[clug] Exercise and pay the bills!

[Paul]

On 8/02/2009 1:02 PM, Simon Fowler wrote:
> On Sun, Feb 08, 2009 at 07:45:56AM +1100, Paul Wayper wrote:
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>> Hi all,
>>
>> I had an idea a couple of days ago that I'd like to explore with some hardware
>> and electrical engineering types.  I'm hoping to find them on this list :-)
>>
>> Most exercise machines sold these days just use either friction, magnetic
>> coupling or resistive loads as the 'sink' for work done.  Since Kate and I are
>> in the process of getting a solar panel system put in, and the inverter can
>> take 48VDC and put it onto the grid as 240VAC, I was thinking of getting a
>> 48VDC generator and hooking it up to some exercise system and generating
>> actual usable power while I work out.
>>
> What are the prices and rebates on solar panel systems? I've had a
> quick look into them (out of curiosity more than anything, since
> we're renting at the moment), but all I've seen are quite broad
> numbers.
> 
> Also, what are the numbers on paying for itself, and the expected
> lifespan?
> 
> Simon
> 
> 


I had a quick look a week or two ago , I didn't get any quotes so I could be way out, but 
I think the return is about 10 years.

I suspect most are less than 3 Kw/h and my house uses more like 20 Kw/h so you do the math..

but its not always about the $$, looking forward to the next generation of solar panels 
that are cheaper..

Paul