PV Gap

Gail Said:

Solar power?

We Answered:

A 5000 BTU air conditioner, even a high efficiency one,
will draw about 750 W. running.
Figure at least 50% duty cycle, and you need 375 W./Hr. to run your A.C. unit for one hour.
The 1.8 W. panel you're looking at will gather maybe 10 W. Hr.s on a good day, and you'll need batteries and an inverer to convert the stored 12V. DC output of the panel to the 120V. AC you need to run your air conditioner.
In short, it's not a practical project.

Carolyn Said:

Solar power using a solar panel or solar panels.?

We Answered:

Cost is a matter of perspective. I have a system that cost $26K, That was less than my pool. I also got a $10K rebate and a fed. tax credit. I should break even in my 6th year. With rates increasing about 5% a year we will likely be paying double in less than 15 years, without my system that would be ove $500 in the summer, with my system it will be more like $40. I should save well over $50K over the life of my panels.

All that being said conservations is key. I was able to cut my usage at least 25% before getting my panels and I was pretty conservative before that. I know my neighbor uses more than twice the electricity I use and we have the same floor plan.