Tim H asked:
I 've trying to investigate new sources of energy for my home including solar, wind and human powered pedal options. Solar seems like the market now but if it works, why doesn 't everyone use it. Many companies like BP, Mitsubishi, and GE has the advertising of solar website but don 't said enough about cost and instalation. if anyone out there using this technology and i 'd appreciate any Intel.
I 've trying to investigate new sources of energy for my home including solar, wind and human powered pedal options. Solar seems like the market now but if it works, why doesn 't everyone use it. Many companies like BP, Mitsubishi, and GE has the advertising of solar website but don 't said enough about cost and instalation. if anyone out there using this technology and i 'd appreciate any Intel.
Tags: Bp, Home Solar Power, Intel, Lot, Mitsubishi, New Energy Sources
its worth it alright, but it cost millions! that’s why a lot of people don’t use it! I hope this helps you!
I had a system installed last year and I think it is well worth the investment. There are a lot of factors that need to be considered when you make your decision. The location of your house, the location of the panels, any shade elements, the amount of energy you use, if your roof can handle the weight of the panels, will you need to upgrade your electrical system, how long you intend to live in the home etc, do you have net metering, rebates and tax credits.
Here is some general info on my system: I have a 20 panel 3.74 kwhdc system, the total installed cost was $26K, I got a $10K rebate from my utility, I have net metering, which means my meter runs backwards when I produce more than I use, in essence I am a small power station for the city. I received a $2K fed tax credit, this year it has increased to 30% of the total cost of the system, so if would have been almost $8K. I didn’t try to zero out my bill, I expected to reduce my usage by at least 30%, but with other energy saving strategies, I’m producing well over 50% and more like 75% of my electrcity. I expect to break even no later than my 6th year. My average summer bill was well over $200, last summer I didn’t go over $25. My highest bill was in Jan. it was $35, last month I paid $6.11 for electricity. I live in a 2000 sf home with a pool. I estimate I will save well over $50K over the life of the panels.
My best advice is ask a contractor to come give you an estimate, a site visit is necessary to give an accurate estimate. You should be able to contact your utility and get your usage history, 2 years will give you a good idea of how much energy you produce. A local contractor would also know about rebates and utility company policies. The company I used has a structural engineer and an electrical engineer to make sure the house is compatible with the system.
It is in the long run. The federal government pays for part of it, and some states pay part of it too, so you pay around half of what it really cost. Then you stop getting electrical bills and actually put energy into the grid, so you end up getting paid and make a profit if you are willing to wait for long term profit.
Wind is only suitable for a few locations. If you live in the country, maybe you’ll be allowed to erect a windmill. The wind turbine really needs to be high off the ground – the air speed is generally too low at ground or even rooftop level. Wind is somewhat cheaper than solar, but then again, only if you’re one of the lucky few with the right location. Even better is if you have a year-round stream flowing through your property, and can put in a micro hydro generator.
We have a solar electirc array on our house, but because we didn’t use all that much electricity in the first place, it will take a long time to break even. Decades. I’m still happy, because it’s approximately break even. If your electricity is expensive (20+ cents / kWh), there may be a good financial case for solar. Check with a professional installer and get a free quote. They’ll run the numbers, and you can decide whether you agree with them on the savings, if any.
Human power doesn’t generate much in terms of kWh, but you could displace running the dishwasher by forcing your kids to do the dishes by hand, and also make them hang the laundry out to dry outside instead of running the dryer. Hey, it’s what I had to do when I was growing up. And you can save gas by biking, which I still do today.