http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/ micro hydropower Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:52:29 GMT Manfred Mornhinweg http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11910 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11910 Dear all, and specially Wim, Nando, in this group we frequently get posts from newcomers to microhydro, who don't know the very basics, and come here looking Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:01:04 GMT Bill Sepmeier http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11909 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11909 ... My bet is, until the US utilities decide to take advantage of their new 30% ITC, kill rebates and net metering (paying retail for their renewable Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:14:15 GMT z http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11908 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11908 ... I'm having a hard time visualizing how a panel floating in water would track. It'd be pointing strait up the whole time yea? ... If you could float it in Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:09:37 GMT beeuwkes http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11907 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11907 Re tracking actuators I harvested a 12 V screw driven actuator from one of those now obsolete big satellite tv dish antennas. It develops substantial force Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:09:33 GMT ana espinal http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11906 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11906 Hi Nando, Mi name is Ana. Really have no idea how to navigate these waters. It is the first time I participate in a group. Did not mean to "upset" anyone by Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:07:24 GMT Michael Welch http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11905 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11905 Sorry Bill, you are correct. Just three months ago I did the research on this very issue of retail prices when the first non-UL Chinese modules dipped below Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:06:59 GMT Nando http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11904 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11904 I have read this thread with interest since the solar panels energy harvesting is quite dependant on the angle to the sun. One of the easiest systems for solar Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:25:47 GMT Bill Sepmeier http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11903 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11903 ... Cheap Chinese brands? How about Evergreen Solar: this month's Home Power magazine (though they have announced they are moving TO China, still USA made) - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:51 GMT jrkess98@... http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11902 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11902 And one other thing on tracking... Many years ago I designed a simple, elegant solar tracking device for PV arrays. It has one moving part and uses no Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:56 GMT Nando http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11901 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11901 What is your name, if you are a new member you should identify yourself . I really do not like to talk or communicate with ghosts - it is quite upsetting. You Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:56 GMT Vinod Ramani http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11900 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11900 Dear Ashok Sorry if you felt that I did not include Indians. ALL are welcome. Just let me know when. Vinod ... [Non-text portions of this message have been Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:41 GMT Michael Welch http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11899 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11899 Consider the whole story if comparing tracked and fixed array costs and mechanics, and consider the whole story behind the equipment proposed. The only way you Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:12 GMT jrkess98@... http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11898 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11898 Piezoelectricity is mostly 'charge' (voltage) and little current. It requires high velocity impact with or rapid bending of the crystal, traditionally lead Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:44:55 GMT ebil_oberlord http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11897 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11897 There are many inexpensive ways to build linear trackers from water powered to photosensor. A good place to start looking is www.instructables.com. ebil Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:44:48 GMT jrkess98@... http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11896 http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/message/11896 As has been pointed out, solar concentrators risk overheating the array. During off-peak conditions, however, mirrors could be employed, controlled by array