Solar energy systems

[Geoff]

With all the tax credits and the laws forcing the electric utilities to buy back power at retail prices, active solar panels on your roof actually makes sense.


Here is a shot of a system log 1 year after installation in NYC.

If I ever get around to putting in an endless pool or some kind of smallish spa/swimmin' hole off my back deck, I will definitely heat it with passive solar panels on my roof.

 

[deadheadskier]

my folks in Florida heat 90% of the water in their home and pool with the a rooftop solar heating system. The cost was 5K to install, but they'll break even at 7 years.

 

[TheBEast]

This is way cool. I'd be intertested to know about your system, how it works, instillation and such. Could be interesting in my next house where payback period will make more sense (planning on moving from our current home in 1-2 years).

 

[AdironRider]

I think solar power only currently makes sense with a grid tie system. The fiancee and I are in the early stages of planning to build a house (somewhere back East, havent decided yet) and off grid systems are just plain not cost effective if you have access to power at your lot line. A simple 1kw grid tie system would definitely make an impact however, and its what we are researching now.

Alot of the payback time depends on your electric provider/ size of the system. I know my current electric rural coop its makes amazing financial sense. They dont charge more than 3.50 as the base usage fee. Back when I went to school in NY, even if I didnt consume a single watt, I still had to pay 50 bucks minimum a base usage fee. Makes solar power basically like double the payback time as a result, as you have to try and feed back into the system 50 bucks worth of solar power, which almost never happens.

Solar water heaters though are pretty sweet and the payback times are quicker. It basically is a very thick solar panel looking contraption on your roof that has lots of linear footage of water lines running throughout it. The water travels slowly through the system and warms as a result.

You can actually make a super cheap similar system using recycled clear plastic soda bottles. Cut a circle in the bottom of the bottle and loop many of the bottles over a regular garden hose. The water coming out will be warmer. Not going to fill a hot tub mind you, but illustrates the principle being used.

 

[gmcunni]

Free FullerWycliff!!!