most economical solar energy supply for a house.?

Question

I live in spain and i am renovating a house. would like to use /install a solar energy system, not shure where to start and what are the pitfalls for a family of 5. how much shuld i be expecting to pay for a system and any recomendations for a good do it yourself kit that saves you thousands would be most welcome. thank you

Answer 1

Here is a starting point for you!
Good luck

http://www.solarenergy.org/

Answer 2

I don't know about what's available in Spain, but I just saw a building material you put on the outside of your house that has a photovoltaic system built in somehow. It was like siding--you put up the walls and then the solar-energy siding goes on the outside. There was also roofing material with solar cells built in. Also, the photovoltaic cells are becoming thinner, lighter, and cheaper--they're making them on rolls instead of those clunky panels.

I'm sorry I can't remember where I saw it. It was probably on Discovery Channel or maybe the History Channel. It was on US cable, and I don't know how much of that you get in Spain.

But it was interesting and I was glad to hear that the stuff is getting much cheaper and easier to use. You also might want a solar water heater and an as-needed water heater back-up (tankless.) And get some batteries to store the energy for when the sun isn't shining. Are you in a sunny part of Spain? I guess that would be a consideration. You'll need to place the solar panels where they catch plenty of sun.

Good luck and good for you on going solar.

Answer 3

I would get a local contractor or look online to put in the solat panels. They are really expensive, probaly at least 10,000, but they are worth it if you care for the environment and normally pay for themselves by not using gas in 9-10 years. Good luck!