PV Gap

Morris Said:

How do i convert my house to solar energy?

We Answered:

Converting to solar is more about how much power you use on a daily basis, where you live and how much space you have to install the PV panels.

First - make a note of your power consumption for the last year or so. Then look at anything you can cut consumption on - new appliances, home improvements, alternative heating/cooling.

Second - Survey your location for solar potential. Remember the sun's ability to power PV panels will change significantly if you the more north you are.

Last - Plan for what you use. If you normally consume 4kW/day you will need to capture (and store in batteries) 4kW of solar on average. You can mount 5-6kW and if you have reverse metering have you meter spin backwards during the day and use the grid power at night.

If you can reduce your need from 4kW to 2kW you can save on the amount of panels you buy. For maximum solar potential you will need to mount the PV panels on a tracker - a motorized stand that will tilt and turn the panels to follow the sun. Thus you may need lots of space.

There are lots of factors that go into the price but a ball park number to start with is about $6/w installed so 5kW is about $30,000 give or take on your area and the complexity of the installation.

If you pay $500/month on average for electricity then you can see the light at the end of that tunnel. If you only pay $100-200 then well, it is a lot harder to justify until price/watt drops.

Hope that wasn't all bad news...

Holly Said:

Why isn't more money spent on Solar Energy research?

We Answered:

it is not a big issue

Sally Said:

can i change my house into solar house by using solar energy rather thatn electricity by installing solar pane

We Answered:

Yes, but A: it will cost you a fortune, and B: you will need to cover your whole roof, and C: this still won't provide you with enough power.

Sarah Said:

How should individuals promote solar energy?

We Answered:

First, be prepared to spend more money for the solar system than you will recover in reduced utility bills. My combined gas and electric bill averaged about $1,400 a year. I had a 6kw photovoltaic system put in. After rebates it cost me about $40,000. I now have an annual utility bill of $170. So I am recovering my investment at about $1,230 per year. My homeowners insurance went up too, so the savings is several hundred dollars less. If I had invested the $40,000 at 5% interest, it would bring back $2,000 per year!

I do hope to recover a bit more when I sell the house, but will never know how much it added to the selling price.

Secondly, I hope you can install a system. It is of tremendous benefit to the environment.

Before you spend any money on equipment or installation, learn all you can. See if any of the solar distributors in your area hold classes or seminars on the subject. Also your educational institutions. Work the internet. Keep records of what you learn. Talk to folks who have solar systems.

One thing most people don't consider is the roof. I had mine installed over the garage and an overhang. I didn't want a bunch of penetrations of the roof over the attic. A leak over the garage is a nuisance. Over the attic it is a nightmare. Sure enough I have had one small leak. Also if the existing roof will be in need of replacement soon, it might be bes to wait and do both at once. Removal of the solar system and putting it back will add considerably to the roofing cost.

Larry Said:

solar energy?

We Answered:

I ran solar in my cabin for years it is easy a small system needs a deep cell Battery in line from panel to out put point a small panel will run a radio 24/7 a small car fan 8 hrs at night but little more the panel was a 52 watt.....there other tricks to keep that battery charged like install two batteries in your car with a switch over switch from marine supply...run your car on way to work as you stop turn switch to one battery at home just plug your car #2 batteries into fish house the key is the marine battery switch buy it used at a boat repair shop......special note you will need a flow diode so as not to drain your batteries in case of a short run a female end extention cord from #2 bat out your grill heck just plug in don't lift the hood