PV Gap

Grace Said:

Is it good to install hybrid wind & solar energy system for ur electric need at home light system.Is the resul

We Answered:

Yes it is but only if your state will subsidize at least 30% of it and you live in a sunny state (that's for solar). Wind is more predictable but it costs a bit more due to the wear and tear on the parts.

Rival

Darren Said:

If i have a grid-tied solar system that generates more than i use, is the electric company required to pay me?

We Answered:

Not all states, but most of them. They pay you peak rates 24/7.

Martin Said:

Replacing electric hot water system.I want either gas or gas/solar. Any suggestions?

We Answered:

Solar would be the most expensive and nowhere near cost effective, electric would be the next most expensive, cylinder ( in your words ) propane in mine would be the cheapest and most cost effective. Understand, Going green ( solar, wind, generator or a combination of the two ) all costs out the wazoo when done properly & reliably. Propane (cylinder) will be around a long time after the fad of going green is long gone.

Elsie Said:

how to set up an electric solar panel system?

We Answered:

Well it i dont know what kind of system your talking about, but i did mine like this. Panels on the roof wired into a Controller that charges a grid of batteries. the DC electricity from the Batteries then goes through a converter that changes the current into AC and then goes to a breaker box then through my house. but that is just one way to wire one up.

Randy Said:

How are kilowats figured on electric bills?

We Answered:

When I was pricing out my system I contacted my utility and they gave me monthly usage for the last 2 years. If you keep your bills it is easy to see what your yearly usage is, it will vary by season. Basically on your bill you should see a meter reading, what your meter was last month when they read it and what it is this month when they read it, you subtract last month from this month and you get the number of kwh you used, you can divide it by number of days to get a daily average. I looked at my old usage and I varied from 785 kwh in March up to 1930 kwh in Aug.

The system I had installed is a 3.75 kwh 20 panel system. I wasn't trying to zero out my bill, I wanted to get the maximum rebate and reduce my bill. I produce about 75% of my electricity, I have also made some changes that have made my home more energy efficient. My highest bill this past year was Jan. I paid $33.66 and used 206 kwh more than my system produced same month previous year my usage was 898 kwh. My summer bills are down from over $200 to around $20.

Hope this helps

Andre Said:

How much funding is needed for the 20k solar dish system being introduced in CA by stirling energy systems?

We Answered:

You might be able to get some info from this site.

http://www.findsolar.com

Carol Said:

Our electric bill is outrageous- any suggestions on a simple solar system set up that's DIY?

We Answered:

Solar doesn't work very well in the winter - not enough sun. Codes generally do not allow self setup because there is a very real danger and it has to be wired so there is no feedback into the wire system (or electric company workers up line could be fried). Also, it's generally not a good idea to run intensive users of electricity on solar (like heating); it takes way too many expensive panels to do this. Batteries (close to $200 each) would be needed for darkness heating and they don't last long if they are brought down more then 50% very often. You would also need a generator if it were cloudy, an inverter, and a controller. You'd be looking at closer to $5000 then $500.

I think you might do better with vented propane space heaters. Generally propane costs less to heat with then electricity and you only have to heat rooms you are using at the time. You can get them with thermostats so the house can be kept at, say, 50F when you are not there. However, I doubt you could do this option for $500 or less either.
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