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We are developing this area of our web site into an advice zone for potential purchasers of renewable
energy systems.
As time goes by we will be adding more and more useful hints and tips...
We start off by trying to explain the advantages of low voltage equipment, with some ideas for sourcing
this stuff too....
Low voltage appliances can save you lots of money if you are considering a renewable energy system.
Low voltage DC
(Direct Current) powered equipment normally uses less power than the same type of appliance running
from mains
(240v) electricity. What's more, if an appliance can take a low voltage supply, it saves the use of
an inverter to change
the power from DC to AC (mains), which will save you both money and energy.
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Low Voltage Fridges & Coolboxes -
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Can be purchased from marine chandlers or caravan suppliers.
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Low Voltage Televisions & VCR's -
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We strongly recommend 12v or 24v models (try Tandy's) if you are considering a renewable energy system.
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Low Voltage Stereos -
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Some audio manufacturers (JVC) now produce micro sound systems with a low voltage input. Most portable
sound
systems which take batteries can be easily 'adapted' to run on low voltages. Otherwise - good quality
car audio
equipment is a good choice for solar or wind energy systems, and is less susceptible to harsh environments.
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Low Voltage Switching -
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These switches can save huge amounts of energy. We can supply low voltage (12 or 24v) timer switches,
movement
detectors and light sensitive switches - please contact us for prices.
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Low Voltage Lighting -
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Compact fluorescent bulbs are an essential, ideally low voltage (12v/24v) for standalone solar/wind
power systems. We
can supply a growing range of low voltage lighting.
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Low Voltage Computers -
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Laptops use about 1/10 th of the power of a desktop machine, and the even smaller palm-tops can use
1/100th of the
energy. If you're considering a standalone renewable energy system, now you've got a very good excuse
to go out and
buy yourself a laptop ! Seriously, the money spent on a laptop can normally be saved by the reduced
cost of your new
energy system, but make sure it can take a low voltage supply - ideally 12v. (Does it use a transformer
when running
from the mains? Is the transformer voltage 12v dc or less ?).
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Fax Machines -
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Use one of the contactbox (http://www.contactbox.co.uk) type of services which turns faxes into e-mails
and sends
them to your e-mail address. You then have no need for a fax machine, you can get your faxes from any
computer -
anywhere in the world, and you don't have to pay for the paper !
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