Our electric bill is outrageous- any suggestions on a simple solar system set up that's DIY?

Question

We recently built a recreational home that's only used on weekends and the heating of it (60) is running high $$.( It's well insulated) (2300 sq ft) Is there a solar system that we could do ourselves, low cost (under $500), and that would be removable in the warmer months?

Answer 1

Solar doesn't work very well in the winter - not enough sun. Codes generally do not allow self setup because there is a very real danger and it has to be wired so there is no feedback into the wire system (or electric company workers up line could be fried). Also, it's generally not a good idea to run intensive users of electricity on solar (like heating); it takes way too many expensive panels to do this. Batteries (close to $200 each) would be needed for darkness heating and they don't last long if they are brought down more then 50% very often. You would also need a generator if it were cloudy, an inverter, and a controller. You'd be looking at closer to $5000 then $500.

I think you might do better with vented propane space heaters. Generally propane costs less to heat with then electricity and you only have to heat rooms you are using at the time. You can get them with thermostats so the house can be kept at, say, 50F when you are not there. However, I doubt you could do this option for $500 or less either.
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Answer 2

Phillips Marathon light bulbs use Earth-light technology to produce light without an incandescent filament, they last forever, are energy efficient and envirulently responsible...there are other brands like them as well. They have the same lighting as a regular bulb but take less watts... for example the one I have the 34w =120w in a normal bulb. I save a bundle they are alittle more expensive for me but not close to what I save for using them.
Also try at night turning the heat down in the house and instead buying a electric blanket for your bed.

Answer 3

I don't believe you are going to find anything of much use, while spending only $500.00 in a DIY effort. i'm not sure where you are but I'll give you a starting point...go to: www.sunvoltssolar.com lots of luck..