Solar panels on home?

Question

Has anyone done this? Is it complicated? Are there websites with directions? And where do you recommend that I buy solar panels?

I don't want to go crazy with it. Maybe just do a few for the smaller rooms in my house to conserve some energy.

Answer 1

it doesnt work like that- you don't do it for a room or two.

You install a system based on your available roof area and orientation.  The generated electricity is sold to your local power company - this is called "net metering".  

find a solar energy company in your area- they can explain the financials and are set up to include financing options and the green credit options that can offset your costs almost entirely.

with the offset of your energy usages (savings) and the green credit sales (income) your pay back can be 5-7 years, not 20

Answer 2

I started out with one panel and had the out side lights on it

10 years ago that panel cost $50 Today you can buy the

kit from Harbor Freight  Light, Panel kit for under $50

Since then I have added on  and running all the lights

inside and out. It took ONLY 2 YEARS to pay off   I have $1500 in the setup I have now and added a Wind gen..

And in the summer I get bills as low as $12

www.cvvhf.org/kb9pjl/greenside.htm

You can But the small kits and work your way in it.

3 panel kit 45 watts is a good starter $250  

Batterys start at $50 each  Inverter 12vcd to 120 ac

start at $30

http://www.harborfreight.com/     key word solar

Answer 3

here in Jordan we use them to heat water all year around, it had to be on the roof, facing sun direction as much as possible,

the solar panels works as whole unite for the entire pluming system.and if if they were implemented properly you can still have hot water at night and winter  

but i think you do have more improved models that not only heat water, any way check this web sit  

http://www.solarhome.org/

Answer 4

Some people here dont understand that you dont need battery storage in order to use solar panels.  There are "grid tied" systems available (aka metering).  Meaning you use electric company juice during the night and during the day, the meter spins backwards.  You basically sell electricity to the electric company.  Without expensive batteries, turnaround is closer to 10-15 years as opposed to 20-30.

A Do-It-Yourself can probably bring that closer to 8-10 years.   And even less with tax credits if available. The hardest part is the electrical work needed which usually requres an expert and is expensive.

Wholesale Solar has kits available.

Answer 5

Read the article in the link below from HGTV Green Home. It has lots of ideas to go green. Give this article to anyone you know that owns a home.

Before you spend lots of money on panels you need to minimize the amount of energy you home produces. That is much cheaper and quicker than adding solar panels. You will need less panels when you use less energy. You don't need to change the way you live to save energy. One of the cheapest and quickest way is to change all your incandecent light bulbs into compact florescent light bulbs.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/green_home_2008...

Answer 6

Google solar panel. There will be more sources than you can ever read.

Installation of solar power is expensive. The pay back period is 20-40 years.

Answer 7

Check out  http://www.KnowledgePublications.com  for answers to your questions and suggestions for building or buying solar panels inexpensively.  Both heating and electric. also source for alternitive fuel publications

Answer 8

i think it is a good idea google it but it is cheaper to run and does not destroy the enviroment but think about what your going to do at night with no electricity

Answer 9

You have to understand the workings of solar cell energy storage as well as what is new out there. On line sources is good for a start but talk to someone who has roof panels installed. Ed Begeley Jr. is one of the biggest supporters of environmental concerns and solutions. He has a web site and TV program called "Living with Ed" that has an answering chat web. Also locate a local company in your area (yellow pages) and ask questions.

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