PV Gap

Sherry Said:

how do I convert the out put of solar panels in watts to kilowatts per month.?

We Answered:

Multiply 400 watts times hours per month time efficiency. Divide by 1000 to make kW.

Say 400W * 200hr/mo * 90% /1000
= 72kW-hr per month.

The efficiency above is for misalignment to the sun. As the sun moves during the day, it's rarely perfectly oriented. Also, some panels often don't put out rated current. If they get dirty, less power.

BTW, two big issues are that solar cells make direct current (DC), often at 12V or 24V nominal, and you may need electricity when the sun doesn't shine (like overcast winter days or at night). Thus, you need storage batteries. These loose another 10 to 20% of the power. Since houses use 120V AC, you need an inverter, which loses another 10 to 20%. Driving 240V loads, like dryers, ranges, air conditioners pretty much out of the question.

Solar generally not economical for most of us; if you're Ed Beggley, cost is no problem, go for the solar!

John Said:

What are my options for solar power in Wisconsin/Midwest?

We Answered:

It will work fine. It will be VERY expensive power, but it will work fine. Just call your local supplier and have it installed. This is very old technology and is proven.

If you don't want to have to pay out the initial cost, look at the link below. They will install a good system basically free, and you just pay for the power it produces. You are guaranteed to only pay the same rate as you would have to your electric company, and the rate never changes.

Lynn Said:

Will the power company pay me?

We Answered:

In most places in the US they will. Some even pay more than the standard rate, WE Energies in Wisconsin will pay 22.5 cents per kw/hr nearly twice the normal rate for solar. This is because the solar is producing when demand is at its highest, on sunny hot days when everyone uses their AC. They also like it because when the government asks them what percentage of their power is from renewable sources your production is included.
Fred has good advice, call your power company and ask or go to their website. They will probably want you to sign a contract and they probably want to come out and test the system to make sure it does not cause any problems and that it shuts down when the power goes out so you don't electrocute any line workers. They may also require you to carry liability insurance.
If you go to this page and scroll down to your state, you should find what your state requires the utility to do. http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes…
I have a wind turbine and get a check any month that I have extra power sent back to the grid.

Jamie Said:

Anyone know about eco-housing, cob building and building permits in Prince Edward Island?

We Answered:

Each community has their own set of rules , I left a link below maybe this can help or maybe just a phone call . Many places will let you do cobb or straw bale housing if you have the engineering approved .

Tina Said:

Grid inter-tie inverters with batteries and real time pricing? to save money?

We Answered:

post a link to your utility companies tariffs. I'd bet they would buy back electricity at a rate lower than the cheapest sell rate. Couple in the loses from the system and you will lose money.

If your plan worked, everyone would be millionaires.