I'd really like to install some solar gear but the cost per watt is prohibitive.
2007-02-16 11:07:14 · 7 answers · asked by David G 2 in Environment
M B
What is your per watt price?
2007-02-16 13:23:34 · update #1
This is another example of how government neglects its own, and further endangers the environment. They should be giving those things away!
2007-02-16 11:12:10 · answer #1 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that panels do degrade over time, everything does. This problem has been addressed, new panels have a life expectancy of 25+ years. Most homeowners (in a warm climate) that want to go solar could do so for under $10,000USD. If you live in a cold climate it could cost $15,000+. If you had solar and geothermal heating/cooling (the geothermal alone will cost an extra 10G or so), these systems can pay for themselves in 15 years or so, and after that the only costs associated are the occasional battery/panel replacement. People who know how to scrounge can do it VERY cheap. Scrapyards are a great place to find the batteries. Industrial battery consumers often discard batteries with a 25 year lifespan after only 2-3 years (leaving 20 or more years of usable service in them). That alone can provide a savings of $3000-$5000.
2007-02-16 20:07:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Currently there are no efforts being made to lower the up front cost on solar systems. However the US government does have the tax deduction for energy star homes. This can off set the cost of your system and overtime the amount that you save on utilities will pay the system off. If you generate more power then you use you can always sell it back to the "Grid" and make money off of your system as well... There are many reasons people get solar systems (I say systems because heating and electric use different kinds of panels) none of these reasons are because they are cheap. You really have to want to make a change and in someways a difference to construct a solar array. If you are truly interested cost is a minor inconvenience nothing more. Check out http://www.mrsolar.com prices and wattage comparisons. Good luck
2007-02-16 22:25:18 · answer #3 · answered by Patrick M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electric solar panels are expensive because they require a lot of electrical energy to make. They also quickly degrade over time according to government studies. Even with the newest types, each year they are used they make less and less electricity.
Polycrystalline solar panels degrade about 15% per year according to government studies. The most expensive solar cells degrade the least but require the most energy to make.
What people don't know is that before equipping every house in the U.S. with electrical solar panels something has to be done. First the U.S. would need to build new powerplants all across America to generate the energy to make the electric solar panels.
2007-02-16 19:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by a bush family member 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whenever someone does invent vastly cheaper and more efficient solar panels (like a friend of a friend did in the early 90's), the big corporate conglomerates buy the patents and they are deep-sixed forever. We all know cheap energy would put some of them out of business, and you can bet they will never let that happen. Good luck.
2007-02-16 19:21:02 · answer #5 · answered by DT 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im totally aware of it, and i think its great that mmore people are intrested in solar panels and trying to help the earth
2007-02-16 19:11:47 · answer #6 · answered by Artsy-Fartsy-Momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, we have a nice one on my dads boat. So in the summer we use it to keep the batteries charged. Its so awesome to have it and not have to worry about an electricity
2007-02-16 19:15:11 · answer #7 · answered by blue_rose1786 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋