General Information

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Hydrogen as a Power Source BackHome Magaxine 4/01

Information available on Solar Electric

Can I "Do it Myself"

Do I Need an Attitude Adjustment When I use Solar Electricity?

Earthquakes - Maybe A Warning

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Hydrogen as a Power Source BackHome Magaxine 4/01
© Copyright 2001 "Ask Mr. Solar" Column Published Feburary 13, BackHome Magaxine 4/01

DEAR MR. SOLAR:

I have what I consider an above-average knowledge of alternative energy. I can dismiss most forms because of excessive cost--and I include photovoltaic solar and wind energy among these. Some alternatives require costly specialized equipment and time-consuming monitoring--methane is a good example of this. And a few require conditions that are rare--these would include hydroelectric and geothermal power. The only alternative power source that I think is economical and feasible is solar hot water heating.

But I recently read that you can use a PV solar array to feed power into a divided water tank through positive and negative cathodes and generate hydrogen. Compressed with 75% air, it can be stored, then used in an internal combustion engine. The writer says that "your Massey-Ferguson will think it's running on propane." Is this possible for a homesteader to do? I'm sure there are others who would be interested, if this will work.

D.J.C. Adrian, Michigan

HELLO D.J.:

Let me first say that although I can understand your desire to achieve energy independence at the least possible cost--in terms of both time and cash outlay--I can't agree with you that most forms of alternative energy are to be dismissed because they don't meet your criteria. There are many reasons besides lower cost why alternative sources of power would be advantageous. These include siting at remote locations (where the choice is either alternative power or no power); a desire to maintain autonomy from a utility grid that has become increasingly unreliable; a dedication to clean, non-polluting energy; a commitment to some sense of personal independence; or simply an urge to develop something for yourself that works.

As I've said in this column before, it's possible for anyone to enjoy the modern conveniences we've become comfortable with to their heart's desire in an independently powered home--you just have to be prepared to make the investment. When your wishes are greater than your wallet, you simply need to be more conservative in your planning and use.

My feeling on hydrogen power is that it is one of those technologies that is still in the development stage, at least for commonplace residential use. Some years ago--in the mid-1970s--a grass-roots interest in home-scale hydrogen grew as a result of the energy crisis of the time. Pioneers such as L.E. Spicer of Lineville, Iowa and Roger Billings of Provo, Utah developed workable systems for manufacturing and storing the energy-rich but potentially dangerous lightweight gas. The fledgling Billings Energy Corporation marketed conversion kits for household appliances and a dual-fuel auto conversion, as well as a homestead PV-powered electrolysis package.

Twenty-five years later, there have been many advances in the hydrogen power field, including the use of thermolysis and photoelectrolysis (heat- and light-activated water separation) as an alternative to splitting water electrically to produce the hydrogen and oxygen. But there is still no turnkey, off-the-shelf package available that will allow you to easily--or cheaply, for that matter--make enough hydrogen to power your tractor, run your car, or heat your home.

I don't consider myself an authority on hydrogen production, but I do know that to generate gas by electrolysis on a household scale you'd need a sizable array of PV panels (I figured 33 panels, at 50 watts each for my location in Utah), a power controller, an electrolyzer (the device that separates the gasses within the water), and electrolyte to make the water conduct electricity. You also need purifiers for both the hydrogen and oxygen gas products, a water purifier to clean the makeup water, and a safe storage medium to hold the gas.

I also know that compressing or storing it in any mixture with oxygen or air can be quite dangerous; that's why so much effort is taken to scrub, or purify the gasses to remove one from the other as they're made. A unit sized to manufacture enough gas to be practical would have to generate about 6 cubic feet of hydrogen per hour. The gas is stored under pressure of about 100 pounds per square inch in commercial containers, such as propane tanks.

Putting the hydrogen to use as a cooking, heating, or engine fuel is the easy part, as much of that ground has been covered before, some with existing propane fuel technology. Hydrogen is a potent energy source since it contains about two and a half times the heat value per pound that natural gas does.

So, the short answer to your question is yes, it is possible to do. The longer version is not so appealing, as it brings up the problems of cost, safety, and easy access to reliable equipment...just the points you were speaking of earlier. Someday, as economies of scale reduce these issues to a workable level, hydrogen may be a viable power source...but you have to remember that fuel cells now being developed are much like electrolyzers in reverse, generating DC power which is then inverted to household-friendly AC current.

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Information available on Solar Electric
© Copyright 1994 By Charlie Collins From "Ask Mr. Solar" Column Published Feburary 13, 1994 Daily Spectrum

Question: I enjoy your column very much, however I wonder why there isn't more information available to the general public. It seems that from all that I have read solar electricity works in many areas. Why isn't more information and equipment available in local stores?

James S. Los Vegas, NV.

Mr. Solar: James, I have been asked this question many times and all that I can tell you is that this country is generally run by very large conglomerates. These large corporations do not feel that at this time solar electricity is a large enough volume product to invest or carry in local stores. You see this country is based on large volume items for sale, and solar even though it works very well, large manufactures are not interested in manufacturing it and therefore they will not advertise it. Our President is trying to push pollution free solar electricity.

Mr Clinton, our President, has issued orders to several departments to help increase the use of solar electricity. I am sure you are aware people do not like change and with the increase usage of solar electricity the bureaucrats would have to change their way of thinking. Therefore the departments have elected to try and keep solar electricity down to the current level with old fashioned rules that were placed in effect thirty or forty years ago as well as put unrealistic restrictions on any new approach to supplying electricity to home owners. This leads to discourage the increased usage of solar electricity. I know that it works and it is very possible to live beyond the sidewalks and enjoy all of the toys that city folks have become accustomed to using without the pollution created by electric generating power plants.

James, I do feel that in time, solar electricity will become more widely used and the price of the equipment will come down. At this time if you were to install solar electricity in a new home the cost would be approximately $0.30 per kilowatt hour based on a 10 year life of the equipment. This cost is about 5 times the cost of using power from the local power company. You also must remember that should you build in a location over a mile from the local power then you may be faced with a line extension cost of upwards of $35,000.00. Therefore it is more economical to install solar in remote locations where there is a high line extension cost than in densely populated areas. I do hope that in time our governmental bureaucrats encourage expansion of solar electricity in remote areas and then it will not be necessary to subsidize power line extensions with our tax dollars.

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Can I "Do it Myself"
© Copyright 1994 By Charlie Collins From "Ask Mr. Solar" Column Published July 17, 1994 Daily Spectrum

Question: I would like to learn more about solar electricity. Is it hard to install ? Is it costly and can I do it myself? Is it possible to add it to existing structures? Thank you so much for this information.

Tanya H., Santa Clara, Ut.

Mr. Solar: Tanya, the cost of solar electricity is much more expensive than using local electricity if it is available to your home. If you are building in a location that is more than a couple of thousand feet from utility electrical power it is much more economical to install your own electrical system consisting of solar, wind or hydro.

It is very easy to install a solar system to your existing building, however you should contact someone that is experienced in all of the solar components. I strongly recommend that you work with a solar professional, one who actually depends 100% on the sun and wind for their electricity. This type of person will be able to guide you and let you do part of the installation which will save you moneys on using your labor.

Tanya, you can do part of the work, add it to your structure and be self reliant, however you will find that it is more expensive than using the grid power which you are now using.

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Do I Need an Attitude adjustment when I use solar electricity?
© Copyright 1994 By Charlie Collins From "Ask Mr. Solar" Column Published 10/9/94 Daily Spectrum

Question: How does living on your own generated electricity compare to buying power from the public utilities?

Herb Shoemaker, Apple Valley, Ca.

Mr. Solar: Herb, you will discover that living on your own power generation in somewhat different from depending on a large conglomerate for you power needs. The first major difference is the sticker shock. When you have your own power company you will pay up front many thousands of dollars for the equipment. Solar equipment has a life of approximately 20 years. In comparison when you purchase a new car you must replace it every few years. On the other hand your solar electrical system will continue saving you money for years. You will also know that you are playing a very important in reducing the environmental impact you have on our fragile planet. You see the solar equipment that you are using does NOT increase the pollutions to our environment. You will also enjoy no monthly power bills.

If you have a small to medium solar system you may be only able to operate one appliance at a time. This is because your system will have a 30 amp service and not the 100 amp service city dwellers have become accustomed to having. If you have a large luxury system that will give you the 100 amp service then you will be able to operate as many appliances at a time that you wish.

When you generate your own power you are completely in control of your electricity. You will never be subject to power fluctuations. You will never be without power during storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters. In other words you will be in control. This will give you a good sense of being self reliant.

Herb, you should realize that being in control you will need to understand your system. The solar professional you had install your system should explain to you all the safety switches, and dials. With this explanation you will find that generating your own electricity as well as using it is as simple as driving your car. You have to watch the fuel gages and have it serviced at certain intervals in order for it to perform properly. This is the same with your solar electric system.

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Earthquakes - Maybe A Warning
© Copyright 19910/9/94 By Charlie Collins From "Ask Mr. Solar" Column Published10/9/94 Daily Spectrum

Question: How does living on your own generated electricity compare to buying power from the public utilities?

Question From Herb Shoemaker, Apple Valley, Ca.

Mr. Solar: Herb, you will discover that living on your own power generatio n in somewhat different from depending on a large conglomerate for you power needs. The first major difference is the sticker shock. When you have your own power company you will pay up front many thousands of dollars for the equipment. Solar equipment has a life of approximately 20 years. In comparison when you purchase a new car you must replace it every few years. On the other hand your solar electrical system will continue saving you money for years. You will also know that you are playing a very important in reducing the environmental impact you have on our fragile planet. You see the solar equipment that you are using does NOT increase the pollutions to our environment. You will also enjoy no monthly power bills.

If you have a small to medium solar system you may be only able to operate one appliance at a time. This is because your system will have a 30 amp service and not the 100 amp service city dwellers have become accustomed to having. If you have a large luxury system that will give you the 100 amp service then you will be able to operate as many appliances at a time that you wish.

When you generate your own power you are completely in control of your electricity. You will never be subject to power fluctuations. You will never be without power during storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters. In other words you will be in control. This will give you a good sense of being self reliant.

Herb, you should realize that being in control you will need to understand your system. The solar professional you had install your system should explain to you all the safety switches, and dials. With this explanation you will find that generating your own electricity as well as using it is as simple as driving your car. You have to watch the fuel gages and have it serviced at certain intervals in order for it to perform properly. This is the same with your solar electric system.

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