PV Gap

Ralph Said:

Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?

We Answered:

there is no problem. global warming is a myth. therefore i'm not a part of a solution or problem.

Glen Said:

Energy solutions?

We Answered:

Americans should stop eating so much. It bad for you anyway and if our asses weren't so fat we could probably fit in some smaller cars.

Gary Said:

How much can I expect it to cost to install solar panels?

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 about 1200 Watts worth of panels. (~$3,500)
You can pick these up on eBay for great prices.

Charge controller 50A (~$300)

Now for a power inverter.
You are going to want to get a 3000W inverter or better. ($600 +)

For the batteries.
Since you want a grid tie-in system they are not really necessary. But it would still be a good idea to get a dozen 6VDC heavy duty golf cart or marine deep cycle batteries. They should be hooked up in parrallel and series by an electritan. This way you can still have power when the power goes out and there is little-no sun. (~$1,000 total)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tonen-53-watt-Photov…
Enough panels... (~$3,500)

http://cgi.ebay.com/60A-XANTREX-C60-Sola…
Charge controler 60A (for up to 1440W worth of panels) ($300)

http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inve…
Power inverter to change 12VDC panel power to 220VAC House power. (~$600)

You are also going to need various switches and a meter to keep track of how much you are sending back to your power company.

Final answer... Expect to pay ~$7,000.00 with installation by a qualified electritan.

Leo Said:

even after this live earth concert, none of the young folks here know about solar?

We Answered:

Low income folks have totally been forgotten by the Eco Troopers who pontificate about how "every one else" needs to go green by running out and buying a $30,000 Prius or spending $10,000 on a home solar system, which you will also want to run your A/C after sunset. Figure about $1,000 for each 100 square feet of trailer you want to keep cool.

For $3,000 you can buy a wind generator that will run after sunset that might actually power a window unit, I saw one on actor Ed Begley Jr.s home last week.

For now I suggest what I do myself, and thats to go ahead and buy expensive florescent light bulbs, because they really do use less electricity and at the same time don't heat up the house. If its at all possible look into adding insulation a little at a time as you can afford it. I doubt if manufactured trailers include any more than a bare minimum of insulation to keep the cost down. Good luck.

Ana Said:

How to set up a wind mill and get a grid tie?

We Answered:

The best first call would be to your local utility company, and to let them know that you are interested in acquiring wind or solar, and to ask about the utility rebates. The utility can recommend solar or wind installers as well.
For wind, it is rather intemittent, and only comes close to "paying back" if you have a consistent average wind of about 14 mph. It takes about a 7 or 8 mph wind to just turn the blades. The installed cost of a 2.5 kW wind unit is about $16,000 to $20,000. Maintenance costs can be rather high as well.
Solar is more expensive. Installed cost is about $20,000 to $30,000 for a 2 or 3 kW unit installed on your roof.
Your better alternative is to continue with the local utility as long as your electric rates are less than $0.25 or $0.30 per kWh. Depending on where you live, your electric rates are likely very cheap at $0.10 per kWh or less.
You have to decide if you think it is better to pay $20,000 to $30,000 up front for a wind or solar power unit --- or to continue to pay $80 / month ( or $1000/ yr) for electric service from the local utility.