How hard is it to convert your home to solar energy?
gg asked:
And can it be done without ruining the outside appearance of your house? All the solar homes I see are covered with funky panels, and it looks like a mess.
And can it be done without ruining the outside appearance of your house? All the solar homes I see are covered with funky panels, and it looks like a mess.
How much $$ would someone need to dish out for a transformation like that?
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March 3rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
very hard and very expensive. recently, we looked seriously into putting solar panels in. you spend over 10 grand, and what do you get? satisfaction for maybe saving a little carbon? actually, you might even be spending more energy and carbon somewhere in just getting and maintaining them, not to mention that they die out very quickly (within a few years). of course, there are people who say they have an efficient way to power your house with solar energy, but overall, solar power is just way too inefficient and cost-effective. it would be much better to do a combined energy system. such as: biodiesel powered shower; nanosolar (even though expensive and maybe not totally developed yet); recycling; composting; etc.
if you are absolutely set on solar panels, look at nanosolar and bp, two very reputable companies.
March 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
With today’s solar technology, the total cost of a residential solar system, installed, is between $8 and $10 per watt. Since the size of a solar system is often the most significant factor in assessing costs, we can use it to calculate its cost as a rule of thumb:
* A 1kW system that offsets 20% of electricity bill for most homes will cost about $12,000
* A 2kW system that satisfies electricity needs of an energy-efficient home will cost about $20,000; or $10 per watt.
* A 5kW system that provides all electricity for most conventional homes will cost about $40,000, or $8 per watt.
Check this site for cost and rebate information:
March 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I have seen this done on HGTV channel when people remodel their homes…
It is quite expensive to be sure…
Each home is different because of size…
They run plumbing all through the walls to pump water through to warm the floors and keep plumbing all insulated…
The lighting comes from the sun through special glass panes that filter warmth into the house…
It keeps everything warm in winter…
As for summer, the same windows are covered to keep the house cool and the plumbing is controlled by electronics to keep it cool…
I have seen the builders put in these big boxes that convert all your wires and plumbing to meet the needs of the house…
They have all kinds of buttons on them for setting special heat and cooling in different rooms…
It looks like you need a degree in electronics to learn to use them…
I am sure though I could never afford them and they would not work in my house because I have a manufactured home that does not have thick walls or strong exterior…
My house is all wood…
March 7th, 2009 at 12:11 am
There are solar panels on the market that look like roof shingles
and get applied to the house essentially the same way, as far as cost it depends on the size and configuration of the house but solar systems start at around 15 -20 K U.S. and go from there.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:50 am
It is by far easier to just make your home more effiecent than to try to run it the same way you have powered by solar.
Solar power systems that can actually power your entire home start at around $14,000 if you have a small home and power needs. If you require more power the price just goes up from there.
Check out this site for some example prices of packages you can purchase.