Solar Cells
How much does it cost to install solar cells in a typical American house, and when will it be paid back?
I am very concerned about global warming, and when I grow up (I’m fourteen), I plan on helping to solve the world’s problems by looking into environmental research (college course options would be nice to include in your answers) and I’m wondering currently how much it costs to install solar cells and how long it will take to pay off.
Yhis is a very complicated question. I won’t be able to answer it, but will give you some things to think about.
First of all, I have a solar system. I installed it because I had enough money, and it was higher on my priority list than anything else. My first goal was to do it in the name of reducing my impact on the energy and ecology situations.
The second goal was to provide enough power to keep from buying power from the utility. I went overboard, and bought a system much bigger than I needed. As a result, and due to some changes in my life (I now live alone) I have been able to not only provide all the electricity I needed, but to heat the house with electricity instead of gas. I still have a gas water heater. In California, if you use more electricity than you make on any given day, you can feed electricity to the utility. If you are using more than you are making, you can take power from them. At the end of a year, you pay for any amount you used over what you put back in. They call it net metering. In addition, I pay a small monthly charge for the right to use the utility’s system.
There are a great many things to consider when thinking of installing photovoltaic solar. Think of the roof. If it will have to be replaced in a year or so, it might be best to do both at once, or wait until time to reroof. If the system is to be mounted on the roof, worry about future leaks. They have to make a lot of holes when mounting the panels. Mine are over the garage and an overhang, not the attic. I did have a leak in the garage. Not nearly as big a deal as if it were over the attic.
At today’s costs, it would take many years to break even on cost. Perhaps by the time you would want one, the costs of systems will have gone down. Surely the cost of power will have gone up. Since my system cut both my lighting and heating bills, my system will pay for itself in a shorter time. Also I will sell this house in a few years. The system will add value to the house, so that helps.
So when you are deciding, first define your goals. Write down just what you want the system to do. Then decide what you are willing to do without in order to have the system.
If you maintain your present attitude about the environment, I don’t think it will matter what you study in college. That is, unless you plan to work in the area of environmental management. You will want to pick the kind of job you are interested in. If you are like my kids, you will change your employment goals more than once, as you mature and change your interests. Nothing wrong with that, as long as you settle on something. Let your parents in on your thoughts and goals. I hope they give you a free hand, but a lot of good advice too.
I didn’t mean to write a book, but your question was a challenge.
Next Generation of Cheap Solar Cells
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4 SYLGARD 184 Solar cells Panel SILICONE ENCAPSULATION $199.75 |
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200 FT OF FACTORY ROLL SOLAR CELL TABBING WIRE&4 DIODES $27.99 |
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150 Solar Cells for DIY PANEL 3 x 3 -.90 watt each NICE $99.99 |
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1KW Grade A Multi 6×6 Solar Cell DIY Solar Panel Kit w/Wire Flux Diode $299.00 |
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5V 700mA Solar Cell Panel Module Charger USB 5.5V 3.5W $7.99 |
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Apple iPhone 4 GSM 4S OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19 $28.99 OEM Powermat Wireless Charging System PMM-1P4-B19 Now charging your iPhone 4 is as simple as setting it down! Complete solutions are pre-pack bundles pairing a Powermat one position charging mat and a receiver to provide a seamless upgrade to wireless charging. Charge your iPhone 4 with the Powermat 1Xi and Receiver Case for iPhone 4. Powermat 1X Wireless Charging MatSMALL PROFILEFITS ANYWHEREThe … |
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Solio Mono by Solio $59.95 115167 Features: The solar cell is both durable and powerful for quick charging Integrated, rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery can be charged with the sun or plug it in to a USB outlet Stores power up to one year Works with most mobile phones, MP3 players, PDA’s and GPS’s right out of the box (additional adapters are available) Specifications: Size: 47 x 13 x 85 inches Internal batt… |
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BUXTON GENUINE BUXHYDE COUPON/RECEIPT ORGANIZER WITH 8 POCKETS AND SOLAR CALCULATOR – PINK $12.99 Our Buxton Genuine “Buxhyde” Coupon/Receipt Organizer features zippered construction for security and style, 8 gusseted pockets with included blank label cards for easy organization, exterior clip which is great for shopping carts, built-in solar calculator, colorful polka dot lining for fashionable, fun flare. The 8 gusseted pockets have plenty of room to organize your receipts, coupons, notes, … |
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Fahrenheit Project: Part Three $49.98 Song list: 1. Infinite dream KOALA AND XENTRIX 2. Undertow AES DANA 3. Morning call (ambient version) H.U.V.A. NETWORK 4. Spiritual move CELL 5. Something crystal SOLAR FIELDS 6. Nabab TOIRES 7. Mos 65100 CARBON BASED LIFEFORMS 8. Blue Magnetic ocean MYSTICAL SUN 9. Spiritual ocean SOLAR FIELDS 10. Metrosat 4 CARBON BASED LIFEFORMS… |
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Fahrenheit Project Part Five [RARE] 1 Jaia Alone (8:00) 2 Solar Fields Water Silence (5:43) 3 Aural Planet Sunfruits Avenue (7:47) 4 Aes Dana Purple (7:07) 5 H.U.V.A. Network Processing Lights (Fairy Tales Version) (5:49) 6 Cell Blue Embers (7:04) 7 Great Leap Forward In Name Of The Super Natural (6:43) 8 Carbon Based Lifeforms T-Rex Echoes (6:23) 9 Sync24 Adrift In Time (Drumatix Edit) (5:18) 10 Hol Baumann Fin… |
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Fahrenheit Project: Part Two Song list: 1. Robert Rich – Somnium (Intro), 2. Solar Fields – Electric Fluid, 3. Vibrasphere – San Pedro, 4. Khetzal – Glaciales Lacrimae, 5. Nuclear Ramjet – Folding Time (Ambient Version), 6. Aes Dana – Summerlands, 7. Chi-A.D – When The Effect Came, 8. Hol Baumann – Bénarès, 9. Cell – Keun Yung, 10. Mystical Sun – Waters Of Life, and 11. Robert Rich – Somnium… |
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Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell – Weatherproof – Battery Operated – 140 Lumens $19.99 Mr. Beams Intelligent LED Battery-Operated Lights MB360 Spotlightat a Glance: Battery-powered, wireless LED spotlight |
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Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller $17.30 The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x… |
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Sunforce 50022 5-Watt Solar Battery Trickle Charger $49.95 Solar Power Chargers for your 12V batteries and accessories. Power-up anywhere, affordably! These Solar Power devices grab free “juice” from the sun! They extend the life of your 12V batteries, maintain the charge and allow you to run various electronics (deer feeders, landscaping pumps, etc.) from your batteries. Clean, silent operation… with both cigarette lighter adapter and battery clamps. T… |
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A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $46.65 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob’s bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri… |
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