PV Gap

Tracy Said:

2. What are the pros and cons, of using solar energy for our homes?

We Answered:

I would address your question by saying that yes, I would certainly install it if I owned a home that I intended to stay in for at least 10 years. I think it takes a while before you make the money back on the installation investment. I wish I had it... maybe my next house!


Solar Energy Advantages
Saves you money
After the initial investment has been recovered, the energy from the sun is practically FREE.
The recovery/ payback period for this investment can be very short depending on how much electricity your household uses.
Financial incentives are available form the government that will reduce your cost. (visit www.dsireusa.org to find out about incentives available in the state you live in!).
If your system produces more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you, building up a credit on your account! This nifty little scheme is called "net-metering".


It will save you money on your electricity bill if you have one at all.
Solar energy does not require any fuel.
It's not affected by the supply and demand of fuel and is therefore not subjected to the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
The savings are immediate and for many years to come.
The use of solar energy indirectly reduces health costs.
Environmentally friendly
Solar Energy is clean, renewable (unlike gas, oil and coal) and sustainable, helping to protect our environment.
It does not pollute our air by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide or mercury into the atmosphere like many traditional forms of electrical generation does.
Therefore Solar Energy does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog.
It actively contributes to the decrease of harmful green house gas emissions.
It's generated where it is needed.
By not using any fuel, Solar Energy does not contribute to the cost and problems of the recovery and transportation of fuel or the storage of radioactive waste.
Independent/ semi-independent
Solar Energy can be utilized to offset utility-supplied energy consumption. It does not only reduce your electricity bill, but will also continue to supply your home/ business with electricity in the event of a power outage.
A Solar Energy system can operate entirely independently, not requiring a connection to a power or gas grid at all. Systems can therefore be installed in remote locations (like holiday log cabins), making it more practical and cost-effective than the supply of utility electricity to a new site.
The use of Solar Energy reduces our dependence on foreign and/or centralized sources of energy, influenced by natural disasters or international events and so contributes to a sustainable future.
Solar Energy supports local job and wealth creation, fuelling local economies.
Low/ no maintenance


Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
Once installed, there are no recurring costs.
They operate silently, have no moving parts, do not release offensive smells and do not require you to add any fuel.
More solar panels can easily be added in the future when your family's needs grow.



More about Solar energy advantages disadvantages

Solar Energy Disadvantages

The initial cost is the main disadvantage of installing a solar energy system, largely because of the high cost of the semi-conducting materials used in building one.
The cost of solar energy is also high compared to non-renewable utility-supplied electricity. As energy shortages are becoming more common, solar energy is becoming more price-competitive.
Solar panels require quite a large area for installation to achieve a good level of efficiency.

The efficiency of the system also relies on the location of the sun, although this problem can be overcome with the installation of certain components.
The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds or pollution in the air.
Similarly, no solar energy will be produced during nighttime although a battery backup system and/or net metering will solve this problem. See www.dsireusa.org for details on how net metering allows you to save electricity and money.
As far as solar powered cars go - their slower speed might not appeal to everyone caught up in today's rat race.


As you can see there are many Solar Energy Advantages
Disadvantages can be found in any product or system, but it
is important to know that they can be managed in this case.

Miriam Said:

How hard is it to convert your home to solar energy?

We Answered:

They run plumbing all through the walls to pump water through to warm the floors and keep plumbing all insulated...
The lighting comes from the sun through special glass panes that filter warmth into the house...
It keeps everything warm in winter...
As for summer, the same windows are covered to keep the house cool and the plumbing is controlled by electronics to keep it cool...
I have seen the builders put in these big boxes that convert all your wires and plumbing to meet the needs of the house...
They have all kinds of buttons on them for setting special heat and cooling in different rooms...
It looks like you need a degree in electronics to learn to use them...
I am sure though I could never afford them and they would not work in my house because I have a manufactured home that does not have thick walls or strong exterior...
My house is all wood...

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here:
http://buildyourownhomeenergy.blogspot.com/

Jill Said:

solar energy commercial on the science channel......

We Answered:

This link will take you to the you tube commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QpE7wtZD…

Kristin Said:

How to Utilize Solar Energy for Homw use?

We Answered:

Solar energy can used in many ways. we can use this energy by putting solar panels in our houses and we can generate this energy like we have heard of things like solar geezer , solar cooker , solar lights etc. if we use solar energy in this way then we can also preserve our natural resources.
some uses for solar energy would be telling time with sun dial, cooking, pumping water, purifying water, heating water (pools), and to heat air.
Solar Energy is used mostly in places where there is a lot of sunlight. It is used in power plants in warm sunny climates, and on houses in around the same places. They are solar paneled houses which can be anywhere. Basically, solar energy can be found anywhere there is sunlight. It will work better with more sunlight though.

Julian Said:

solar energy?

We Answered:

As a former Californian I have looked into this and found the only help is after the fact. There are rebates, and tax breaks once you have a system installed and running. If you produce any excess power, you can go out and watch your meter spin backwards! And by law, the power companies must buy all the excess you can produce. Now That's pretty cool