Does anyone know how much it would cost to install a solar energy system in a 3,200 sq foot house?

Answer 1

Here's some info regarding solar power:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power

http://www.doe.gov/energysources/solar.htm

The US government has a website dedicated to helping people with alternative energy and such. See:

http://hes.lbl.gov/

If you click on the "Remodeling" link, you're led here:

http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/nrr.html

There's tons of information regarding solar energy, including financing information (there are grants and tax credits available for "going green.")

There's a purchasing link where you can find more info on cost, here:

http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/purchasing.html

Check out the information, and see what is available to you. You might also want to check out your local extension office, or other city resources for more options.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Panels are only one part of the system. The most reliable and durable are poly and mono monocrystalline panels They have a proven track record having been employed in the space program since the 50's. All panels have degradation over the life span. Look for PTC ratings for the best information (physical test conditions) I like the Solar World Panel as it is US made and owned. They were ARCO then Shell and are now Solar World are one of the longest producing panel manufacturers in the world. I also like sharp. System design is paramount. A good company can provide that help for you. If you are in a hot climate you want as many volts in a string you can get to combat overheating. Rack and patio mounts are better than roofs due to air flow and reduced heat. Trackers where possible maximize your solar cultivation. What fails is the inverters SMA has a great reputation as does Fronius. Both are German based companies SMA has a reliable copper coil type inverter with a great power point tracking record. Fronius is more of a circuit board type of inverter with also a great power point tracking record. Before investing in a solar system you should try to reduce your usage. There are many Energy Efficient technique and products that have a quicker payoff than solar and work when the sun doesn't shine. They also enjoy a US federal tax incentives and often local and state. Your utility might have help for you if not check out the California State Solar site a great resource. That should give you enough to chew on for now Hope it helps.

Answer 3

Call a contractor. It's not necessarily about the square footage of the house but about how much energy your home uses. Look at your electric bill and see how many kwH's you use per month. Then you need to find a solar system that will provide that.

However, expect an installed solar system to start at around $10-15K and up from there depending on capacity.

Answer 4

The cost a solar energy system is not about how big your home is, its about how much energy you use every month, where you live, and what state rebates you can apply for.

Here is a very rough calculation that will give you a ball park estimate.

1. Your last energy bill will tell you how many KW H Kilo watt hours you used. Take that number a divide it by the days in the month. So if you last bill was in April and you used 1000 kw. Divide it by 30 (days in April) you used 33 KWH per day.

2. Divide your daily kilowatt hours by 4 if you live in the north
and 5 if you live in the middle and 6 if you live in the south.

This roughly the number of "sunshine hours" per day.

If you live in the south you divide 33 kw by 6 and you get 5.5.

This means you will need a solar power station that will generate about 5.5 kw of energy per hour.

3. Solar power stations cost between $4,000 (very cheap) to $8,000 or $9,000 per kilo watt

So before state rebates it is going to cost between $22, 000 to $44,000. Let say a mid range system will cost about $33,000.

4. Take of the state rebate. eg in California you can get up $2,500 per KW generated. Say a maximum of $13,500

So you system is going to cost around $33,000 - 13,500 = around $19,500.

The more energy you use in a month the more it is going to cost, so buying energy efficient appliances makes a lot of sense.

If you live in the north you will need a bigger solar power station as there is less sun.

This is a lot of money but over the next thirty years that it produces power for you could save up to $100,000 in electricity bills. Thats about $60,000 in todays money.


There are lots of assumptions in these figures and you should seek the advice of a professional, before proceeding.

Answer 5

It moreso depends how much power you use not square feet get your power usage down as much as possible b4 you do anything.

1 sq meter pannel will provide 100watts enough to run 1 incandecent light or 5 energy efficient bulbs and cost around US$800

Answer 6

not exactly sure, but this looks like somethign you can do to figure that out: http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-solar_form.html

I would also check with a Home Depot or wherever you're buying yours from, they can help you figure it out.

I think the energy you require depends more on your usage (appliance, heating, etc) than on sq ftage

Answer 7

no, but i do know that it would more than pay for itself. the energy panels installed onto your roof would provide your home with energy but also allow you to sell your excess solar energy to local energy companies in order for them to meet peak demand. this allows the system to more than pay for itself most likely within the first five years of ownership. it is a great way to become energy independant and make your house sustainable and affordable, and not pray to volatile energy prices.

Answer 8

Solar systems vary in size and use. See http://www.solarmonkey.net/solar-panels-for-homes.php for a little reading before buying.

Answer 9

I'm confident that you might discover everything that have to do with solar energy at www.redsolarwho.com.

Answer 10

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