PV Gap

Jimmy Said:

How hard is it to convert your home to solar energy?

We Answered:

I have seen this done on HGTV channel when people remodel their homes...
It is quite expensive to be sure...
Each home is different because of size...
They run plumbing all through the walls to pump water through to warm the floors and keep plumbing all insulated...
The lighting comes from the sun through special glass panes that filter warmth into the house...
It keeps everything warm in winter...
As for summer, the same windows are covered to keep the house cool and the plumbing is controlled by electronics to keep it cool...
I have seen the builders put in these big boxes that convert all your wires and plumbing to meet the needs of the house...
They have all kinds of buttons on them for setting special heat and cooling in different rooms...
It looks like you need a degree in electronics to learn to use them...
I am sure though I could never afford them and they would not work in my house because I have a manufactured home that does not have thick walls or strong exterior...
My house is all wood...

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Darlene Said:

Can someone tell me about solar panels for homes?

We Answered:

Solar panels produce low voltage direct current electricity. To be used in a home that electricity must be stored in batteries and converted to 120-240 volts 60 hertz AC (alternating current). And its frequency must be synchronized to the electricity supplied by the power company.
A 100 watt solar panel produces 100 watts of power, enough to power one 100 watt light bulb. To generate enough power to power a home, the solar panel must be capable of producing at least 1500 to 2000 watts per hour (1.5/2.0 KW/hrs)

And you're quite correct, it's an expensive proposition to install a solar panel system... and it should be installed by experts.

Sherry Said:

How hard is it to convert your home to solar energy?

We Answered:

I have seen this done on HGTV channel when people remodel their homes...
It is quite expensive to be sure...
Each home is different because of size...
They run plumbing all through the walls to pump water through to warm the floors and keep plumbing all insulated...
The lighting comes from the sun through special glass panes that filter warmth into the house...
It keeps everything warm in winter...
As for summer, the same windows are covered to keep the house cool and the plumbing is controlled by electronics to keep it cool...
I have seen the builders put in these big boxes that convert all your wires and plumbing to meet the needs of the house...
They have all kinds of buttons on them for setting special heat and cooling in different rooms...
It looks like you need a degree in electronics to learn to use them...
I am sure though I could never afford them and they would not work in my house because I have a manufactured home that does not have thick walls or strong exterior...
My house is all wood...

June Said:

Are there any monthly expenses when purchasing solar panels for your home?

We Answered:

Most systems that solar installers design are grid-tied. That means they are connected directly into the grid and do not require a battery. Net metering is a special billing arrangement that allows customers to get credit for the full retail value of the electricity their photovoltaic (PV) system generates. Under this agreement, the customer’s electric meter tracks the surplus electricity generated by the solar electric system and the electricity that the customer consumes. The customer only has to pay for the net amount (consumption minus usage) of electricity they use.

In this scenario, there is virtually no maintenance for your solar installation. Dust and other debris settling on the modules will decrease their efficiency and power output. In most locations, rains are frequent and heavy enough to provide adequate washing. If rain isn’t coming often enough to keep them clean, or if bird droppings become a problem, modules can be washed down with a garden hose early in the morning or late at night.

Georgia Said:

Can someone tell me about solar panels for homes?

We Answered:

There are two types of devices that collect energy from the sun:

Solar photovoltaic modules use solar cells to convert light from the sun into electricity.

Solar thermal collectors use the sun's energy to heat water or another fluid such as oil or antifreeze

There is only a one time cost to installing solar panels.
The way to get the most for your money is, really to have them installed at the time of the home being built.
You have to figure, over-time, how long it will take regarding the cost of the solar panels vs the cost of your energy now.