PV Gap

Beth Said:

What are the steps involved in converting solar powerl in to household energy?

We Answered:

Solar panel are installed, these generate DC voltage from sunlight.

The DC electricity is next conditioned and converted to a usable AC voltage using electronic hardware.

This energy is then either used by the home owner, stored in batteries for future use or sold to the electric company.

The equipment needed to produce the energy that an average family uses each day is VERY EXPENSIVE. The estimates I've been given for my home range from $30,000 to $60,000.

Since my yearly electric bill is usually under $1000 per year it does not offer a logical pay-back time frame.

You can see estimates of what it might cost you at this web site.

http://www.chooserenewables.com/

You will generally get the best pay back by sealing up your home with caulk, insulating your water heater and turning off unused lights.

The most affordable solar system for most home owners is a solar hot water heating system. These will generally cost between $2000 and $6000.