Coleman Powermate Generator

[Super Dave]

Only if you're on grid, and you're able to sell your excess power back to the power company.  That means no batteries, and you'll be on the power companies stuff over night.  Might cut the solar cost down to $11k for me.

[Super Dave]

I think alternative energy like solar will only become less expensive based on the lowering of the production costs.  Then, as they become more marketable, or the cost of "power house" energy becomes even higher, the cost of those things might continue to increase in cost.

Supply and demand.  If demand goes up, the price will too. 

Biodiesel has been a good lesson in that.  It's not reallly any less expensive than regular diesel.  It hasn't necessarily proven to be reliable either, necessarily in wide ranging climates, etc.  The supply has went up as it is actually available. 

My used engine oil is still already paid for.   

[Addicted2Danger]

Veggie is usable and is pretty well interchangable with used motor oil as a fuel.  Problem with both is that the higher percentage you run, the more problems you run into.  Even B100 (straight bio-diesel) has its issues with gell temps and going through alot of filters especially in winter time.  In my opinion, the best option for anything alternative at this point is veg-oil.  Its available more places than ever.   As long as they keep making bigger pants here is the states, I dont see fried food going anywhere!!!!!!

[Super Dave]

Starting and stopping on VO can be a problem.  Heat is necessary for VO, and for WVO.

You racing again this year?

[cbr600_mj]

Starting and stopping on VO can be a problem.  Heat is necessary for VO, and for WVO.

You racing again this year?

I'm all for solar.  I've looked at it for a few years.  I've drawn up ideas for making it work in my bus, but the number of panels that would be required, alone with battery cost, space, and replacement...

I'm not sure if you've actually looked at it.  I have a pretty good working idea of what I need to implement it.  I'm looking at $20k to take my house off grid.  For good solar panel and a really good charge controler, I'm going to be around $500 to $700 for the bus.  Very little return, really.  Would do it's best in only keeping my current "house" batteries from getting killed so fast when I have to leave the bus away from shore power and leave my little cooler running.

As for a lot of people?  Who do you know that's on solar?  How about an electric car?  Diesel is very economical, and there are options.  The same US government that you quote about gasoline issues also restricted diesel engines in the US so many US name plates don't import their diesel cars to the US market. 

Solar is out there.  Yeah.  But it's still a tiny little thing.  Costs may come down slightly, but it's probably at a point where it's not going to get much lower.  The only thing that might make it more attractive, is the continued increase in costs of grid power.  As more come off grid, that will reduce the demand and load on the grid and potentially reduce it's cost. 

I am looking at implementing solar power into my patio project through a low voltage lighting system.  Again, the reality is that I'm looking at thousands of dollars.  And my kids need braces.

One solar array for you!

http://www.sustenerg.org/electricity/wp-content/kjc.jpg

[Super Dave]

I think that would power my front warmer.

[Addicted2Danger]

Hey Dave-
I'll be around some.  I am thinkin at this point it will probably be Blackhawk only, but I dont have any concrete plans yet.  You got an advanced class early in the year again this year?  I want to concentrate on honing my skills as much as possible.  And I want to concentrate on Blackhawk since we run so many races there.
Any updates on #106 ?  I saw he made the show for SS, but no news on the 200.

[Super Dave]

I've got the VRU program on May 7th...Monday before the first Blackhawk.

I know that Scotty's in the show, but that's about all.  His first time there, and I think he'd like to do better.  Everyone feels that way though too.  I think he's doing well.  Today's a day off, and I think it might give him time to clear his head.