PV Gap

Lucille Said:

Solar Panels: How long will it be before solar panels are cheap & effecient enough so that everyone?

We Answered:

Solar panels are cost effective if they are used over their payback period. The problem is that the down payment is expensive, and the payback period is maybe 10-20 years, so very few people actually expect to own their homes for 10-20 years. It also only really makes sense in areas that buy back electricity generated during the day when you're not using it. In Germany and other european countries, power companies are required to buy back electricity at a higher price than they sell it for--this reduces the payback period and is a great incentive for solar panels. For this reason, they are much more popular over there. Given a little time for the price to fall and given some change in energy policy, solar panels will become more cost effective in the future. Depends on who gets elected, though.

There is a solution to the payback period problem, though. Rather than homeowners taking on the long payback period in homes they may not own long enough, some companies are buying panels and leasing them to homeowners. In exchange, homeowners get reduced electric bills, that pay off the lease payments, plus a little extra. I think this is the way to go. check out the link below.

Nancy Said:

From where I can buy small size Stirling solar engine dish?

We Answered:

http://greenpowerscience.com/PARABOLICSH…
is advertised as "huge" at 35 inches.

http://www.hammacher.com/Product/79578?s…
sells an 11 inch mirror WITH engine.

http://www.scientificsonline.com/catalog…
has several

Harry Said:

I would like to see solar panelling incorporated in residential sectors.?

We Answered:

i'm a firm believer in solar energy, so yes, i think propagation of the technology is a great idea.

unfortunately energy costs differ depending on where you live, so the 6-year time frame may not be accurate. in energy deprived areas like Hawaii and Japan, it's fairly widespread, which is great to see. i think the panels need to be more aesthetically pleasing (or at least not be as obtrusive) before they are more widely accepted.

Lena Said:

Can anyone offer personal experiences with 1/2 solar power for appliances etc./grid electricity in residence.?

We Answered:

I'm not sure if this is what you meant, but this sounds like a grid-tied solar electic system. The idea is that you stay connected to the grid, and thereby avoid the expense and hassle of having batteries. When your array is producing more than you use, the electric meter runs backwards, effectively giving you a credit. At night, the meter runs forwards again.

It's often the best payback to displace only a portion of your electric usage, if you have tiered or time-of-day electric rates. For example, say the power company charges you 10 cents a kWh for the first 300, then 30 cents per kWh for every one over that limit. In that case, you would have a solar system to drive your net usage down below 300 kWh, but it would be poor economy to try to drive it to zero.

We have a grid-tied system. It doesn't displace the 50% you're looking for - ours displaces substantially all our electric usage. If you have specific questions, please email me through my profile.

Jennie Said:

What is the total installed capacity of residential Solar PV in US (or worldwide)?

We Answered:

http://www.solarbuzz.com/FastFactsIndust…

this is a good place to get a lot of the information you are talking about, but i dont know the residential figures..