PV Gap

Wendy Said:

Installing solar panels and wind turbines at home?

We Answered:

If you're looking to install your own renewable energy system, I would recommend taking some design and Installation classes. There are quite a few out there, but the ones that come to my head right away are....

AltE University
http://workshops.altestore.com/

Solar Energy International
http://solarenergy.org/

Midwest Renewable Energy Association
http://www.the-mrea.org/course_workshops…

If you do a web search for Wind Turbine or Solar Panel Installation classes it should pull up plenty more options.

Also, check out Homepower magazine. It is a fantastic resource.
www.homepower.com

-Dave

Leroy Said:

Why aren't solar and wind power used as the main source of energy in America?

We Answered:

There are small areas, in America, where solar and wind power are used. At the moment, it is far too expensive for the average consumer to convert to solar energy. The power companies don't want to lose the big money they get from the status quo. They lobby corrupt individuals, within our government, to keep their "gravy train" moving on its track. Money. It all comes down to money.

Justin Said:

Is Solar really cost-effective for home use?

We Answered:

You can probably find an investment with a much quicker pay-back. What is the payback without the subsidy? Are you morally concerned at all about people paying taxes involuntarily to subsidize spending on a project that is not economical? I am.

If you live in a hot climate you might save more energy/money if you plant trees that provide afternoon shade. Sure it takes a while to grow tall, but in 13-15 years you will have something that is appreciating in value and can add substantially to the value of your home?

In many climates a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) can return it's investment in 5 years. If you can get that kind of return in 5 years you can bank the money while waiting for solar to become more affordable.

Look at the opportunty costs of going solar. It's money you could have spent on something else which pays back sooner.

One more tip. The diesel getta is probably a better overall value than the prius.

Naomi Said:

how many solar panels needed for Heater and AC?

We Answered:

There are many, upon many variations of equipment needed for a complete solar home. I would call several contractors in your area that deals with it and get estimates.

You have to look at what your wattage diet is at your home. How many watts are you using for your AC and heat. Which can vary by age, efficiency, insulation of home, etc.

Look at your electric bill for a normal summer month and a normal winter month, then estimate your heating and cooling (Sometimes can be as much as 70% of the bill). You will see on your bill your toal kilowatt hours.
(1 Kilowat = 1000 Watts)
Solar systems can start as low as $2.00/watt, but can rapidly approach $20.00/watt depending on the difficulty of application etc....

Here is the great thing, in many areas of the country there may be rebates from the county or state. And what you don't use can be fed back into the grid, and you get paid for it.

But as always - Call a quailified contractor and get the right system for your home.