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when you use the term solar energy,you are actually referring to two
different types of energy:heat and light.
Each type of solar panel is designed to work either with the sun's
heat,or the sun's light.
And there are solar hot water panels,Solar hot water panels use the
sun's heat to heat the water for your shower,kitchen,etc.
Tiles are slightly less efficent than panels,so you need more of them to
produce power.However,they do the job of roofing as well as energy
production.This can make them a very cost effective option,especially
if your house needs re-roofing.
This depends what type of solar panel system you have.The next
chapter explains each type of solar panel system.
It's important to note here that the actual solar panels themselves only
make up about 50% of the cost of the whole system.The rest of the
cost comes from the other components explained in the chapters
below.
NB.Off grid houses can be wired for DC power.This eliminates the need
for an inverter(except for some appliances that aren't made to work
with DC power.There aren't many DC sound systems for example.)The
Advantage with keeping your power DC is that you won't lose power
through converting it to AC.Typically,converting DC to AC will mean
6%power loss.
System1.GRID TIED
The advantages of this system is that it is cost effective and you can
sell your power when you aren't using it.The disavantages are that you
cannot store your solar power.So if there is a power cut,you will only
have power if it is sunny outside and your solar panels are making
power.
Off grid systems mean you are not connected to the grid-you live in a
remote area.These systems are more expensive as you will need
storage for your power in the form of batteries.Off grid systems also
require a backup power source.You wiil need backup power if you have
many rainy days in a row that use up your stored battery power.
Backup power can also be useful for unexpected heavy power usage-
for instance if you have many people to stay at one time.
This is a system where you get the advantage of selling excess power
to the grid.Yo also have emergency backup power for when the grid
goes down.
If you live off the grid-solar panels are usually a better investment than
power cabling to connect to the grid.As a rule thumb-if you live more
than 1 mile away from the grid,the cost of connection will be about the
same as the cost of a solar system.
A solar system gives you "free power",unlike the grid,where you are
paying for power by the watt.If you live on the grid there is one thing
to consider-do you get frequent power cuts?If you do get frequent
power cuts,then a grid tired system with batteries will provide
emergency backup power for when the grid is down.
Otherwise,a grid tired system will give you the benefits of solar energy
and bill savings,without the added expense of batteries.Batteries add
approximately 20-30% onto the cost of a grid tied system.
There are two things to consider when choosing between solar hot
water and solar electric panels-climate and payback time.
Solar electric panels tend to have a longer payback time.On the other
hand,they last longer than the solar hot water panels.Solar electric
panels are often warrantied for 25years,but they have been known to
contivue working for 40years,with less than 20%drop in energy
production.
Solar hot water is less expensive than solar electric,and can work even
in states with colder climates,For example,many solar hot water panels
have been successfully installed in New york,New Jersey and
Canada,all places where it snows in winter.
Solar electric panels work slightly better in cold and sunny climates.As
they are harvesting sunlight energy rather than heat,Low temperatures
are not a problem.
During this time,your solar panels are producing energy that isn't
being used-if you're out,the lights are off,appliances aren't running.So
this excess power can be sold back to the grid.If you have
batteries,this power can then charge your batteries.
You could also invest in solar hot water and solar electric.If you are
building a new house,this may prove very cost effective.
Solar electric panels are sized in KW.A 1kw system will output
approximately 1kw per hour on a sunny day.
There is no exact correlation between the size of the system and the
payback time.If you have a larger system it will be more
expensive.However.it will also supply you with more electricity,thus
saving you more off your power bill.
The amount of power you use effects the size and cost of your solar
system.For example,if you use 200KW a month,a 4KW system will take
care of most of your needs,depending on where you live.
If you live in California,you have on average 5.5 usable sunshine hours
a day.
So your 4kw system will make more power if you live in California.If
you live in New Jersey,you have on average 4.25 usable sunshine hours
per day.SO this same 4kw system will m ake less power.
Chapter 7-Costing your solar electric system
There are several factors controlling the cost of your system.The size
of your house means abosolutely nothing.
The payback time is the amount of time it takes after you bought a
solar system for it to start making you money.This is generally though
of as:
In other words,once your solar panel system has saved you more off
your power bills than it cost you to buy it,its payback time is over.Each
time the sun shines,you're literally making money.
2.YOUR POWER BILL- If you are being charged an expensive rate for
your power,your payback time will be shorter.The way to work out your
power rate is in $/kw.On each power bill,there is a monthly amount for
KW used.
Take this amount,and divide it by your power bill minus the fixed rates,
(fixed rates are what you pay the power company anyway,regardless
of how much power you are using)This will give you your power rate.
The average cost for electricity in America is$0.10 per kw.
For example,if your solar system saves you $500 in the first year,the
system has added about $7500 to the value to your house.
For solar electric panel payback time,go and check this Solar
calculator-that will give you an estimate of payback time.
NB.It is important to realize that values from the solar calculator are
estimates of paybacktime,and cost.When installing solar,it's
recommended to get a professional costing because there are so many
variables that affect your solar panel performance.
Rebates Available
See dsireusa.org
There is also a federal rebate-you get 30% off the price of your solar
system in tax rebates.The maximum amount you can get is $2000.And
if you install a solar electric system and a solar hot water system,you
can cliam for both of these systems separately.
SHADING-If there are trees around your house,check that they aren't
shading your panels,Shade on your panels will reduce their
performance and power output.
ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES One way to check for this is the energy
star rating system.Here's a USA goverment website where you can find
energy efficient appliances:
You can also look for the energy star logo on appliances in stores.
Appliances with the sticker have met the energy efficiency guidelines
set by the EPA and US department of Energy.
INSULATION This cuts down on heat losess and your heating bill.Many
states have grants in place for improving your house's energy
efficiency.Some programs will even put extra insulation into your
house for free.Check DSIREUSA.org for details.Look up"energy
efficiency rebates"