got ethical husbandry?

Backup power solution?

[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg68983#msg68983 date=1229126020]
convert your lights in your house to a DC system and run LEDs :-D
[/quote]

Doing just that for my parents right now :)
 
[quote author=Vincerama2 link=topic=5524.msg68981#msg68981 date=1229125942]
If you go solar, it's best to go DC as well, like all that camper-trailer equipment (fridges, lights, etc)

V

[/quote]
I'm sure it would, but since most equipment you can buy now uses AC (even if it converts it back to DC), I would rather stick with the AC rather than having to modify everything in my house to pull the DC current.
 
[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg68983#msg68983 date=1229126020]
convert your lights in your house to a DC system and run LEDs :-D
[/quote]
Sure that'll be no problem... except if you run solar the sun won't be making power for you when you need the light :D
 
[quote author=sfsuphysics link=topic=5524.msg68988#msg68988 date=1229127610]
[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg68983#msg68983 date=1229126020]
convert your lights in your house to a DC system and run LEDs :-D
[/quote]
Sure that'll be no problem... except if you run solar the sun won't be making power for you when you need the light :D
[/quote]

True, you either have to get massive battery arrays for much mucho mucho dinero, or you have to get some stupid wallwart the size of your car and plug it into the PG&E mains :p

For now, solar is best grid tied I think...that means super expensive inverter.

So your choice, super expensive batteries, and go all DC, or super expensive inverter and go grid tied.

Or....get PG&E to use more solar and send us the sweet sweet AC.

V
 
yeah, a few thousand for an inverter with a long ass warranty or a few thousand for batteries that will have to be replaced periodically. Where's all the fancy battery technology, I can run a damn workshop off nothing but cordless tools, and talk for a decade on a cell phone, but for other things Li-Ion just isn't there
 
[quote author=GreshamH link=topic=5524.msg68985#msg68985 date=1229126758]
[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg68983#msg68983 date=1229126020]
convert your lights in your house to a DC system and run LEDs :-D
[/quote]

Doing just that for my parents right now :)
[/quote]

awesome! You'll have to keep me updated on how it goes and the details of your lights. Should be sweet!
 
Do they have viable LED alternatives on the market yet? Or is it all DIY? I've seen a few screw in LED setups but I dunno what to think of them.
 
Yes. There are a few (IMO) ok screw in direct replacements. Cree however, has a re-designed product which interests me.
http://www.creells.com/index.aspx
Check out their demo (impressive if you ask me)
http://www.creells.com/demos/LR6_Visual_Performance_Comparison.pdf
 
[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg69007#msg69007 date=1229132012]
[quote author=GreshamH link=topic=5524.msg68985#msg68985 date=1229126758]
[quote author=Gomer link=topic=5524.msg68983#msg68983 date=1229126020]
convert your lights in your house to a DC system and run LEDs :-D
[/quote]

Doing just that for my parents right now :)
[/quote]

awesome! You'll have to keep me updated on how it goes and the details of your lights. Should be sweet!
[/quote]

I'm just doing some back lighting to a couple skylights at the moment, but I am wiring up the backroom to take more then that :) I'm using what the sign industry uses, no brand & no specs :( Looks to be like a 10KK at .004 or .04 amps per unit which has 3 LEDs. They are strung together into a 100 module pack and you just cut out what you need. They come with a #M adhesive backing so it's really easy to do. They're meant to replace NO fluorescent bulbs they use in signs :)

I took 40 of the modules and made a light hood for my nano tank. I'm pulling a PAR of ~75 at the very bottom and closer to 200 at the top :D Grows macro great, but haven't cycled it enough for coral yet, or added any circulation.
 
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