I would like to run all the power in my house with solar energy. How would i go about doing that?
2006-12-16 11:19:35 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
First, be prepared to spend more money for the solar system than you will recover in reduced utility bills. My combined gas and electric bill averaged about $1,400 a year. I had a 6kw photovoltaic system put in. After rebates it cost me about $40,000. I now have an annual utility bill of $170. So I am recovering my investment at about $1,230 per year. My homeowners insurance went up too, so the savings is several hundred dollars less. If I had invested the $40,000 at 5% interest, it would bring back $2,000 per year!
I do hope to recover a bit more when I sell the house, but will never know how much it added to the selling price.
Secondly, I hope you can install a system. It is of tremendous benefit to the environment.
Before you spend any money on equipment or installation, learn all you can. See if any of the solar distributors in your area hold classes or seminars on the subject. Also your educational institutions. Work the internet. Keep records of what you learn. Talk to folks who have solar systems.
One thing most people don't consider is the roof. I had mine installed over the garage and an overhang. I didn't want a bunch of penetrations of the roof over the attic. A leak over the garage is a nuisance. Over the attic it is a nightmare. Sure enough I have had one small leak. Also if the existing roof will be in need of replacement soon, it might be bes to wait and do both at once. Removal of the solar system and putting it back will add considerably to the roofing cost.
2006-12-16 17:22:54 · answer #1 · answered by Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to both promote solar energy and provide it for yourself, would be to get the solar panels and equipment you need and install it. But as it was very well explained by a previous answer, that's going to cost you many thousands up front with a very long term return on your investment. I got a quote a few months ago that was about $35,000 for the 600 kwh/month I use.
But what if you could rent all the solar panels you need instead of buying them? In other words, no upfront investment. And while we're at it, what if the rental rate was based on the amount of power the panels produced and was fixed for 25 years at or below your local utility rate? If your fortunate to live in a state that has a net-metering law (google net-metering for your state) I'd be happy to let you no more about this. email me: bullshoalsblues@yahoo.com
2006-12-17 13:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by bullshoalsblues 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't just go buy solar panels. That is very backwards. You get your electric bill out for the last year and total all the bills and divide it by 12. Then that will give you a one months average. Divide that number by 30 days so you have your daily usage. That is how many watts you will have to produce every day on the shortest day of the year. You will need to look on a solar insolation map to find how many hours a day of sun you will be getting.
Here is a page to explain it to you. This page explains it in a simple way so you don’t have to have 12 years of collage or have to lookup every other word.
2006-12-18 09:51:19 · answer #3 · answered by Don K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photovoltaic system for the actual generation of electricity is very expensive and probably not cost effective for the average domestic user but solar panels for heating water is a feasible way of using solar energy. In the UK it can provide hot water for most of the summer months and a certain percentage during th winter months. Also heats up the water as it enters the house so it can cut down on the amount of energy needed in a regular central heating system. Cost of installation in the UK is around £5,000 so depending on the amount of hot water used and conventional energy used to heat it can be cost effective over a number of years.
2006-12-17 05:22:06 · answer #4 · answered by Shynney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak about all the energy but I can tell you that the installation of solar roof tiles will reduce your monthly electric bill greatly!
2006-12-16 11:29:14 · answer #5 · answered by Christy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Himin solar company is the leader in solar industry in China,it export many countries every year.we can help you to solve your problem,please visit the website www.himinsun.com
2016-03-03 19:44:40 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Solar Power Design Manual : http://SolarPower.duebq.com/?wCW
2017-04-03 23:35:59 · answer #7 · answered by Timmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go buy solar panels.
Try shop.yahoo.com, or froogle.com
2006-12-16 11:21:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋