PV Gap

Annie Said:

How to use solar energy for home?

We Answered:

to heat water for heat and to produce electricty
i have 200 solar panels. the water is a very saline solution as to hold heat in a heat exchanger
the sun reflects back off a parabolic panel heating the solution. and the system tracks the sun all day and auto resets for morning sun

Wilma Said:

Converting to Solar Panels- If I wanted to convert my home to solar energy, what would the cost be?

We Answered:

A lot of it depends on where you live.
how large is your house.
how many sunny days you get a year.
and how large your utility bill is.

I found this website very informative, especially if you go down to where the questions and answers are.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/…

Monica Said:

how much does home solar energy cost in california?

We Answered:

It will depend on a variety of things. Since you live in CA you should get a great rebate through your utility. The size of system will depend on your location, any shade, roof orientation and usage. I can tell you a little about my system.

I have a 2000sf tri level home in No. CA, I got a 3.74 kwdc system which cost $26K, I got a $10K rebate and a $2K fed tax credit (would have been $7800 if I waited till this year). I am generating about 90% of my summer energy and 75% of my winter energy (shorter days, less light). It took my summer bill from around $250 to under $20. I should break even no later than 6 years, most likely sooner with the rate increases they are proposing.

There are programs in some areas that lease panels, but I advise you get a no cost no obligation quote from a licensed contractor. They should be able to advise a system that is right for you, let you know about local rebates, net metering (buying back excess energy) etc.

Derek Said:

Info on Solar energy in a home?

We Answered:

Google search "solar builders" for a good start.

Wesley Said:

Does anyone have experience with solar energy home use? Do you know of any good resources?

We Answered:

That is a question that has been frustrating to me also. It seems like utility bills keep going up and up. I have been exploring some solar energy solutions. I know that we all think that solution is very expensive, but there are starting to be some real alternatives out there. There are a couple of Do It Yourself programs out there that I think have some really good suggestions.

I found some of these helpful on this website. You can check it out by going to http://www.solarenergyhomeuse.com/

Natalie Said:

Conversion costs of wind and solar energy on an average home.?

We Answered:

google in your area. Why would you want to do this. Your energy costs will double. better bet is to cut back, insulate, and rethink what you need.