PV Gap

Emily Said:

If I want to install a DIY solar water heater, or solar panels, where do I get the parts & materials?

We Answered:

www.aetsolar.com

There are others google them. try solar thermal systems and see what you get

These guys have good complete systems and a good reputation. whatever parts they don't include can be obtained at any hardware store

Constance Said:

Solar panels for a small gym outside my house?

We Answered:

The answer depends on how long you would be running the AC, how many watts it draws, and where you are located.

I'll do the math with some guesses to get you in the range.

If we guess 500W for the air conditioner and running for 8 hours, that's 4000 watt hours (Wh) a day. I assume this would be in the summer, so let's say 6 sun hours a day (that is different from hours of sun, it is a standard rate used to size systems). You would need about 1000W (or 1kW) of solar panels. If this was a battery based system, so it can run any time, you would need a battery bank about 48V at 250ah. You'd also need the inverter, mounting equipment, and safety equipment for the whole system. I hope you're sitting down, this system would cost about $10k. Unfortunately, anytime you try to make hot or cold, it uses a lot of electricity.

There is a package that is the correct size you need at the AltE Store at http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-…

You can run this all yourself with an online off-grid calculator at http://www.altestore.com/howto/Calculato…

Alma Said:

Has anybody tried the new small wind turbines and/or solar panels now available from large DIY stores?. An?

We Answered:

The sad thing about solar panels is they don't easily work with combi boilers although I suppose you couls have a pre-heat cylinder between the incoming mains and the boiler. I see many negative comments about wind turbines. I don't think we get many days with no wind at all so there should be some gain during the day as well as during the night. Fridges and freezers are on all the time as are stand-by systems on tv,video etc and it is here that the savings could be made.