PV Gap

Roland Said:

About how much money will Ontario save if the whole province runs on solar energy?

We Answered:

zero dollars.

solar costs more than coal fired, nuclear power or hydro power. It costs more than wind power.

Troy Said:

Can you install solar panels if they'll get snowed on?

We Answered:

They should hold up just fine to the weather, however they will produce very little if any power while they are covered. If you want them to continue to give power to the structure during this time you have to knock the snow off. also as far north as you are the days will be very long from May till mid august so they should function fine.

Beth Said:

Solar Panel questions...?

We Answered:

I have a system that was installed last year. I have 20 panels which provide me with about 75% of my electricity. I do use less electricity than the average home. I use an average of 45 kwh in the summer, my neighbor uses more than double that. I paid $26K for the system, but I got a $10K rebate from my utility and the US gives a fed. tax credit.

I am saving about $2K per year, so it will take just over 6 years to break even. I also have what I think is called net metering, my utility allows my meter to run backwards when I generate more energy than I use, so pretty much the entire time the sun is out in the summer.

Having energy efficient appliances, reducing standby energy and using conservative climate control really helps keep my usage down. Weather striping, insulation and clean well maintained systems all help as well.

Tyler Said:

Solar Cell: Where can I find them?

We Answered:

Wal-Mart................sorry no pun intended well a little, I don't know if you have a Wal Mart or its equivalence in Canada, it's a retail store here in the states and I really don't know if their international of just states side. But in their gardening department they sell solar lighting for yard decorations. They have a solar cell that charges a 1.5v battery that supplies the current for the led light and if this is for a project your building you could probably incorporate 3 and or 4 of these in a series to give you the voltage you need and their inexpensive, you might even be able to order them on line. good luck

Pearl Said:

Solar mounting for flat roofs?

We Answered:

Hi Skoob

Here is the link to a video showing how easy it can be done on flat roofs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKsOpDSRl…
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