Single Phase or 3phase power Info please

[McRat]

PS - This won't work with Off-Grid system (batteries). It must be grid-tied to get cost of the utility run included. It would take about a 6000w array to completely pay for the pumping costs, but you could run 1000w "starter kit" to get the utility run included.

 

[minisub]

You don't see much solar in Northeast Ohio. Believe it or not, Cleveland has a lower sunshine index than Seattle.

I like the changing of the seasons. I like the cold, I like the snow, but the grey skies here can be tiresome. Perhaps it is different in NW Ohio where the OP is from....

 

[duramaximizer]

So, who knows something about solar panels, logistics, and the grants? I will play their game to get 3 phase to my house. I have a huge hip roofed barn I could put them on top of.

 

[McRat]

You need an accountant who is familiar with solar programs.

I know how the technology works, and I do know there are both tax credits and grants available still, but you need to find out what true costs are, and what the programs cover, and what they don't cover.

Expenses related to hooking the solar to the grid are covered. I do not know if there is minimum kW to participate.

You might call your electric provider and get some info, but don't trust them 100%. They often do not have the latest info.

 

[McRat]

Oh, and don't call a solar company for advice. You can call them for a cash-price quote once you've done your homework, but never for advice.

They will tell you it's FREE, show you numbers to prove it, and you get screwed. "Free" solar is the most expensive kind.

 

[McRat]

Here's the thing:

You can put anything you like on your tax return and get the Fed credit. But will it hold up to an audit? Was there any Fed or State programs you missed?

These people seem to be pretty sharp: www.wholesalesolar.com
They might point in you right direction, they've never tried to push me, and they agree that leasing plans are false economy.

 

[durallymax]

Must have been ten years ago now, but when we were looking to bring 3ph into our farm it was going to cost about $60,000 to go less than a mile. A short time after the utility company decided they wanted us to have 3 phase and offered to run it for free, new poles and everything. So now we have 480v 3phase. We have a ton of motors that are running all the time though versus crop farming where the demands are seasonal.

Make sure you get the solid state relays for your motors, they are expensive but very sensitive. The sensitivity can be annoying at times, but if you ever loose a phase you wont wreck your motors. We did loose a phase a couple years back and fortunately didn't have many issues, but man was it weird when it happened.

Also a vfd can run a standard 460 volt 60hz motor at anywhere from 1-60 hz. It ramps the 3phase voltageup and down, it is ssupposed to save energy on electric motors more so in a low load condition. Google abb, yasakawa, siemens, etc. They all make vfd's.

We run a VFD for our vacuum pump as do most dairy farms updated in the last 10 years. The savings are huge, enough times the thing literally stops. Not to mention you don't have to listen to the constant whine of the vacuum motor at full song all night.

Wow ... Do you really need 60HP for a well???? That's a huge fricken motor.

I would find out more info why that much HP is needed. Even 3ph is going to eat you alive in electric costs. 50kWh * .20/kWh is $10 per hour that it is running.

$240 a day for continuous use?

I am guessing he is doing center pivot irrigation which is generally not continuous. Most of those setups do run some massive pumps. He's also getting a significant ROI in his crop yeilds especially during drought years like 2012. Guys up here in sand barely got 100bph whereas the guys that irrigated were 200-250bph and with the way prices were then thats a big chunk of change.

Heres a 200hp irrigation motor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181178570883?lpid=82

Amps, watts, kilowatts, 3phase voltage(s), and conversions for hp etc. I am in way over my head. I need an electricity for dumbies...lol

It's all relative and pretty simple. Forget about HP and your life will be easier. The sooner everyone forgets the imperial system the easier life can be.

200 hours runtime:

You need a watertank, not a big pump.

You could make do with a much smaller motor with a big tank.

You need to consult with an irrigation specialist.

I'm curious, I have never seen a reservoir for a center pivot unless you are referring to CA's methods of irrigation.

Solar could make use of those pesky unirrigated corners of the field that the pivot system doesn't reach.

However, my experience is that in our climates here in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Solar barely pays back in 5-10 years. That's WITH the incentives. Then there is the hassle factor.

Finally, Solar is not maintenance free. MTBF on affordable panels and batteries is somewhere around 20 years, but getting better.

Farmers have better (more profitable) things to do.

In the midwest those "pesky corners" generally still yeild well unlike the plains or out west. Many graze animals on them otherwise.

 

[duramaximizer]

Corners will be mostly irrigated with this "corner arm" also know as a Super SAC.

Thanks for the info durallymax on the solid state relays.

I'm researching solar and the feasibility pertaining to this project.

From talking to my local electric coop it sounds like my use will also likely be during peaks demand periods as well so solar may have a larger benefit than I initially thought.