Solar Energy Amount Needed For Modular Home?

Question

I want to know what it would take to run a 16 x 80 modular home nd two sheds with solar energy. What watts and amperage would I need? Off grid of course...

Answer 1

I have done extensive study the last 2 months on wind power and solar energy. First thing you need to calculate your energy usage that occurred in last 12 months. If you are total electric, this should be easy. Look at past months for kw usage. My home is total electric, so calculations were easy. Unless you are extremely thrifty, you don't want to know what it would cost to do this. If it was feasible everyone would be doing it. Solar heating is different, there are do-it-yourself projects that work fairly well and be done fairly cheap. Wind Power is cheaper but still out of reach for most consumers. Looked at one unit for around $9000.00 from a company claiming that it would furnish complete power for a home. My home is 1600 sf. I calculated the output of this unit and for my peak month it would take 13 of these units to completely furnish my home. That is if the wind blows 15 mph, 24 hours a day. And it won't. Hope this of some help. Oh yes, on the Solar Power the one I looked at, cost was $1062.00 for 208 watts. That would burn 2-100 watt bulbs. Take a long time for 2 bulbs to burn $1000.00 worth of energy.

Answer 2

More information is necessary to calculate your energy needs accurately.  Such info is not just the amount of power you will require for your heating/cooling and all appliances but also the climate/terrain/weather patterns, location and shading of the house, etc.

Answer 3

The link is not a solar link but it gives ratings on watts for various electrical items. Just look at what you want to run at the same time and calculate how many watts you need. Depends on what you have you may need a lot of wattage. Make sure you factor in surges when the item is first turned on.

http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buye...