home solar power?
Image by Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon
Hundreds of native plants form the landscape around Cornell University?s solar-powered home during the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (Photo by Stefano Paltera/US Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon)
Question by BabbliKhan: home solar power?
Is is really cost effective to buy home solar power system?
Feel free to answer in the comment section below
2 Responses to home solar power?
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depending on the size of the house and the amount of sun you get. solar units are more efficient and cost less than they did 10 years ago. some units will generate enough power that you will actually have excess that some power companies will allow you to sell back into the grid.
if your municipality allows this i would not worry about battery storage. just use the solar when you can, sell power back during the day when your usage is lowest, and be energy aware at night when you use the most.
with the cost of today’s systems you could have the whole thing paid for in 4-5 years and start seeing a return. a good system should last at least 20.
fireguy
July 16, 2012 at 4:44 pm
It really depends on your local electric rates, usage, rebate programs available, and, of course, your access to ol’ sol. I’ve seen friends systems and I’ve done the math on one for me. If you have tiered electric rates and the cost per KW goes up, then replacing that expensive upper tier power with a system may make sense. In general, I think we can assume that rates will go up and the panels will eventually pay for themselves…maybe. My friend’s system was over $ 40K when done (after rebates) and puts out 7.5KW AC on a good day. I have to wonder what he could have done with that money that would generate more returns going forward.
zawalis
July 16, 2012 at 5:00 pm