PV Gap

Janet Said:

Will the Dems' Solar and Wind Power Be Cheap --- About $0.08/kwh or what?

We Answered:

Its gonna be expensive as hell but their logic is that in the long run it will be cheaper.
Like installation,maintenance and all that stuff. Not really easy overhauling the system.

Edward Said:

How high does a barrel of oil have to go before solar power is cheaper than using fossil fuels?

We Answered:

That's a basic premise of economics, to determine the break-even point. You need to compare the fixed cost of purchase and the variable costs of operation.

Let's compare a 1000 watt gas powered generator and a 1000 watt solar panel. A solar panel of that size is going to cost around $5000, so about $5 per watt. A gas powered generator will cost around $500, so $0.50/watt. However the solar panel will have zero fuel cost, and the gas generator will cost around $4 per hour, or kilowatt hour, in fuel costs.

Now its just a matter of math. At current fuel prices, that means you would have to run the generator for just over 1,000 hours to break even.

Of course there are small diesel generators that are more fuel efficient than a small gas generator, but the purchase price will be higher. Increasing the capacity of both power sources will reduce the cost per kwh, but a solar panel will never be cheaper for the first kwh. As oil prices increase, there is no doubt that solar power (and other alternatives like nuclear, wind, biomass, and tidal) will become more cost competitive. From a purely economic perspective, I doubt that oil will ever get so high to preclude oil-powered electricity because of the relatively low capital cost offered by gas/oil/diesel generators.

Other things to consider are that huge amounts of oil are used in the manufacture of everything we use - including solar panels, and solar panels can not provide firm electricity.

Alfred Said:

Power supply for summerhouse?

We Answered:

There are 4 basic components to every photovoltaic (solar) system.
1. PV collection cell (solar panel)
2. Charge controller
3. Power inverter
4. Mass power storage system (Collection of batteries hooked up in series and in parallel to supply the correct combination of Voltage, and Amps to the inverter)

When you think of the four basic components, you can see why this is not the cheapest method there is.
Now, for your needs, you should start with 1 or 2 depending on frequency of use during your peak time 60Watt (21 peak Volt, dimensions about 20"X44") Panel.
You can pick these up on eBay for great prices. http://cgi.ebay.com/60-watt-3-5-amp-21vo… <-- This ebay item expires on July 30Th, I would bid on 2 at $180 a piece (they retail about $400 a piece)

I recommend http://cgi.ebay.com/ICP120W-Solar-Charge… Charge controller for up to 2 solar panels, or http://cgi.ebay.com/ProStar-15M-Solar-CH… for up to 4 of the panels I recommended.
Now for a power inverter. You said that you want to be able to heat up a kettle.. This is your greatest power consumption.. By doing this with electricity you are going to want to get a 2000W inverter or better.. If you decide to bring a small LP gas stove.. you can cut your needs waayyyy down.. You would only need 1 panel, the smaller controller, an 800 watt inverter, and 4 instead of 12 of the batteries I will get to next...
For the batteries.. Go with 12 deep cycle marine or golf cart batteries linked in series and parrallel ( have you electrition hook them up for a 12V system..) If you decide to take my advice on the gas stove, than you only need 4 batteries. Batteries are about $60 a piece at walmart.. I hope this help, feel free to e-mail with any questions. as far as your lighting, I would go with energy saving 24W (90W equivelant) daylight bulbs.

Erin Said:

solar power cheaper or more expensive?

We Answered:

Solar is one of the most expensive. You have it right. The cost of the panels, regular replacement of batteries and the electronics to turn DC into AC all get figured into the cost. Also solar panels have about a 20 year life span before they need to be replaced.
Oil is free to until you and in the cost of drilling, refining and shipping.