Solar power...anyone?

[FarmerChick]

anyone using solar panels and for what?

I am pricing and holy cow, the cost is so high!

now I am thinking if I go solar on my detached garage (which has 2 chest freezers and 2 refrig. in it, along with hooking up the pool filter and hot water I MIGHT, just might, get some savings and not be so expensive.

whole house system is out.

I am looking into solar and just wondering if anyone has this and cost and use and that 'being paid' for elec. back into the grid etc. etc.

[Real de Tayopa Tropical Tramp]

HI LUV: Just a suggestion, check for State, Federal and possibly Municipal rebates'

Don Jose de La Mancha

[rockhound]

Check out the Energy section for some of my posts on all forms of energy. Possibly will find something there to your liking and budget. Good Luck. rockhound

[Frankn]

Suggestion, sit down and figure power usage cost, Item by item such as your frigs use app.$60 each per year. Now add that up and divide it into a solar setup cost and you have the years to payoff time or free electricity.If you know the wattage of your power users, any solar installer can give you an estimated cost. Another option is to get a book like Solar Living Source Book and check out all the options yourself. Frank

[FarmerChick]

rockhound I didn't even know we had an energy category.. ..thanks I will check it out.

thanks everyone
off to investigate

[Produce Guy]

Solar power,I have a solar powerd attic fan,about $200,it really paid for its self this summer.I also have a solar power radio and a shed light.The price on these products were a little high,but with the sun always shinning(Here in Texas),it's worth it.
You might try www.northerntool.com and check out their solar products and www.realgoods.com
You might look into wind power also.

[Frankn]

That is in that Solor Living Source Book also, so is water power. Frank

[diggemall]

If you're any good with a soldering iron and a few other tools, do a web search for DIY solar panels. You can find some good sources for how to build your own at a fraction of the cost of pre-made panels..........

Might make a good winter project

Digem'

[FarmerChick]

I wish I was inclined, but I am not. I require help on this (now) but that could change if I put my butt into gear and research!

lol

[Gauntlet]

Check-out the forums at Northern Arizona Wind and Sun (I have no affiliation with them other than being a customer). I'd considered constructing my own panels, as mentioned, but by the time you invest all your time, and money, you still end-up with panels that won't be constructed nearly as well, but you'll have nothing in the way of a warranty.

ETA: My set-up (on RV), it's parked in a loading dock, this is a pic of the roof deck



Charge controller



2800watt sine-wave inverter



My water heater is 100' roll of well plastic coiled in an insulated box. Holds close to 4 gallons of water, more than enough to shower, and some left-over for dishes. It can get to hot it will steam on an 80* day.



One of these days, I plan to make a solar furnace, and a solar oven. Check-out some of the YouTube videos on the subject.

[DigginThePast]

HI LUV: Just a suggestion, check for State, Federal and possibly Municipal rebates'

Don Jose de La Mancha

Yeah, the Government (other taxpayers) covered about 50% of the cost of the system when I looked into it, which was about 8 years ago.

I had a problem with my neighbors footing my electric bill but there were other problems IMO. The life span of the equipment fell just short of the payoff on savings (factored in rebates, rate increases etc). Then what about environmental impact of the associated materials when at the end of its life? Would be nice to be totally off the grid but at the time I just didn't feel it was a viable option.

[Frankn]

Gauntlet, I was thinking of adding panels to my MH some day. Your setup looks great. Can you give some idea of the output and cost of the panels and the cost of the inverter. Also how do you protect the water heater from freezing on cold nites ? Frank