PV Gap

Gordon Said:

Hey (blackratsnake) How easy and expensive is it to install Solar panels ?

We Answered:

Solar power can actually power your entire house, if you put enough solar power cells up. The cells are also called PVs. One large cell can provide up to around 108 watts, but if you continue to combine more cells together you can get up to what would be needed for your house.
You have the option of adding batteries as well for night time, or when the sun isn't lighting the area. I'd recommend deep cycle batteries, they can put out a total of more power.
You also have the option of having your house set up for solar power and hooked into the normal power grid. With that, you sell excess power back to the electric company. This depends on where you live, but most places have laws enforcing that.
As for the cost, a good sized system with enough power to run an entire house could run you up to around $30,000. However, private and government organazations offer grants, loans, and tax rebates. As well as with a system of that size, you would end up selling power back to the electric company, making you money back.

Paula Said:

Approximately how much would it cost to install a small solar panel and does the size of the house matter?

We Answered:

The cost really depends on your area and what government rebate
programs are currently available. The national government usually has a rebate for your taxes and your local government might also. There are also solar panel companies that allow you to rent panels. You only pay a small fee, but have to sign up for energy at a certain cost for something like 30 years.

Where I live, Houston, there are not any local rebate programs available. I think that in the city there are only 8 homes that rely on solar panels for the majority of their electricity needs. So basically, it is not cost effective where I live.

It tends to be more cost effective in Austin Texas and California where there are local rebates available.

As far as the actual cost, it depends on the type and installation you will require. You will need adequate sunlight.

Stacy Said:

Is there a chance to install solar panels in my school?

We Answered:

"Lot of 46" means it is a package of 46 solar panels for that price. Each of those panels is 40 W, so at peak capacity you'd be producing 1840 W (1.84 kW). That's enough to power 18 100 W incandescent light bulbs.

You'd also need to pay for an inverter, as well as installation. It'll probably cost over $10,000, but I wouldn't be surprised if you could get sponsors. I bet the school would put in a bit of cash as well because it will save them money on their electric bill.

Glenda Said:

How much would it cost to install a solar panel capable of creating enough fuel for your car?

We Answered:

You do want to assume a lot, like your efficiency numbers. The lowest cost photovoltaic panels, without any control modules etc, cost about a dollar per watt, fob factory, not installed.
Now they will give you 8 watt hours of power per day, or let us say you would need $120 for panels that would give you 1 kWH per day.

I think you could create a completed installation for 400 per kWH per day assuming you use your car the same amount each day.

Now electric 'cars' can be anything from a converted hummer that would go round the block on a kWH to a 4 wheel electrically assisted bicycle that might go 100 km with passengers pedalling. So decide how many times $200 your daily habit sould cost you.

Understand that you would be unwise to buy this for just your car. A big part of the cost is going to be batteries that will be needed to store power, or to power your home.

Those most economical PV cells are not anywhere close to 35% efficient. try 9%.