PV Gap

Ray Said:

How much would a 12" x 12" solar panel cost, and how much electricity will it run?

We Answered:

Not an easy answer, but here's an example:

http://www.spheralsolar.com/kyoceraks10s…

This panel is about 12"x12" and as you can see it is a 10 watt panel. So if it were oriented directly at the sun, and sun was high in the sky, it would generate 10 watts. This is just an example, there are many different kinds and wattages.

What would it run? It could run a lamp with a Compact Fluorescent Light bulb in it, which is usually about 10 watts. Hope this helps...

Shane Said:

How much would a solar energy panel cost to install in a 3 bedroom house (roughly)?

We Answered:

Since you're asking about price, I'm assuming you're interested in saving money. Just so you know, your best payback is investing in conservation measures, like insulation, efficient lighting, and efficient appliances The next best payback is solar hot water. And now, about the solar electricity:

The vast majority of modern solar electric (photovoltaic) systems do not use batteries. They tie to the electric grid, driving the meter backwards during the day, and letting the meter run forwards at night. At least, conceptually, that's how it's supposed to work. How much a system costs really depends on how much electricity the house uses, and what fraction of it you want to replace with solar (it doesn't have to be 100%). At the low end, a solar install will be maybe $15,000, and the largest common system will be in the ballpark of $50,000. That's before state and federal rebates, which return as much as 2/3 of the cost in some areas.

Our house is 1800 square feet, in a mild climate with no A/C, no electric heat, no electric stove, no pool. A 3 kW array supplies substantially 100% of our electricity, and cost $12,000 net after rebates.

Brett Said:

how much do solar panel batteries cost?

We Answered:

Solar panels produce but do not store electricity.
Most decent solar panels should last for a few decades.
They may be used to augment grid power with out batteries.

Batteries that are used for storage in a battery backup system are the same ones that are used if the power were hydro, gen-set or grid. There are a variety of battery types with different shelf lives. Some are warrantied for 10 years that may last 20, but they cost more. Exactly how long they do last will depend on the environment they are kept. The capacity and number of batteries will effect the cost.

The link below will give you a very good overview of pros and cons of the various types, along with links to some manufacturers.

Lloyd Said:

How much would a solar panel cost on average in the south?

We Answered:

Southern California costs:
$590 to $800 for a single 220w panel
$50-100 labor to install it.
Then you must have a DC>AC inverter/controller.
$45,000 for a 7000 watt system installed, with controller, hookups to street power and house, permits.
That is about $6.50 per watt, before any Federal or state tax credits or local power company rebates, or credit for excess power generation going back into the grid.

Philip Said:

How much does a race car that uses solar panel cost?

We Answered:

Solar powered cars compete in the ultimate Panasonic World Solar Challenge and may cost "...from $50,000 AUD ($44,944) to $2.5 million AUD ($2.25 million)1 There are two types of electric car racing. In competition with ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and against other electric vehicles in solar powered races.

Solar panels in the lab are not much more than 42% efficient. Solar panels you can buy are typically no more than 8 to about 20% efficient. When the sun hits such a panel on an angle it is even less efficient. Because vehicles are always moving and changing direction, as is the sun in the sky alignment of solar panels on vehicles is problematic or impossible. In addition the sun can go behind the clouds or bad weather may blow in. Some batteries are always needed but they may be prohibited by racing rules.

Race cars use a lot of power. Electric cars excel at drag racing due to full torque at 0 RPM characteristics of an electric motor. Drag racing vehicles use a lot of power for a short time.2 Solar panels alone are not sufficient to acquire the needed power from the sun for the duration of a drag race (and be competitive with ICE vehicles.) Battery storage is also needed. As a gimmick you could also add a solar panel.

Other vehicles even if they use solar power will have some storage capacity in batteries. Here are some examples:
concepts and references to 3 solar racers: http://www.dasolar.com/solar-energy/sola…
Solar van: http://web.archive.org/web/2004052019225…
Electric car with solar trailer: http://revengeoftheelectriccar.com/solar…
Using stationary solar panels to power an electric vehicle: http://www.solarelectricalvehicles.com/
misc facts: http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/science-tec…