I myself work in the IT industry. I use all kinds of devices for work and I can't get around it. My family (4) is the same way with their consumption. I *know* that I can curb my consumption and increase my efficiency but I'm curious otherwise...
Realisticly, can someone run a modern day home with computers/appliances/home theater and such using nothing more than solar or alternative fuel sorces? I don't mean off the "grid" but more like zero net.
Are solar homes built with this in mind nowadays? If I invest in solar panels et al will I be disapointed in the result? How much can I expect to spend to make it work right?
Thanks!
2007-11-03 11:49:35 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment ➔ Green Living
You CAN install enough solar panels in a grid tied system to be a net zero consumer, or even a net producer, averaged over time. That is only averaged over time because you will of course be a net user of grid power at night, and maybe on some cloudy winter days. The only problem is that even in a very sunny area of the country you will probably need at least $50,000 worth of solar panels and inverters to make that much power. More if your home is not highly energy efficient.
2007-11-03 12:26:54 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can do it for closer to $10-15K with a family of four, unless you also need to keep a jacuzzi room heated plus a sun room, a rec room, a guest room etc. I looked up the prices 5 or so years ago and thats what I came up with then using 100% photovoltaics. You could probably trade off some panels for a wind generator, their cost per kilowatt is comparable to solar.
2007-11-03 15:31:35 · answer #2 · answered by A Toast For Trayvon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically yes...but financially no.
Solar panels generate a limited (finite) amount of power.
It is not financially reasonable (practical) to power air conditioning and refrigeration systems on solar panels.
Solar (photovoltaic) panels do not make sense financially unless tax incentives are offered.
Most solar panel companies will provide a specific financial analysis for your application.
2007-11-03 21:22:04 · answer #3 · answered by red riter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are only two things you may give up if you go solar.
Blackouts and the utility bill.
Even without an incentive program, solar ROI is not as unreasonable as some would have you believe.
2007-11-04 22:39:13 · answer #4 · answered by Juiced N.R.G. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can. I found this great site that tells the story of how one family turned their ranch home into an eco-friendly home while updating and making the house more modern. They share their research and story at http://www.greenandsave.com It offers tons of things that you can do to your house that helps the environment while helping you save money.
2007-11-04 04:08:52 · answer #5 · answered by Brian R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We may have to give a LOT up, very soon. Stand by.
I have a friend with a 4500 sq ft house totally solar - with a battery house for storage. He, wife and 2 teenage sons have not had to give anything up. Yet.
2007-11-03 12:19:48 · answer #6 · answered by Owlwoman 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Build Home Solar Power : http://SolarPower.siopu.com/?Ghy
2017-04-05 07:25:21 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it has been done, but it shall empty your wallet! tiz not a good..answer...but the truth
2007-11-06 07:21:54 · answer #8 · answered by seaching4rastartt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋