PV Gap

Ken Said:

If someone wants a career doing energy audits of homes and businesses and installing solar panels, what job?

We Answered:

This would be called a low end, non-skilled job. People who do this work for solar panel dealers, and are typically trained on the job. It's not much above minimum wage, and the only decent career path is in someday owning your own business.

For that, a business degree would suit you better than any tech degree.

An AS in electronics would prepare you for the job you described.

Did I mention that it's a low end, low paid job, with not much future?

Suzanne Said:

Where can I find good info on installing solar panels in an existing home?

We Answered:

Depends on a lot of things.
Where do you want to put them, on the roof or against the house on the south side?
What latitude is the house positioned at?
How much water usage do you plan on?
Do you have sufficient hot water storage present?
What is the size of the floor space in the house?
Do you plan on using radiant floor heating?
What kind on heating does the house have now?
Does the house have a fireplace?
IS THE HOUSE INSULATED PROPERLY????

I my self would go with the Molten Thorium fluoride reactor.
Hard to get but well worth the money!

Best Regards

Tiffany Said:

Does anyone know the approximate cost of installing solar panels?

We Answered:

There are so many variables it is impossible to estimate the cost.

You need to learn as much as possible about solar systems, and the expected performance in your area. I live near San Francisco. My 6 kW rated system averages about 4 kW, and I get around 24 kilowatt hours per day. Your electric bill will tell you how much this amounts to in dollars per month.

California has what is called net billing. If in a year I use more than I make, I pay regular rates for the overage. If I make more than I use, it goes to the utility as a gift. However, I make more than I use during the day, I get credit for it at the regular rate. Not as a lower rate as one responder suggests. At night I get it back at night at the regular rate.

You could consider a heat pump, and perhaps a ground source system. It should reduce your heating and air conditioning bills by about two thirds.

Yvonne Said:

Is installing solar panels for your house for electricity/hot water a good idea?

We Answered:

Excellent question and your timing is perfect because of all the rebates and tax credits the government is offering.

Making your home more energy efficient should be your first step before purchasing a renewable energy system. Estimates indicate that for every $1 you spend on reducing the energy footprint for your home, you reduce your cost for a renewable energy system by $3 to $5.

I have learnt a great deal on this website

Zachary Said:

What is the best option for installing solar panels on the roof of my London home?

We Answered:

Solar panels for electricity are a bit of a waste of time in this part of the country, allowing for the initial expense of the installation, the cost of maintenance and replacment of the batteries between three to five years will cost more than paying a standard supplier.

As for water, some useful gains can be had, i.e. it will take the chill off the incoming water and so reduce your base energy supply costs, but not to any great extent.

Roll on global warming when these systems will become far more viable at these lattitudes.