PV Gap

Nicole Said:

Anyone have or know someone who has solar panels installed in their home? Is it worth getting?

We Answered:

I have been doing my homework on these for a couple of years now and have decided that for me, they aren't worth the investment at this time because a huge area needs to be dedicated for the panels in my particular situation and you can easily spend the equivalent of the cost of a luxury car on solar panels. The problem comes in when they don't pay for themselves as "quickly" as many people say they do, which happens a lot. Spending up to six figures and waiting for the expenditure to "pay for itself" can be very frustrating when you find that will happen 20 or 30 years down the road and not the 2 or 3 as is sometimes suggested.

Also, some people find that they have problems with their roofing that needs to be addressed before the panels are installed. Things such as leaks, sagging roofs, etc., can lead to greater issues after the expense and labor of panel installation has taken place. Then, you'll be looking at more costs to remove panels, repair the roof, and re-install the panels. Typically, you would have people that are knowledgeable enough to thoroughly inspect the roof (or any area the panels will be installed), but that is not always the case and you could be left holding the bag.

If you go all out to include whole house service from the solar panels, you will not notice much if any difference between solar power and your electric company. If you're in the desert and have plenty of room for the panels, you should be okay. However, there are lots of ways to attack that electric bill without spending thousands on solar panels.

Have you installed the new energy saving lightbulbs throughout your home? Have you switched to a tankless water heater? Have you got at least double, if not triple paned windows? Energy efficient doors and appliances? Have you tried using portable solar panels for certain appliances? Is your home insulated well? Are all the holes and cracks plugged and insulated? Is your HVAC system an energy efficient and well maintained one?

After you have done ALL of these things, you will see a difference in your electric bill and will likely have spent no more than, and likely LESS, the cost of buying and installing solar panels. However, the difference is that all of these things work in concert to increase your comfort and the home's efficiency without paying for the equivalent of a hot new Mercedes convertible.

Corey Said:

SOLAR PANELS (sun enerjy)?

We Answered:

First, solar panels come in two basic types - photovoltaics, which produce electricity (the black cells you normally think of), and solar thermal, which heats water (or some other fluid). It's one or the other, you could install both if you want that. Solar thermal is cost effective today, depending on how you currently heat your water. (The hot water could also be used to create electricity, like in a steam turbine, generally done in larger power plants).

Photovoltaics are more expensive, but coming down in price every day. To know how many panels you need, you first have to determine how many kWH your house uses, and do you want to be completely off the grid (which would also require large batteries), or just reduce your electric bill.

Tina Said:

Solar panels in upstate NY?

We Answered:

Before you run out and invest in such a thing, you'll need to research your city (or town's) building codes, zoning ordinances, and/or homeowner’s association rules before installing solar panels.

Some place restrictions on the size, placement, or number of solar panels you can use. Many towns also require a building permit for solar panel installation.

Best of luck going "Green."

Steve
http://newyorkforum.us