Solar Panels

Sunbiz1

Well-Known Member
Hi all!

Does anyone currently use them to save energy costs, and if so is the return worth the time and expense?.

TY!
 

medical/420

Active Member
the best way to do it invalves 3 million dollors. if you set up a 3 million dollor solar panel set up, the elctric company will pay $.22 kw/h , that is almost twice what the power company charges. but they pay extra because it is CLEAN power.

just trying to do a small solar panle set up is not cost efective.
 

budbro18

Well-Known Member
try a wind or water turbine!

depending on your location if you have enough room a relatively cheap (compared to solar panels) wind turbine can give you over a kw/h in good conditions.

and alot of em are maintenance free!
 

budbro18

Well-Known Member
yeah thats more for if you went camping or something

the items on the side that are just the panels arent bad

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=203079647&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-product-2-_-203206445-_-203079647-_-N#.UKKrAYf7J_4

it would just be hard especially with winter approaching

unless you live in the desert or somewhere on obstructed by trees for a large distance youd be getting minimal light. and minimal power as well
 

DaBotniss

Well-Known Member
What are yall talking about! Sounds like nobody here is a good investor. I say go for it Sunbiz1. Panels are expensive, true. Just try and find the right deal. Go to a store and see when they have a sale on it. Or go on ebay, maybe there is a person you know who uses and wants to upgrade or something. Go find the best deal. There are three major components to a solar system. SOLAR PANELS, CHARGE CONTROLLER, BATTERY BAND AND inverter. If you want to save money over time do it. Its free. U cant beat that after its paid for. 400w to 1kw is what would be best.OnOffGrid.jpg
Area and Location is important. Different Power companies charges vary depending. Call and ask them about there rates on solar, they should tell you everything.
 

budbro18

Well-Known Member
im just sayin invest in what suits your climate

if you live in an open area with good sunlight get that

but if you live in a more northern windy area then id recommend a wind turbine.
 

cannabineer

Ursus marijanus
The other factor about solar panels is that they wear out. After ten years they're making 90% or less of initial rating. cn
 

FilthyFletch

Mr I Can Do That For Half
Yes those are a waste as max they give 80 watts so they wont run anything but a cfl bulb directly. You can get whole home setup for off or on grid on ebay for under $20000 but you will need batteries if not tied into the grid. The main point is you have to have enough sun to make it work it. So depending on your locations will predicate whether it is worth it for you. Here is a basic map of the us and how much peak time you get... http://www.wholesalesolar.com/Information-SolarFolder/SunHoursUSMap.html Most states and the federal government will reimburse you for entire house systems up to 70% of the total cost but it can vary in each state.
 

Southernhempshire

New Member
We use a 4kw inverter working off 16 3fTx4ft panels, by 8am were getting 3kw free power,by midday were maxed out.
it does make a huge difference in running costs.
The whole flowering period is totally free running 6am -6pm through the summer months.
fortunately it was installed by the previous owner,so we had no set up costs.
 

justugh

Well-Known Member
solar pannels and the correct set up

i did alot of work on this when i was building a stil............the cost of one correctly set up pannels charging unit bank of batteries converter and lines to tie it into the power grid .......1500 cheap 2 pannels to 2200 for the 6 pannel rotate/tilt auto to the light

the cost is alot if u are going to be living in that house/area for more then ten years the cost is worth it ..............it works this way u are tied into the grid and get power from that once your system is charged fully the extra made can be sold back to the power grid (this requires power company involement ).......there is also some states that give u tax breaks and even help repay the cost of building Cali ....they also have rules about shade trees on other ppls yards blocking the light

the choice the wind power is smart if u can do it (those little towers u see at farms u think they are well pumps some are some are gens)......they have it tied to the house and they are feeding the grid to lower the cost / get a few bucks back every 6 months from the engery ppl

but to do this u have to understand there will be outside ppl coming on the land now and then with no warning to check the meters (more offen then once a year) and the set up is safe and to state laws ..............if u are building a large set up u might need to get permits if u build with out it and then call in the ppl to hook it up and make the agreement ....under the rules they have to report u then they come out fine u tell u can not have this tear it down then u have to do the permits .bullshit i know but what u got to do..............if u are not feeding the grid and own use i personally say your land your right (laws are 8-12 feet from the road or public unitloes belong to the the state/county....check it i learned hard way ) so if u build in that area they can and will remove them with out permits and nothing legally u can do ......after that is legally your land .....they can still fine u for building with out a permit and shut down the work /fines and fines ..........my answer build a fence put signs up beware of dog/no tresspassing/and several other crazy ass ones to keep ppl from thinking it is ok to go in .............be nice and leave a sign out to kids if a ball or something goes in yard ring the bell and someone will get if home if not leave a note and will be out front in the morning ...(good neighboring)
 
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