PV Gap

Kelly Said:

can one solar charge the batteries for an electric mower?

We Answered:

Yes. Piece of piss. You only use a mower about 1% of the time at most, so even a fairly small solar panel should be able to keep it charged. Just check that the panel's output voltage matches that of the batteries.

Samuel Said:

Know of a good model for determining ROI of purchasing solar panels? How they compare to other investments?

We Answered:

Sure, use the NPV function in Excel.

set up two equations, one that have the capital of the panels (and any other costs you will incur over 5 years or so) along with the amount of your electricity bill that you will save per year and the other one has the investment and return for you mutual funds or such. which ever is bigger wins.

... don't forget about taxes on investment (or the solar panels), and don;t forget that you get your capital back on your investments.

luck

Melinda Said:

Where can I buy solar equip in Los Angeles? Smaller scale stuff for portable applications, not a home install.

We Answered:

For that kind of thing, try an RV dealer.

The parts might also be available from a supplier like Radio Shack, (if they're still around...)

You can also follow this link and find out where Real Goods Solar's Los Angeles office is:

http://www.realgoodssolar.com/
Their store is in Hopland, CA, wherever that is...

In a pinch, you can also check the Yellow Pages in your phone book for 'solar power,' etc.

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