Because D.C. power can be stored, the system is collecting power 24 hours a day, a little at a time, to be used as needed. The average American household, not using electricity to produce heat, requires about 12 thousand watt hours a day or about 500 watts on a continuous basis. This can be reduced to about 300 watts by just being careful turning lights off when not in use, etc. There are times, however, when as much as 10,000 watts are needed, as when a refrigerator or vacuum cleaner are started. A.C. systems, because they cannot store energy, must be sized to meet this peak load, requiring up to 40 times as much water as a similarly useful D.C. system.
Smaller size saves money.
D.C. systems are matched to extract power the way that nature delivers it, slowly and steadily. The basic system is suitable where 12 volt power can be used directly. Cabins using 12 volt lights, portable radios, televisions, and recreational vehicle type D.C. appliances are easily adapted to the basic system. Both configurations are compatible with other D.C. charging systems of proper voltage, including photovoltaic cells, wind charging systems and generator operated battery chargers. The pelton type runner is lost wax cast of silicon bronze.