While I agree with the general sentiment I must say that as an old
battery based system user and designer that battery systems are not
solely installed by preppers/endtimers. There are plenty of people for
whom a battery system is the only option and it has nothing at all to do
with fear of the world ending.
I would hate to see the idea of battery based systems being tied to
that nonsense. Yes, they are out there and have always been out there
but I'd hope that we can keep their influence on the market in context.
Let's not let "battery based" become a synonym for "endtimer".
I'd also add that along with all your good caveats about the prep time
that education about basic energy terms, how electricity is used in a
home and an understanding of how to manage such systems is crucial. I
spent probably 60% of my time with battery customers on education, and
that can't come free either but I would suggest that it be part of the
package price that is clearly stated and emphasized as critical.
Tom
On 2015-10-26 09:25, Dana wrote:
Hey All (esp. you all newer to the solar field & not well versed in
battery systems -
'Been quietly sitting this last discussion out on equipment on
battery backup & Peppers'.
I know there are a lot of designer/installer getting into batteries
for the first time and a lot of their experience is based in the grid
intertie start in the solar field.
I have the overall experience (since '88) that managing the
expectations of what a battery based system will and will not do. The
obvious are electric stoves, heat, & water devices and let's add
electric cars to that list now too. That said, battery system design
is completely another field from the grid tie market.
Whether the Sh#$%^t hits the fan or not doing your job with integrity
and thoroughness is critical. Life goes on and in a few years they are
going to sitting there with a pile of equipment that if it was not
correctly sized could affect your reputation which will still be on
the line, and believe me you will hear from these folks. This ain't
the hook it up & walk away market, they will require more care that
you are used to applying to a GT client.
I have to stress that doing the numbers and a really accurate load
evaluation, looking at short and long term expectations, & best case /
worst case scenarios is a really safe place to start. If you cannot
verify your design with good math and meet their requests do not go
there. If they cannot afford their evaluation DONOT cheap it down,
Walk away - Fear sells and some of these folks are running so deep in
fear it is almost a comedy if it were not so sad. You need to look
beyond the short term profit and look at your reputation down the
road.
Another item - These folks take a lot of your energy in all their
"what if" scenarios. Have them list (in writing & keep this in their
file) what is critical to them. They tend to change their minds as
they peruse the internet & talk with the like minded crew. If they
shift have them put their change in request in writing again. What you
started out designing may turn 180° in a night. Get equipment paid for
in advance period. Be careful with credit card purchases on big
systems, I know of folks that are counting on the credit card system
crashing and are racking up huge purchase counting on the crash. I had
someone offer half price on a system in Gold bars as "it is going to
more than triple" right, I am not going there personally.
I have visited with folks now long gone that their parents were
getting ready for the same end of society stuff 50-60 years ago & then
there were the atomic fallout shelters, & then Y2K. I got offered an
entire 18 wheeler of freeze dried food after Y2K. My body shudders to
think what that would do to your digestive track.
Been there & done that - I spent "88 to "95 of my solar career doing
just this. It takes a lot out of you.
Best to you all In joy & Keep on putting the sun to work.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dana Orzel
Great Solar Works, Inc - NABCEP # 051112-136
E - d...@solarwork.com - Web - solarwork.com
O - 970.626.5253 C - 208.721.7003
"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
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