solar power

has anyone hooked their tank up to solar power or is it not worth it just thought i would ask

 

You certainly could, I know a few threads I've run across use Solar tubes for lighting which just reflects the light from outside into the tank but that's the lighting part... You'd need to measure your wattage usage, then appropriately size the solar panel and also have a battery system during night.

 

I'd be afraid of the solar tubes causing algae problems.

 

I thought about running my LEDs and maybe a pump or power head

 

I thought so too, I need to go Google them and see if they had that problem.

Cost of the solar system vs the amount of wattage those items use it just wouldn't be worth it.

 

Honestly cool thought, but I think if you priced everything out, it'd get real expensive. you'd need a battery and control source to save energy when the sun is out to use when its not. And a controller/computer to know where to send power and how much. I may be wrong on this, if theres a new way to bypass all that and just hook it straight in so that if offsets power usage though.

 

We looked into solar supplementation, as our electric usage puts us well into the 5th pricing tier. Our goal was to get ourselves into the 4th tier, however, the usable space on our roof will only allow 16 panels, and we need to get at least 20 up there to make enuff difference.

Also, look into leasing the equipment, as that way, any repairs or replacements are on them.

 

I am still not huge fan of solar power.. It is very expensive and less efficient..I hope I will use it coming years..

 

Old thread.