Solar power installation.....

[Dadsguns]

Anyone have Solar panels installed for added or supplement power or know of anyone that is benefiting from this technology?  

What are some things you would have done differently?

I know its expensive right now, but its getting better and hear that you can actually have nothing for an electric bill. 

[phatzo]

Our gvernment here is subsidising anyone who fits solar panels, so it has become very popular. The guy in the factory next door fits them for a living and has an array of 48 panels on his factory roof, which generate enough electricity to supply our whole complex, which he sells back into the grid. He actually makes money out of his solar, a zero bill is very possible.

[Sonicblu]

Netzero is very hard to do cost effectively unless you have state and federal tax incentives plus rebate from electric company. With all the rebates I had a 40,000 dollar system down to 6k then the local utility got five years behind on rebates. ( they were sharp panels ). I'm researching just doing my well and booster pump right now. Looks like I'll spend 7k just for it 4000w. So far the Rolls Surrette  batteries look like the best 15 to 20 year life if you don't go below a 20% discharge rate. Our utility won't let you use batteries and reverse meter at the same time.  Do you want self sufficiency ? Or just netzero ?

[Dadsguns]

Self sufficiency is enough for me, my utility bill usually is around 100-150 bucks now. 

I am starting to see more panels on roofs in this area maybe I will stop by and ask what kind of deals they got. 

[Flench]

I would love to go solor but from what I have chcked , it would cost as much as my house . Looking to put a few on my deckboat now .

[TequilaChaser]

back when I was able to work, part of my work requirements was designing Self-Sufficient / Zero Energy Homes both Newly built and Existing homes ( and Commercial / Public Bldgs )

I had to frequently stay on top of the industry/field by continuously taking refresher courses, obtaining certifications and attending Seminars....

My closest to a Zero-energy built home from the ground up was a 5800 sq ft 2 story home with a 3 car garage and over the garage gameroom.... with just (2) 2 ton split system heatpumps ( 18.9 SEER rating each ) , Closed Cell Foam, tankless water heaters..among other things we used (window design, roof material, etc...... I designed a home that was able to only cost the home owner $37 to $52 dollars amonth for total utility cost ( electricity/water consumption )..... this home had 2 Adults and 3 kids in the single digit yrs of age, located at Atlantic Beach, Jax, FL.. granted this was not zero energy, which is the holy grail that we strive for but we push ourselves to get as close to 0 energy as we can.....

My mentor, who helped in the pioneering of FSEC ( Florida Solar Energy Center- University of Central Florida ), and is a National Proctor for the ACCA.....designed/built a renovated home here in NC that was around 2200 sq ft and the monthly energy cost was around $28 to $29 a month

here is a video that might interest some of you who are interested:



also check out FSEC for some tips:
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/

I have since become disabled ( Retired - since mid-late 2009 ) but below is a short reference / qualification-certification list of my credentials I held before becoming unable to work:

--
 ( FL / NC / U.S. Energy Analysis Consultant & HVACR Design~Implementation )

*Green Building Designation Certifying Agent for State of Florida
*USGBC LEED AP credentials: BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, Homes
*Licensed Energy Rater  #**4 - Commercial, Public + Gov. Bldgs, Residential
*HERS Rater & EEM Qualifier - All of U.S. except California
*Senior Consultant for Energy  Analysis - All of U.S.
*Photovoltaics Concepts & System Design
*Energy Sheets Preparer - All of U.S. except California
*HVAC Take Off & Estimation - All of U.S.
*Load Calculations for-Residential/Commercial/Govt-Public Buildings - All of U.S.
*Custom System design/ Custom Duct design - All of U.S.
*Indoor Air Quality Specialist - All of U.S.
*Energy Star - Partner

I am not working any more, but if anyone is "Seriously Interested". and needs some info or possible direction on which way to go, I don;t mind helping one find a solution or help in their path to reach the Self Sustaining  / Zero - Energy goal.....


this stuff and taking this path really does save people money as well provides a very comfortable living space environment

TC

[Dadsguns]

This is the best case and worst case power I used over the last year:
3178 kWh (worst case month)
1251 kWh (best case month)  
2152 kWh (average for the year)

Most of that worst case scenario usage derived from a faulty heat pump and using emergency heat resulting in more energy consumption than usual.

I wouldn't think I would need a significant system in place to at least be self sustaining, maybe even zero energy.  From what I gather its more about cost and how much can I save in the long run over lets say 20 years.


Your video was informative and would be more helpful when we do move and build a new home, but for now unfortunately my home is over 20 years old, it probably was not built with alot of energy savings in mind, but I have upgraded all appliances to energy star rated ones, windows and doors have been upgraded as well, I am probably at my optimal point in this area. 

[Ripsnort]

My brother in law in KC, MO has his own business installing wind generators and solar panels.
For fully self sufficient, on an average sized home (1800 sq ft 3 bdrm, 2 bth) expect about 5-8 years of cost recovery.

If you want more information, email me at soupnazi60@yahoo.com and I'll put you in touch with Chuck. He's not a salesman. He's just an honest guy making an honest living and he'll be glad to give you any info you need.

[Dadsguns]

My brother in law in KC, MO has his own business installing wind generators and solar panels.
For fully self sufficient, on an average sized home (1800 sq ft 3 bdrm, 2 bth) expect about 5-8 years of cost recovery.

If you want more information, email me at soupnazi60@yahoo.com and I'll put you in touch with Chuck. He's not a salesman. He's just an honest guy making an honest living and he'll be glad to give you any info you need.

I will keep that in mind and take you up on that once I get a couple of quotes from around here, my suspicion is just like the HVAC industry the price will be driven by locality.
 
You mentioned the wind generators, I seen several of those as well, some look nothing like a windmill and are easier on the eye and being on the coast there is always a breeze, well at least most of the time.

[Ripsnort]

Here are some pics of his installations regarding wind and solar:

[Flench]

How much did that set up set him back ?
On another note  I see the side or wheel of a 8N tractor , you think he sale ? On the bottom pic .

[Ripsnort]

I have no idea, Flench. These are different clients that he's set up. He has a wind generator (the sunset pic is his own)

[Flench]

Oh i see . Thx

[oakranger]

Solar power is a great way to lived off the grid.  In short term it will cost you lots of money but in long run it will pay itself off.  It really should be push hard in this country.  Especally on large buildings like walmart, malls, schools ect.

[NormH3]

Might tell YOUR friend the difference between YOUR and YOU'RE. OK..back to YOUR regularly scheduled thread..