What is the best and proven solar power unit for creating free power for your household?

Question

Something that is affordable and you can use at home.

Answer 1

There are many reputable solar companies around. The main thing is to make sure the batteries and inverter you have is sufficient for the amount of power you need.

Might also be a good idea to have a look at wind power as well as solar. They can work quiet well together.

Answer 2

The technology is well-proven for professionally installed systems, so I wouldn't worry too much about anything except the installer's reputation and expertise.

At present, solar electric involves $10k, $20k, maybe even more of capital investment in order to be cost effective in the USA.  It varies by location.  With rebates in some states, this can be cheaper than the grid electricity you presently buy, over the course of 10 or 20 years.  Or, if the power you're buying right now is already very expensive, like 30 cents per kWh or more, then you can save money with solar.  You can only SAVE money, it's not really "free".

But take heart!  I think panel prices will be dropping in the next year or so.  There was a shortage of polysilicon, the raw material that makes the majority of panels today, but new supplies will finally be coming on line.

Also,  if saving money is your goal, first and foremost, invest in conservation - efficient appliances, insulation.

Finally, a solar hot water heater, displacing an electric one, can pay for itself in maybe 3 or 4 years, depending on where you live.

We installed solar panels on our house, $12,000 after rebate for a 2.5 kW system, about 2 years ago.  A neighbor just installed a system, for about the same price, except they got 3.5 kW, professionally installed.  Prices are beginning to soften.

Link to our system below if you're curious.

Answer 3

Solar panels are too expensive and produce so little power. Then U need regulators to regulate some very large batteries. Then if uU want to use it in AC equipment ,U will need a converter.