Running a total household with solarpower ?

Question

Is that possible. i want to go as green as I can. I dont want to contribute to global warming anymore. So i decided when i build my house, id go totally solar, and make use of bio gas. Tell me how much of my fantacy could be real ?

Answer 1

That is what my family and I are attempting!  Find out what are your biggest electricity consumers; ours is the washing machine and oven.  We're ditching the oven, and are thinking of using a generator once a week for the washing machine, and to "top up" the batteries if needed.

Lighting is going to be with LEDs and fluorescent lights on purpose built inverters.  Check marine/boating supplies for 12 volt gear.  Also, check the idea "toroidal air flow" for cooling.

Answer 2

All of it.

But it will cost you money.  Since solar sometimes doesn't work, going "off-grid" requires massive electric storage capacity.

A better way (even if you have the money) is to build a fairly large solar system, but connect to the grid.  When you have excess power, they buy it (in most locations, check with a solar installer).  At night, you use their power.

It has some environmental pluses, since you don't need massive batteries, probably made with something that's nasty.

Evil carbon - With tax incentives and selling your excess power, it's only about 10 years.  But you'll note I did say it would be expensive.

Answer 3

Yes you can ......

Depends on were you live you can also have wind energy,

like wind turbines...

To help with your heating you can use a heat pump, they draw heat from the ground.  (but you will have to replace your existing furnaces)

Answer 4

OK, the average household uses a little over 10,000 kWh of electricity per year.  I found a residential package cheap...

http://www.solarhome.org/index.asp?PageA...

It's only $47,091.75 (plus install).  If your average electric bill is $200 it will only take you 20 years to pay it off, outside of repairs  or other issues.