On (06 Nov 97) Day Brown wrote to Ian Woofenden...
 DB> DC to DC converters and DC AC inverters have gotten much
 DB> cheaper and more efficient Ian.  90-95% efficiency is common,
 
That's at the top of the curve. Look at the whole curve and consider
what loads will generally be running before you assume that you will
actually get that kind of efficiency.
 DB> I have always found 12v adequate for loads below 100 watt, and
 DB> have a 1000w inverter for 200$ which precludes the advantages
 DB> one would get from a 24 or 48 VDC setup.
The advantages of a 24+ volt setup are for full-sized homes or
shops. Wire runs from arrays and wind machines are cheaper, and you
reduce multiple parallel strings of batteries.
For cabins and small houses, 12 volts makes some sense.
 DB> My house was wired for 12v throughout, with the inverter
 DB> feeding a few outlets in the kitchen and computer room. I
 DB> found that to be entirely adequate, and much cheaper than
 DB> locating equipment for other voltages.
All AC makes the most sense in most new construction.
But 24 volt lighting and motors are easy enough to find.
                        Ian
... Drag the Joneses down to your level.  It's cheaper.                       
 
... "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit
there."  - Will Rogers
--- PPoint 1.96
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