The Crystal Cold refrigerators can be converted to natural gas; call for pricing.  The Blizzard 15 and 22 cu.ft. freezers can be converted to natural gas; call for pricing.

Peerless Premier gas ranges are available in 20”, 24”, 30” and 36” widths, with model colors ranging from white, bisque, black and stainless. Even the electronic ignition models will work without power (you can light the burners and oven with a match) -- there’s no glow bar in the ovens on these mechanically simple, American-made stoves. All ranges are set up for natural gas but LP conversion kits are included for every model at no extra cost (and you don’t have to be Mr. Wizard to figure it out). No power is no problem with these gas ‘fridges, freezers and stoves!
We also offer propane & natural gas cooktops, Italian-made by Verona; these professional cooking appliances are available in a wide variety of finishes (stainless, black, bisque and white or black glass), with two, four and five burner models. www.LPappliances.com for pictures and specifications.

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Grundfos Solar Pumping Systems
If you are looking for a reliable, low-maintenance solar well pump that will fit in a 3” diameter well casing or larger, look no further that the Grundfos SQFlex line of submersible pumps.  These German engineered stainless steel pumps come in seven different models that cover a large range of flows and lifts.  The SQFlex motor lives up to its name by allowing operation with DC voltages from 30 to 300.  This means that the design is flexible, and the ability to increase water output by adding a solar module later is very simple and cost-effective.  Also, with the addition of the IO101 controller you can have the added security of powering the pump from a generator or grid power source.  Like all our pump systems, these can be matched up with a Zomeworks passive single-axis or Wattsun active dual-axis tracker to increase summer outputs by up to 35 - 40%.  If you have a well you need to develop, or are trying to keep your cattle out of riparian areas, go to www.PVsolarpumps.com and complete the online questionnaire today and we will work up a proposal for you.

1 Grundfos CU200 controller Grunfoss solar water pumps
1 Grundfos 11SQF2 submersible pump
1 Tank float switch
3 Kyocera KC 130 12v 130w modules
1 DP top of pole mount TPM3-KC130
2 33” 10-2 interconnects
1 10' 10-2 module output connect
3-wire splice kit

 Lorentz solar water pumps Equipment Total -- Call for pricing.

Equipment total does not include freight, pump wire, pipe, concrete, sonotubes, conduit, labor, or any other site specific items necessary for the installation.

On average the system will produce (in sunny Reno, NV) ~ 3830gpd in July and ~2160gpd in December while pushing against 80' of head, based on 6.8 hours of full sun in July and 3.9 hours in December. Of course, output will vary as to location and sun conditions at your site. Call for your personalized quote with freight, Call (406) 777-4309.

We also offer the Lorentz line of solar water pumps and controllers.

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Fronius Batteryless Grid-tie System
Are you looking for a way to lower those ever-growing power bills or even get rid of them?  You may want to consider a solar electric grid-tied system.  These relatively simple systems take the power that you produce from your solar modules and use them to power your home.  If there is power left over, it will be diverted back to your power company—effectively slowing your meter or spinning it backwards.  If you need more power than you are producing, the power will be taken back from the power company and your meter will spin forward.  The goal is that at the end of your contract period (annual or monthly) you will have a decreased utility bill.  In many areas you may even get a credit, if you are making more power than you use. Plus, there are no expensive batteries to maintain.  Besides the solar modules, the other main component necessary is the grid-tied inverter.  This unit will take your high voltage DC from the solar array and invert it to 240V AC that can be used in your home and/or sold back to the utility company.  While there are several good grid-tie inverter models, this system (below) will feature the cost-effective and reliable Fronius IG inverter. These inverters come in sizes ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 watts.  The smaller of those inverters use a High Frequency Technology that enables them to have a conversion efficiency of 92.5%.  The larger of these (4000 & 5100watt) use their MIX concept, which utilizes two power stages--yielding increased efficiency during partial load situations. These units are also known for their ease of installation; they weigh in as the lightest of all the grid-tie inverters—at 26 to 42 pounds.   Add a Communication Card and a Datalogger and you can keep an eye on the power you are producing via computer and web. Soon there’ll be the larger IG Plus inverter (up to 12,000 watts) to be released soon!
Below is an example system.  Give us a call and we can design one for you!

1 Fronius IG2000 watt inverter
12 - Evergreen ES-A 200W solar modules @ $1193
1 - Unirac Solarmount with grounding hardware
1 - Square D AC Disconnect Nema 3
1 - Square D DC Disconnect Nema 3
1 - Readywatt Pass-Through Combiner Box
1 - Surge Protector (silicon oxide varistor)
1 - 50 ft. #10/2 MC-2 module output cable
Call for pricing.

Fronius power inverterCosts do not include freight, installation, home-run wiring, grounding wire and rods, wiring between disconnects and inverter, conduit, wire nuts or any site specific items needed for the installation. In Phoenix, AZ, this system will produce an average of 10.9kW per day or roughly 3986kW per year, with array oriented due south on a 4/12 pitch roof. In Sheridan, WY., in July with an average of five full sun hours per day, this system will produce 8.4kW/day.

 
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves. — Abraham Lincoln

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Kill A Watt Meter: The Electricity Detector and Monitor can educate you about your monthly electric bill and help you save a lot of money. You can now be a ’detective’ and ascertain what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply plug in the Kill A Watt meter, connect your appliances to it and Kill a Watt will assess how efficient it really is, showing you the instantaneous power used, and also cumulative energy or kilowatt-hours used.
Kill a Watt, with large LCD display, will count consumption by the kilowatt-hour, same as your local utility. With the help of Kill a Watt you can figure out your electrical expenses by the day, week, month or year on a given device. Kill a Watt can check the quality of your power by monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency, and Power Factor. Still just $25.  Now you'll know if it is time to install a power strip on your entertainment center instead of feeding those ghosts loads while you are sleeping or away from home. Or, How much money will you be saving by using a laptop instead of a desk top PC?
Operating Voltage: 115VAC Max Voltage: 125VAC
Max Current: 15A Max Power: 1875W
Dimensions: 5 1/8” x 1 5/8” x 2 3/8”

When small is all you need. . .

Dorm Sized energy star efficient refrigerator

Dorm Sized Energy Star Listed Refrigerator These dorm-sized, under the counter, Energy Star rated refrigerators (290Kwh/ Yr) are perfect for dorms, RV's, boats, or even as a beer refrigerator for your garage or recreation room. And, even better, these are made in North America. The dual evaporator design allows independent cooling of the freezer and refrigerator compartments for better efficiency. In fact, this model is 31% more efficient than federal standards. There is a fruit and vegetable crisper and plenty of room in the door to store bottles of all sizes. The fridge compartment is frost-free, but you do need to occasionally manually defrost the 0 degree freezer section. This 115VAC/60 hz model is U.L. approved and is 100% CFC free. With 2.9 cubic feet of space and a reversible door swing you can fit this fine unit anywhere. It comes in 2 colors - white and black. This model weighs 80 pounds. Model options include:  Model CP-35B: Black (pictured).  Call for pricing;  Model CP-35: White. Call for pricing; Model CP-35LL White with 2 side locks. (specify left or right hinged)  Call for pricing;  Model CP-35BLL Black with 2 side locks (specify left or right hinged).  Call for pricing.  Thermostat is adjustable, refrigerator is frost-free but freezer is not. Features include interior light, vegetable crisper; dimensions are 18 3/4”W x 20”D x 33.25”H; electrical usage is approximately 290 kwh per year.


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NEW DC50 Refrigerator or Freezer by Sundanzer!

SunDanzer DC refrigerators or DC freezers

Save on costs with the new Sundanzer 50 liter DC refrigerator or freezer. This new 1.8 cu.ft. ultra efficient unit has very low energy consumption requiring smaller, less expensive power systems and lower operating expense. Exterior dimensions are 26.5”W x 23”D x 30.5”H, interior dimensions are 17.5” x 12.5” x 12.5”, and cost is $699 plus freight.  High quality construction provides excellent reliability and long life. A zero maintenance, brushless, thermostatically controlled DC compressor
operates on 12 to 24VDC; the chest-style refrigerator or freezer is easy to clean using the drain hole at the bottom of the unit.  Applications include:
Remote homes * Cabins * Eco-resorts * Remote stores * Markets * Disaster Preparedness * Farms * Boats & RVs * Churches & Schools *Traveling Vendors * Villages * Missionaries * Remote Medical or Veterinary Vaccine Storage

Features:

  • Refrigerators runs on a single 50W module (and its batteries) in most climates!
  • 12 or 24VDC with low voltage disconnect for battery protection
  • Environmentally friendly CFC-free refrigerant (R-134a)
  • Rugged scratch resistant galvanized steel exterior
  • Easy to clean aluminum interior
  • Automatic control with adjustable thermostat

Average energy use:

  • As a refrigerator, 114 watt-hours/day at 32C (90F), 9.6Ah/day@ 12V

  • As a freezer, 280 watt-hours/day at 32C (90F), 24.5Ah/day@ 12V

Shipping dimensions are 27.5”W x 24.5”D x 36.5”H, weight is 75 lbs. 
These ship by truck carriers.  Call for pricing.

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The importance of keeping your S**** together! (that’s stuff, by the way).
Those of us who own renewable energy power systems generally know how crucial it may be to have your technical information on hand—and pronto! If you are having any problems, you will need to know what your major components are, your inverter brand and model, the kind of photovoltaic modules you have, size and capacity of battery bank, service records, etc. If you sell your place with its RE system, you will want to hand off a stack of manuals, as well as dates and invoicing information, to its new owner. Your installer or RE salesperson should have provided you with detailed technical drawings of your system. And of late, there’s been a rather insidious rash of thefts of solar modules and related equipment throughout the country. This is an expensive technology, and bad people are learning how to lift a solar array swiftly in the dark of the night.
First thing’s first: like any other important thing you own (car, home, etc.) your goods should be insured. A solar power system is no longer so esoteric that your insurance carriers cannot cost effectively provide coverage for it. Next, keep a list of serial numbers of all your equipment. All PV modules come with a sticker on the back that has its electrical information on it, as well as manufacturer and serial number. Your inverter and other components offers similar information. Pictures of your system may come in handy for documentation. While no one’s giving it away, you can generally get security mounting hardware (for your modules) that will help prevent theft. It may not deter a serious thief, but it will make stealing more difficult. And a metal engraver may not be a bad idea to personalize your goods in a discrete fashion.

As to our latest home/office system upgrade….
We just replaced our system’s batteries here at Oasis Montana. Our 16 old ones were nine years old, and we replaced them with slightly higher capacity batteries (Rolls/Surrette S-530s). Except for the occasional equalizing and topping off with distilled water, our system has operated flawlessly, and with no other maintenance during those nine years. Of course, I have gone out and
dutifully checked the connections annually; initially I tightened the lugs on the batteries a time or two. But I did coat the batteries with an anti-corrosive gel, and I have been amazed at how little maintenance this system has needed. We did also upgrade our little wind generator too (which has been working great for about ~2 years). By the way, if you are in need of some insomnia curing information on batteries, check out our page at www.oasismontana.com/batteries.html. ZZzzzzzzz……..

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Renewable Energy Incentives—the good news and the bad.
The bad news is that the comprehensive energy bill passed by Congress was attached to the rich guy bail-out bill— which frankly we were not happy about. Whatever happened to fiscal responsibility? If I make bad business decisions, I don’t expect anyone to bail ME out! But, be as it may, there are some good improvements in tax credits for renewables, so hopefully it will make for a more level playing field (based on what incentives that have been available to fossil fuel and nuclear industries for decades). What started out as a true effort to advance renewable technologies ended up largely co-opted by petroleum interests; in addition to much needed assistance for the nation’s young renewable energy industry (and assistance to related homeowners and businesses), the bill included millions of dollars for oil shale, tar sands and coal...not exactly a grand commitment to clean, green power, to be sure. But, this bill is now law, and the incentives (after Jan. 1st, 2009) include: 30% tax credit for all solar power systems, which will remain in place until 2016. For wind, 30% tax credit of the cost of a system, up to $4000, limited to systems generating no more than 100kW. Also, for electric vehicles, there’s a new tax credit worth up to $7500 for the purchase of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs — which should be available as soon as 2010). For information on the different aspects of this bill, visit www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm, or www.seia.org, www.awea.org/legislative/, or  www.solarelectricpower.org and for incentives particular to your state, also visit www.dsireusa.org The time is now to make the commitment to renewable energy!


No one has ever become poor by giving. —Anne Frank


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New Enphase Inverters make an "AC" solar module???

Enphase Inverters are the first commercially available Micro-Inverter System for residential and commercial PV applications. Instead of the centralized inverter approach for a batteryless PV system, (that converts power from strings of modules), microinverters convert DC power from each module in a distributed approach. EnPhase AC solar module kit

The main key elements of an Enphase Micro-Inverter System:

  1. The Enphase Micro-Inverter (shown at the right)

  2. The EnergyManagement Unit

  3. The Enlighten web-based analytics and visualization.

All three elements are integrated to provide a comprehensive energy production and management system. The Enphase Micro-Inverter itself has a 15 year warranty, and the modules that work with them have a 20 to 25 year output warranty.

Features include:

  • Every module has maximum power point tracking (MPPT), increasing energy production for the entire system

  • No string calculations or combiner needed

  • No single point of system failure

  • Simplifies designing for roofs with multiple angles and orientations

  • The system includes 24/7 monitoring and management for each module.

These are available with 240V or 208V AC voltage output; call for inverter pricing (240VAC or 208VAC). One of the advantages of this ‘PV module/inverter’ is that purchasing a system can be spread out over time; at present we can offer an SGT-160 system, a single 160W module with this inverter built on to. The SGT-160 comes with everything you need to start generating your own solar power; all you need is a 240VAC power line to run through a disconnect, then to the location to where the panels are to be installed; after that everything gets plugged in. The SGT-160 comes with its panel, flush mounting system, and inverter built-in on the back. You can install just one, then as your finances dictate, you can add up to 15 more; once the first one is up, the rest just plug in. Here are the SGT-160 kit specifications: 64”L x 32”W x 4.5”D, weight 40 lbs.; the solar module has a max power output of 160W, nominal voltage is 24VDC. The inverter has a maximum output of 175W, with maximum voltage input of 54VDC, and AC voltage output of 240VAC, with peak inverter efficiency of 95%; UL 1741/IEEE1547 compliant. If you thought you couldn’t afford a solar electric PV system, it may be time to look at the Enphase Inverter System!

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"This is not your grandfather's energy crisis"  -  Thomas L. Freidman


Renewable Energy and Alternative News Bites:

Comparing Denmark to the U.S. is not exactly apples and apples; Denmark is about the size of Illinois. But, there’s some food for thought in this article about how the Danes have attained their energy independence, using wind, biogas, co-gen facilities, and landfill technology innovations: www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/opinion/10friedman1.html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
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MIT has developed a way to bank solar energy at home; a U.S. scientist has developed a way of powering fuel cells that may make it practical for home owners to store solar energy to run their electrical loads at night. It’s a new catalyst that produces the oxygen and hydrogen that fuel cells use to generate electricity, while using a lot less energy that methods currently used. For more information visit http://www.enn.com/energy/article/37841
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Biofuels are the major reason for a world-wide rise in food prices, according to this article by a World Bank economist; large increases in the U.S. and Europe in production of biofuels have reduced grain inventories and speculative trading. The story’s at www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/49574/story.htm
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Ocean currents can save the world, says scientists. A new device that can harness energy from slow moving (i.e., less than one knot) ocean or river currents could provide enough power to run the world. The unit consists of a system of cylinders and springs that produces vortices, which in turn pull the cylinder up and down and create electricity. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/renewableenergy/3535012/Ocean-currents-can-power-the-world-say-scientists.html for the article.
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Thirty reasons why organizations must get off petroleum now: an interesting article from an alternative fuel management consultant about peak oil and future possibilities; the blog is as good as the article! View it all at www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/reinsider/story?id=53247
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I like this idea over more nuclear power plants: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/03/alternativeenergy.renewableenergy for some far-seeing ideas of turning a desert into as oasis, with self-generating water and related sustainable crops.
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Seventh grader and solar researcher, twelve year old William Yuan has come up with an innovative solar cell that absorbs both visible and UV light, and he’s received a $25,000 scholarship from the Davison Institute. Read the story at www.beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=122109656865633500
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Interest is surging for California cow power; pipelines will be built to connect major dairies, to make methane which will be transported to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to be used to heat homes and generate power: read the article at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/19/BUBE147B02.DTL.
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Think you know something about energy and related policies? Take this quick and fun test to find out! http://quiz.wecansolveit.org/
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Wind turbine towers are appearing on the U.S. landscape at about the rate of ten per day; the need for qualified people to maintain and repair these is getting critical. Several community colleges in North Dakota and other states are jumping at the chance to help fill that need and develop a niche for themselves at the same time through their wind tech programs. Read the article at www.helenair.com/articles/2008/07/27/weekly_features/business/top/50bz_080727_wind.txt
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Solar powered streetlights are illuminating parts of Baghdad; their price tag is around $2,000 apiece, but for an additional $4,200, they can even be bulletproof! Check out the article at www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/solar-powered-street-lights-baghdad.php

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An energy hungry world needs to either make other arrangements for powering industrial economies, or contest for control of the remaining oil reserves.—James Howard Kunstler


QUOTABLE QUOTES:

"The way of the wind is a strange, wild way.” --Ingram Crockett
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“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles.” --Doug Larsen
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“I had a rose named after me, and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in a catalog: No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.” --Eleanor Roosevelt
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“Socialism collapsed because it did not allow prices to tell the economic truth. Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow prices to tell the ecological truth.” --Oystein Dahle
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Human history has become more and more a race between education and catastrophe.”
--H.G. Wells
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“People who complain about taxes are divided into two classes: men & women.” (unknown)
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“My best customers start with nothing and are thrilled with solar. The worst want everything for nothing. The third world will leave us to drown in our own pollution within 50 years if we don’t get to work. Either this country takes up its role as leader or we hand over the torch.”
--Ray Walters, solar tech/installer
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“Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.” --Herbert Hoover
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“The future will be better tomorrow.” --Dan Quayle
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“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -- Albert Einstein
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“Never cut a tree down in wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time.  Never make your worst decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” --Robert H. Schuller
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“Ethics cannot be based upon our obligations towards people, but they are complete and natural only when we feel this reverence for life and the desire to have compassion for and to help all creatures insofar as it is in our power. I think this ethic will become more and more recognized because of its great naturalness and because it is the foundation of humanism toward which we must strive if our culture is to become truly ethical.” --Albert Schweitzer
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“How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” --George Washington Carver
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And now from our former vice president and president....

"Conservation may be a sign of personal virtue, but it is not a sufficient basis for a sound, comprehensive energy policy."  former Vice President Cheney
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"We need an energy bill that encourages consumption" 
-- former President George W. Bush on the environment, 9/23/2002

From our Current President's inaugural speech....

"We will restore science to its rightful place, ...  We will harness the sun and the winds"
--- President Obama during inaugural speech 1/20/09


WHO WE ARE and ORDERING INFORMATION:

Chris Daum, owner and manager of Oasis Montana, has been in the renewable energy field for 20 years. Our staff offers experience, personalized service, quality components and good pricing. We are happy to work with your installer, electrician, or contractor. We provide detailed wiring diagrams with the systems we sell. TO PLACE AN ORDER: E-mail or call us for your freight ; if you have any questions about your system or product, please contact us. E-mail is easiest and fastest (but we know that you aren’t all on line). We accept Visa/Mastercard (personal and business checks are fine). For our international customers, we accept bank transfers—e-mail or call us for our banking information. Our hours are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Mountain Daylight Savings Time, Mon. – Fri. If we‘re on another line when you call, please leave us a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, but you may have to leave a message if we’re with a customer or on one of the other lines. 406-777-4321 or 4309 or e-mail us at info@oasismontana.com — for tech support on renewable energy systems, e-mail larry@oasismontana.com. We’d be very happy to help you with your power project — send an e-mail or give us a call!

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