PV Gap

Ryan Said:

Will Solar Power reduce the temperature outside?

We Answered:

That's actually a really interesting question. The answer is no, and I'll explain why. Energy travels from the Earth to the Sun. When it reaches the Earth, a variety of things happen to it. Some is reflected back, some is absorbed by the atmosphere, and some is absorbed by the Earth itself and things on the ground. That's a bit of an oversimplification, but let's just focus on the energy that is absorbed by stuff on the surface of the Earth.

A certain amount of the Sun's energy is absorbed by people's houses every day. If those houses don't have solar panels on them, then nothing really happens to that energy. It just heats up their shingles and things. A small amount might reflect off of roofs, but that has a negligible effect on the Earth's temperature. So, now let's suppose that those same houses had solar panels on them. The same amount of energy is still hitting the houses and being absorbed by them, but instead of just being wasted, it's now being used for things. The overall effect on the climate, though doesn't change.

Once again, very interesting question.

Zachary Said:

How many of you use solar power for your houses?

We Answered:

My dad bought this for our home... If you would like to do this be aware that you need to wait at least 7 months because the silicone that is used in the panels is hard to manufacture. The benefits and tax deductions can save you thousands of dollars. You can sell the unused power back to PG&E so your bill can be zero. Get a company that is based in your area. We went through Home Depot. It also adds great equity to your home.

Cecil Said:

Solar Powered Houses?

We Answered:

I'm not sure how many solar panels you'll need (it depends on the climate, architecture, appliances, etc) but too many "green" designs overlook the power of sunlight as natural light. Instead of solar panels covering the entire roof, you'll want to have open 'windows' on your roof to let in natural light. Many green designs even have entire walls of the house made of glass, to fully utilize the sun's light.

The south side of the house, atleast in my area, receives the most sun, so having that face of the house opened up with large windows would definitely give you natural sufficient natural lighting during the day, and even some heat during the winter (blinds during the summer will keep the sun away).

Green roofs (roof gardens) help absorb a LOT of heat during the summer. You can also expand the idea of that and make a "living wall."

You also might want to look into geothermal energy and if it's possible in your area. What is goes is tap into heat energy deep into the earth. I know of houses totally 100% independent of city electric utilities even here in America just by using solar panels and geothermal energy.

Willie Said:

How do you build a model solar powered house?

We Answered:

You need batteries to hold the power with light bulbs to match - flashlight bulbs probably and photocells to generate electricity. Lowes and Home Depot are not places for these. You could buy glass or plastic and thin wood there and make passive solar where the heat is absorbed by walls to even out the temperature and could, with care, use small tubing to make active solar water heating.

Duane Said:

where to find grants for solar power to private houses?

We Answered:

Try the following; maybe, it will help

Ivan Said:

Wind & Solar Power?

We Answered:

B & Q have a new windmill that plugs straight into your mains