EV so far....

Its been cold at night and now we have snow. I let myself get into a bit of range anxiety with my electric car. If you don't already know, I recently ( well a few months ago), purchased a Smart Fortwo ED (Electric Drive). Completely electric, no engine. The range anxiety started when I noticed the battery performance took a bit of a hit during the colder temps. To be expected, batteries do not perform as well during cooler climates and then you have the added draw of your accessories such as your heater and defroster, maybe your seat heaters too.

So, as I mentioned, to be expected.
But where the real range anxiety lies is when we get into the real winter, -15c or lower, over a period of time. Or what if we have cold snaps, -20 to -30c? That will be the real test but I'm comforted by the fact that work has chargers.

So far so good. Great traction control system ( found that out today, in addition to the ABS system). A good ride on snow and slippery icy surfaces.

The only issue which will just take time to learn, is going back to rear wheel drive with a vehicle that has a load of power / torque on acceleration. Stability control kicks in but you still have to work with the car, in some situations, back off the accelerator a bit.
Other than that we are doing OK.

More to come!!

Grid-Tied

Grid-tied solar systems are not a common dinner-table topic but it has caught my attention after reading some fascinating material about the concept, installation, costs and end results. At home, our typical consumption is anywhere between .3 to .8 kw according to our energy meter. Of course, things like our dryer drive that up when we cannot use the clothesline.

Doing some searching, I found that I can pickup  a 250 watt solar panel for under $300 

http://www.solarwholesaler.ca/shop/250-watt-jinko-60-cell-polycrystalline-solar-panel-skid-price-249-00/

Quite a deal, but 250 watts wasn't going to make it worthwhile, but perhaps 4 of these would, if not more, generating a peak of 1000 watts, or an average of 34 amps, it would easily drive a grid tied inverter of at least 300 watts or more. Take a look at this or similar on Amazon. 

AGPtek 300W Grid Tie Grid-tie Inverter With LED display For Solar Home System MPPT function https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BXZOFQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_jcNtub074XPYT

Will this sort of technology run a whole home? While its possible, its not feasible because you would need the storage component, being batteries. Expensive, heavy and takes up real estate. The grid-tie merely supplements the hydro utility, reducing the draw from them. That means our typical standby can be reduced (or possibly) eliminated. At least while the cells are exposed to sun. High draw items will still need the utility system.

Is it worth it? I'm still working on the math and logistics, but it seems promising. Stay tuned.