PV Gap

Gabriel Said:

Generating electricity by photovoltaic cellls?

We Answered:

multiply the voltage of the cell by the current.

Annette Said:

how much will a PV(photo voltaic) system for my house in Sacramento cost?

We Answered:

This is kind of a generic answer for any question that begins "How Much will it cost", when what is meant is how I ensure I pay a fair price and get a decent job done.

Labor costs vary widely depending on locations; materials are a bit more standard. call local supply stores to get Ideas on the cost of materials.
One way to get a true competitive price for the job, regardless of location, is to have contractors bid against one another for the chance to receive your money.
Call at least 5 contractors and schedule them all to come to your home at one time. Show them the entire project you have in mind, describe what you want done. Ask questions like "do you see anything that looks like it may cause a problem?" "Does this require a filing?" etc and let them talk it back and forth. Thank them for coming and ask that all the bids be in three or four days later (set a date that you will review the bids).

By seeing that there are other competent craftsmen interested in doing your job they will be forced to give a realistic price if they want to take your money. Also that visit just gave you an in depth understanding of the exact nature of the scope of work, as the contractors are less likely to put out a line of bull in front of their peers where they can be called out on it.

Review the bids, verify their contractors license, proof of insurance ( I usually ask for a rider specifically covering my job address and myself on the coverage for the specific job, only takes a call from the contractor to their carrier and no additional cost to them), review offered warranties, if any, and contact the references of the two lowest bidders.
Contact the winner and let them know they have the job and you have a deposit ready for them to proceed (25% is normal but 50% is not unusual), and the full payment available upon "Satisfactory" completion. That means everything contracted to be done is complete and working with no apparent problems. Pay the remainder promptly.

I also like to call the other contractors who bid, thank them for their time and if they ask let them know where they fell in the bid. This is useful information for them which they can track to make their bid process more competitive and profitable.

Gabriel Said:

Three Part Survey - Please only honest answers?

We Answered:

1 Yes,
Fossil/fuel depletion won't be a problem till I die but it wld pose a big threat for the coming future generations.Pollution has given rise to health hazards and I want to live long!!!!!!!!!!!

2 Don't know.

That seems to be a very ideal choice.
Will really help solve a lot of problems.
but that seems to be a remote possibility especially in country like India where I live .It will take a lot to convince people here and individual expenditure is something middle class people cannot afford.Its possible only on public/joint venture which will take time.

3.That wld solve all the problems!!!!!!In such case both my 2 and 3 will also be Yes.

Katherine Said:

Has anyone developed a simple Tesla turbine for electricty?

We Answered:

Yes. You should go on to develop it.

Nobody has actually made one yet, although...

It was patented by Nikola Tesla in 1913.

By the way, this is the alternate account from losangeles_fish

Katie Said:

Can a homeowner install PV solar panels then sell "carbon credits" in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol?

We Answered:

Put your carbon credits on eBay- I'm sure there are plenty of suckers willing to pay up.

Carbon credits: The Pet Rock of the 21st century!