Reader Question: Any Opinions on Bluelink Solar?
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 10. 3.06
A reader who would rather remain anonymous wrote: "Thank you for all the informative and interesting information you guys provide at your site. I am currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and have deployed several times to Iraq - probably not your usual reader, but I just want to let you all know you are doing a good deed. I have seem many environmental damage when being in the military, as in deployed areas gas generators are widely used (and they stink). This is most likely why I am all for renewable and clean energy and love your guys site." More after the jump.
"I am even taking ya'lls advice to conserve and create energy, I live in a small apartment - and I usually use no more than 200 watts per hour average each day; I am planning on buying a Bluelink solar array from SolarMarket.com. It is the 480 watt model ($5,000) which will help me reduce my impact on the environment. If you guys have had any feedback on this system - or the company, I am more than willing to hear any suggestions. Also if you guys know of any better deals - let me know, heh. Thank you guys for everything."
Thank you for writing, Mr. Anonymous! It is always nice to hear from people who are working in fields that are not traditionally associated with treehugging. If sustainability is to go mainstream, these barriers have to be torn down!
Dear readers, please leave your suggestions and share your experience in the comments below.
It looks like the BlueLink system is designed for grid-tie net-metering. This may be difficult or impossible to do in an apartment buiding. You would have to have a seperate electrical service panel and meter to do it. Also you would have to find out the requirements with your local utility for net-metering.
I don't know anything about the company but the price seems good.
BTW, don't expect this system to meet all your electrical needs. Depending upon where you live it might deliver an average of 1.5 to 3.0 kWh per day. But if your average load is 200 W for 24 hours that is 4.8 kWh each day.
I also am looking for a way to use solar panels in an appartment setting? anyone heard of any solar products for appartment use?
Hi, I work as a Sales and Tech Support for one of the companies currently manufacturing product for Bluelinksolar. I was referred to this Blog to offer some information on the Bluelink System. It is correct at this point that the BlueLink 480 is a Grid Tie net metered system that interfaces with the grid via a SunnyBoy 700w inverter. This system does not have stand alone capabilities (will not provide power in the absence of the grid) Although stand alone systems are currently in development. A 960 watt Bluelink is also available. Please feel free to call (877)785-0088 with any additional questions.
I was also intrigued at the possibility of using solar panels as blinds. I've got low-level south-facing condo with floor-to ceiling windows. I'd love it if I had 2 or 4 solar panels to block the lower meter or so of window, while supplying power for DC lighting or some-such.
I live in an apartment and have two solar powered LED lights that I bought from kansaswindpower.net and a solar/dynamo flashlight/radio modified to charge AA batteries.
You can see my set up at
http://solarray.blogspot.com
I've theorized about a one room/one window PV system and even bought the parts at one time but never put it together. You can buy a four square foot PV panel and charge controller, hang it from a south-facing window and have a usable and fairly affordable (about $500 when I was looking) system.
Kudos to Mr. Anonymous for taking such a bold step. I can vouch for the normally conservative position on most issues that militay personnel generally have... primarily because they limit their news sources. But I digress...
Enlisted personnel do not make much money, save for the top 2-3 ranks, and even then they should all get a 50% pay raise (as should officers, though not as large a percentage). Thus, it is even more impressive that Mr. Anonymous is dropping $5k to cut his carbon footprint.
I've just taken the small step of paying for the increased wind surcharge on my utility bills (about $12 / month surcharge based on useage).
Still, if $5k is the new price point for a reliable system, I'm willing to give it a second look. We get a lot of sunlight here in New Mexico.
Just want to say thanks to Mr. Clean Marine, for protecting America, AND the environment at the same time.
$5000 is a lot of money for a marine. I think you should save your money. Even if it made you have free electricity, it'll take 5 years to pay for itself if you pay cash. Here is a better use for you people that live in hot states. There is a company that installs coils on your A/C that heat your water tank from the waste heat. The best part is that it works at night too.
I haven't heard of BlueLink but according to a Solar installer I talk to she said all brands seem to be the same quality.
You might want to check out the solar tour happening this weekend. They have open house for homes with solar systems installed: http://www.ases.org/tour/index.htm
Mr. Anonymous is more common than he thinks. I'm deployed with the Army and talk to people in the military about environmental stuff all the time (I'm a former Marine as well).
200 Watts per hour?
What does that mean?
Unit of power (energy used per time) is Watt
Unit of electrical energy (kilo)Watthour.
200 Watts per hour? What does that mean?
You know what it means. Not everyone is an engineer/geek.
It means the person is using about 4.8 kWh/day.
Hello,
The Blue Link 480 is priced very well. If you priced out the individual components, you'd be paying more. The Blue Link 480 is fully integrated in that the 3, BP 160 Watt solar panels, Sunny Boy inverter, AC/DC disconnects, and mounting rack are all tied together. It takes 30 minutes to set up, then flip the switch and clean household current is produced. The Blue Link 480 is truly a longterm investment and you will realize your return on investment every month. Please do not hesitate to call me for further help.
John Rand
Bluelinksolar.net
603-502-6074
randclan@comcast.net
Right now, due to increased electricty rates, I'm paying almost $250/month for electricity in a 2BR apt in Houston, TX.
If I could convert to a solar system that would cut that in half, it would pay for itself in four years. Since the warrantee is 5 years it seems like Blue is the new Green =)
Regarding the Blue Link 480, the solar panels have a 25 year warranty (from BP Solar), and the Sunny Boy inverter has a 5 year warranty. This system is designed to last well over 25 years. In fact, there are solar panels made in the 70's still operating fine. Keep in mind that the solar panels on the BLue Link 480 are made by BP Solar, and are considered to be amongst the highest quality PV panels made in the World.
John Rand
Blue Link Solar
603-502-6074
rnasdclan@comcast.net
I have spoken to and know several people who have Blue Links, and the ways in which they can be installed vary (more below).
As for cost, the price can vary due to federal, state, and city incentives. For example, in California, a Blue Link 480 ends up costing a little over $2,000--and some California cities have rebates on top of that. Other states with rebates include New Jersey and Arizona.
This site mentions areas throughout the U.S. that offer incentives for solar:
www.DSIREUSA.org
Also, I understand that the 2005 Federal Energy Bill has additional tax incentives for businesses to implement solar.
Getting back to installation, a Blue Link can simply be placed on the ground (but be sure it's placed for optimal sun exposure) or on a flat house roof or flat garage roof. In the case of a sloped roof, a platform would probably have to be built, which would add to the costs.
One friend of mine has taken the solar panels off her unit so that they can be placed up on her garage roof, and the unit will be inside the garage.
For an apartment, I'd recommend talking to someone at Blue Link. However, perhaps your manager would allow you to place it on the roof? This way, perhaps the building's owner could get tax incentives as well under the 2005 Energy Bill.
Another possibility may be to have the Blue Link situated at a remote location and connected to your building's external power outlet via a long cord.
I, too, am glad to see interest in solar by a person who seems to be more mainstream-oriented.