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rgormley
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Joined: 22/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 245

Posted: 10:29pm 20 Apr 2009

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Hi,
I have just had a 2KW sharp+ fronius IG30 installed, and was wondering what card i need to log the output of the solar system (wattage production, volts,max watts $ etc etc)

i`m ok with computers and cabling,
My main computer runs 24 hours a day (if 24/7 logging is needed)

Dont need sensor inputs, just data from the IG30
Please advise what card i need and the type of cable interface used (RS232,RJ,usb??)

If i read coorect i may need a com card ($209) and a easy logger card ($532)
Thats $741!!! just to log data....
Surely it can�t be that expensive?

Regards,
Richard
Edited by rgormley 2009-04-22

petanque don
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Joined: 02/08/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 212

Posted: 01:48am 21 Apr 2009

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You haven�t allowed for the power to run the computer.

Now you have a feed in tariff it could be costing you $2-$3 a day to run the computer?

How much do you really want this information?

Is the solar system your new hobby or something to save the environment and a few dollars?

GWatPE

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Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127

Posted: 02:24am 21 Apr 2009

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Hi Don,

I fully agree. Most don't know how much power is consumed by a computer. To make things worse, they use a UPS as well.

Hi Richard,

I have placed an arbitary power consumption limit of 10W for my data logging system. Even so, this is still 0.24kWh per day. To run a PC, probably between 100-150W. This will certainly make a dent in the ability to get the peak export power buyback rate. A power audit will give the real picture.

Gordon.

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petanque don
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Joined: 02/08/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 212

Posted: 02:36am 21 Apr 2009

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I must admit computers left on for long periods while not in use is one of my pet hates.

I work at a university and often over the long summer break there are computer labs with about 20 computers in them running and the lights are off and the door is locked.

People who would never leave the lights on have no problems leaving a computer running 24/7 even though they may only sit in front of it for less than 50 hours per month.
Edited by petanque don 2009-04-22

GWatPE

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Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127

Posted: 02:53am 21 Apr 2009

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I think that after reading a bit from other topics that the unit is unable to be read during the day, so any manual logging of recorded kWh is not possible. I would resort to reading once a week, on the weekend during the day and logging this. A trend will build up over time, and the averages are still OK.

Gordon.

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rgormley
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Joined: 22/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 245

Posted: 12:08pm 21 Apr 2009

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ok weekend looging it is!
(my pc draws around 75watts idling (6or 7 watts when in sleep mode, hd`s off, lcd off etc)

32 cents if idling all day (just have to catch half a kwh from the solar during peak net FIT to pay for it!

point taken though....

i do actually "sleep" the pc after one hour of non use (unless i have a torent going)
have done timers, CFL`s in the house and other savings to maximise power,money, enviro as best as i can...

Cheers for the input!

rgormley
Senior Member

Joined: 22/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 245

Posted: 12:12pm 21 Apr 2009

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daily house $ usage for a few days (24hours) 8pm-8pm
last two reading are with the solar installed
$2.34
$3.24
$2.88
$3.24
$2.88
$2.52
$2.88
$3.24
$1.98
$2.16
$2.52
$0.90 first day solar in
$1.08 second day solar in

GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127

Posted: 01:53am 22 Apr 2009

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Hi Richard,

My solar is 2.4kW, and the normal house consumption, all electric house is about 7kWh per day, so less than yours at between 10-16kWh/day, [13kWh av.]. I make approx $1,000.00 pa net export. Reducing the daily consumption is the key. Your system appears to be working as expected.

Gordon.Edited by GWatPE 2009-04-23

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