Comments on: Where Can I Find Solar Power Information?

By: jrmurch

jrmurch — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:01:19 +0000

Just type in DIY solar power, and there be alot of information for you!.

By: Ciera

Ciera — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:20:23 +0000

it is always best to have solar power installed by someone who is licensed and insured. due to the fact that properly installed and created solar panels can save you up to 100% on electric bills, they should be managed with care. solely purchasing solar panels then installing them yourself does cut the cost significantly! i would not suggest making your own solar panel because most times they are made inefficiently or incorrectly. more detailed information can be provided at ceebennefield@ gmail.com. i work at a solar panel company and can give you specific information about what you want, the cost, the advantages and disadvantages and help you even find whatever resources you need to make your home energy efficient.

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:09:17 +0000

Conservation first. For every $1 you spend on conserving money, that’s $4 less you have to spend on solar. It’s cheaper to save electricity than to make it.
Solar water heating second. Solar can heat up to 75% of your hot water needs. This can cut back on your gas bill. You may even be able to get a larger system to help heat the house.
Then look into solar electricity. With a grid tied system, you don’t need batteries, you can start with a fairly small system that can offset your electric bill, or you can buy a larger system that will produce most or all of your needs.
There are federal, state, and regional incentives available, depending on where you live, you may get the government to pay for as much as half of the system.

By: Denis L

Denis L — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:54:25 +0000

Installing your own solar power system may help save the planet and make you feel better, but it is unlikely to save you money unless there are large tax credits or subsidies available.
Allthough prices are coming down on PV panels, the equipment as a whole is still expensive and therefor the electricity you produce is expensive.
Without subsidies, I am sure that solar power is only economic for properties that do not currently have an electricity supply and it would cost a lot to have it laid on.
With our own situation in southern Spain, the system I installed myself for 8,000 Euros has probably produced around 500 Euros worth of electricity in 5 years – not a good investment. But it would have cost over 50,000 Euros to get electricity laid on.
The first step for anyone considering using solar power should be to cut down on their electricity use by using low energy bulbs, efficient appliances, and not using anything unnecessarily.
Maybe taking those steps is all you need to do.