Why the laser focus on Idle Power?
- Thread starter RvNaut
- Start date
SpongeboB Sinewave
Solar Enthusiast
Idle power used to be a huge issue before PV solar panels became cheap.
So was power draw of lights and appliances. People would have separate DC distributions just for lighting and things that could operate off of lower voltage DC just because PV was so expensive.
Extra and phantom energy use is still a concern but not nearly as bad as it was. I you have the space, just add more panels
boB
So was power draw of lights and appliances. People would have separate DC distributions just for lighting and things that could operate off of lower voltage DC just because PV was so expensive.
Extra and phantom energy use is still a concern but not nearly as bad as it was. I you have the space, just add more panels
boB
Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
We all have different needs. I want features and if that means I have to pay for it that is fine. In the long run if I have to buy a couple more solar panels to cover the idle consumption that is the price I have to pay. One of the features that is important to me is the program settings that allow me to squeeze as much benefit as possible from my NEM agreement.
Partimewages
Solar Addict
Idle power is more of a concern for mobile applications nowadays. Limited PV space.
SpongeboB Sinewave
Solar Enthusiast
At least the PV efficiency is a bit better than it was 20 years ago so that space is a wee bit better used.
And we still can't put enough solar on an electric car to power it, even if you drive where the sun shines.
boB
sunshine_eggo
Happy Breffast!
This nut is trying to prove you wrong...
Tesla wouldn't put a solar roof on Model Y so this owner did it himself
Driving around at no cost!
mashable.com
hugemoth
Solar Enthusiast
The PV array in my small system is shade challenged during the winter so I want maximum efficiency. My old 3kw inverter drew 36 watts with no load. The 4 watts my new 3.5 kw inverter draws at idle was a check in the plus column for that model.
I picked an AIMS inverter from a chap that tried running it in his RV. Its idle is about 92w, power save mode is not very useful. Thats about 1.5kwh on a 16hr over night, longer if there isn't much sun. Thats a bit of juice to just throw to the wind. I don't idle it over night, just power on when the sun is shinning to run the well and other things.
Lol....probably a quicker charge then waiting in line for 10 hrs....This nut is trying to prove you wrong...
Tesla wouldn't put a solar roof on Model Y so this owner did it himself
Driving around at no cost!
wattmatters
Solar Wizard
I put my old cheapie spare 4 kW AIO back into action as a charger for occasional use to charge the home battery from the car's battery via the vehicle to load adapter. But when not used I turn the AIO off as it has a 45 W idle draw.
I could use the idle mode which is supped to reduce that to ~15 W but even that draw is wasteful. Over a year that's still equivalent to 800km (500 miles) of range in my car. Best it only be on when needed.
I could use the idle mode which is supped to reduce that to ~15 W but even that draw is wasteful. Over a year that's still equivalent to 800km (500 miles) of range in my car. Best it only be on when needed.
ksmithaz1
Solar / EV Junkie
Aptera Motors
Aptera is the world’s first Solar Electric Vehicle that requires no charging for most daily use - giving you the freedom to do more with less impact on the planet.
aptera.us
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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I'm beyond worrying about idle draw.
It's just the cost of doing business , as my own energy provider.
It's just the cost of doing business , as my own energy provider.
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