Thinking of changing from gas and elec to solar and wind for the home? Does anyone have any experience of this? Initial set up costs - maintenance costs - savings compared to elec and gas etc etc. Any help or advice please?
2006-07-27 08:22:07 · 10 answers · asked by RobStar 2 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Good responses so far. I am in the UK
2006-07-27 19:01:39 · update #1
If you are in the UK contact The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales.
http://www.cat.org.uk
Not only do they have a great exhibition on alternative technology and energy saving but also run courses and can help you in purchasing the parts nescessary.
For it too succeed you need to be energy efficent around the home. The pay off is massive and is certainly something we should be teaching our children.
2006-07-27 09:46:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is a capital intensive project. You need lot of money and then it is free for 10 years except minor maintenance. Solar annals cost you USD 5.00/watt, batteries, inverters, charge controllers, wiring and installation charges depend upon your requirement. First of all conduct a load survey about your requirement and then you will be able to estimate the cost. The most expensive are the solar pannels.
2006-07-27 15:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by Atique 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are talking about quite a bit of money. If you start by improving insulation it will make a difference. Solar panels are expensive and a wind generator will set you back a bundle. If I was you I would go for energy saving lights, improved insulation, double glazing and solar water heating.
2006-07-27 15:36:58 · answer #3 · answered by Andrew M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact HVAC contractors in your area and ask for estimates for various parts of your conversion. They will tell you what has to be done and what the costs would be. Whatever you decide to do, you will get a free education in making the necessary conversions. Be sure to ask about Tax Credits while you're at it. At one point, the government was giving a $3,500 tax credit for passive solar conversions.
Good Luck!
2006-07-27 15:53:05 · answer #4 · answered by RON C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in England you can get Government grants to set up Solar power, and any unused electricity is sold back to the national grid!! It's not cheap to install, but would pay for it's self pretty quick!!!
2006-07-27 15:32:10 · answer #5 · answered by Fluke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good idea, but I doubt that it would work very well. The technology just isn't there yet.
2006-07-27 15:34:59 · answer #6 · answered by Karen_momof4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the right thing to do. I would like info also.
2006-07-27 15:31:15 · answer #7 · answered by lighthouse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have no idea but i cannot wait til we have all of the above...screw the oil companies!
2006-07-27 15:27:55 · answer #8 · answered by luvmadukes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No idea, but I hope it goes well for you.
2006-07-27 15:25:56 · answer #9 · answered by Chris cc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! Good luck!
2006-07-27 17:02:01 · answer #10 · answered by nimbleminx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋