PV Gap

Audrey Said:

If you wanted to use solar panels or a generator ect for electricity, and you don't have a lot of money, how?

We Answered:

I've been investigating this for some time as part of planning for a home I'm building in a couple of years. First of all, solar panels are extremely expensive and at this point in time the return isn't worth the investment. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but it's the truth. Also, you cannot use solar panels to run an air conditioner or heating system because the current draw is too great. I'd suggest you pick up a copy of "Home Power" magazine, you can get it at most bookstores (I know Borders carries it). They also have a website -- www.homepower.com. Solar power is a lot of fun to get involved with, but it's SO expensive that you'd have to almost consider it a hobby.

Now, about the generator thing. Generators run on two types of fuels: "wet" and "dry". Wet fuels are gasoline and diesel. Dry fuels are gases like propane. Generators that run on dry fuels have a shorter lifespan due to lack of lubrication. However, almost all generators for home use are not intended for full-time service -- they're engineered for occasional use in emergencies. My research shows whole-house generators to be not worth the investment. You'd be better off buying a smaller generator (5 kw, maybe) and just keep it around to power critical items, such as the refrigerator and a few lights, in the event of an extended outage.

If you want to save money on electricity, your best money is spent on energy-SAVING solutions, not energy-PRODUCING things. For example, install sola-tubes for lighting in darker areas of your home; consider a ground-source heat pump; install a solar water heater.

Good luck!