Anyone use solar?

Back in college many moons ago I took a couple classes in architecture, one semester was all about energy. Back then (10 yrs) solar was around 4-7% efficiency, and I've read its upwards of 15% now. After seeing a few articles on slashdot about solar possibly hitting 40% in the next few years I've wondered if anyone here is using a solar system at their house and how it works for them. So anyone here use solar for an on (or off) grid system?

[edit] Guess I should have done a search first! Missed this discussion on solar. Would still like to hear if anyone is using a system or plans to.

 

hornerjo--

I just read your queries on solar energy, etc. Already you have researched with the link you provided; however, here are two more threads for you to read where I posted some info. The BP Solar Tour may still be available for interested parties. Just call and check out the web site link.

Under the "Homeowners Corner..." thread, I posted the following for Solar Home Info--"Misc. Info for Alternative Home Heating & Other Green Home Options..." and "Solar Home Tour...". Happy reading!!

Feel free to PM us or ask more questions. We will assist in anyway possible.

Foodie

 

I'm not looking to install it, I'm more wondering how the process went anyone that did install it, what they installed, how efficient it is, how much they are saving in bills, etc.

 

Well hornerjo, we looked at it for our house but to do it right would have cost us about $140k. Then we found out that Dominion Va Power does not allow selling electricty back to the grid that we wouldn't use. So forget it! We'll have to build it into our future next house, as well as Geothermal stuff ...wherever that will be...

 

Yeah, I read that. That really bites. I saw kaos's post about his cost as well. You all went for the whole shebang, batteries and all. Why not go for something much cheaper like just a water heater solar panel? But with Va Power not buying anything back - pretty much a moot point until costs come down more. If I do solar in the future on a new house it will be a smaller system, not the 140k+ you all were looking at and it definately would not involve batteries.

Here is a good discussion on slashdot about hobbiest solar:
http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/05/02/1539221

And in that discussion here is a guy that did a solar hot water heater by himself for just a couple grand:
http://ask.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=541550&cid=23277500
A new system will run you around 7-10 grand.

Home Power Magazine has some articles on cheaper solar projects as well.

Popping up often in news that I have read is solar powered air conditioners, a good example is a company called SolCool that makes them (Millenia 4.0) I don't think its too feasable yet however, houses like ours need around 2.5 tons of cooling which means 20-somthing odd grand of solar cells. This is a little one in comparison (apt size).

 

Opps, posted the wrong link in there for the water heater, thats a guy who did AC (off grid) by himself. I had one for a water heater as well but cant find it now. I've read new water heater solar systems run 7-10k. A new whole house AC setup.. thats quite a bit more!

 

Indeed, It's not inexpensive to make your house run Energy efficeing using solar power yet, and unlike my sister's home in CA, VA doesn't give you any tax incentives to use solar power or sell off the grid. I'm sure you can thank BIG COAL for that, too. And though you might find companies claiming to have clean coal burning, that is not the case quite yet...

 

We have just recently also started talking about this. The only financially feasible option that we can see would be a solar water heater, at least that is the only thing we could find, so we are seriously considering this. Now the question is, where do HOA rules come in here. Do solar panels need approval? Would it cause issues getting panels approved? We are also curious if anyone does have experience with solar water heaters, because it is still quite an investment.

Marianne

PS: There is still room for our United for Change houseparty, send me a PM if you are interested in joining us Saturday. And no, as some asked, it is not just for democrats, we would love to have independents and republicans as well, makes for better discussion.

 

Solar panels/collectors do need approval. Here is a link to the specific guidelines:
http://www.broadlandshoa.org/filesh...OA+Design+Guidelines/044_Solar_Collectors.pdf

 

I am sold on Geo- Thermal for the cost effectiveness and simplicity and so far the reliability.

We have done a bunch of homes over the last couple years using this technology and I am just amazed how little their utility bills are. So far so good with no problems and you don't have those unsightly panels on the roof. Can be installed on smaller lots and retrofitted into existing homes but I am not so sure in those cases it would be cost effective on existing homes like most of this technology it is most cost effective in new construction.

I hope gas prices stay high because we will see some amazing technology in the next 5 to 10 years if gas prices drop significantly then we will go back to the boom and bust cycle. If gas does go down then it should be taxed to keep it at the 4 dollar gallon rate and that money should be used for roads, mass transit and incentives to develop even more exciting technology. Then maybe there might be a dollar or two to build a few roads if it is not squandered. I doubt there will be any help from Richmond anytime soon..