How much does it cost to put solar on my home?
This is the single most popular question and the hardest one to give an answer to.
The short answer is: "it depends". A solar thermal or a solar photovoltaic
(electric) system needs to be designed with certain goals in mind. What do you want it
to heat/power? How much space do you have on your roof? What is your budget? There
are many other things to consider. The best way is to get a free site evaluation and
discuss what your options are.
How do solar PV panels work?
Solar PV panels are made of extremely pure silicon - the same silicon used to manufacture
computer chips. When photons strike the silicon, a current is induced and if a solar panel
is properly connected, electrons will flow. Interestingly enough, the colder the cell temperature,
the more voltage is produced. The brighter the light intensity, the more current is produced.
How does a Grid-tie System Work?
The main idea of installing a residential grid-tie system is that it supplies power to the
utility grid during the day when the utility usually experiences the greatest demand for power
- usually from air conditioning units running on hot afternoons. At this same time, the demand
from the home is usually low as the occupants are at work or school. This creates a situation
where the system energy production may exceed the building demand. In this case, excess power
is then 'sold' back to the utility under a Net-metering agreement decreasing the homeowner's
electrical bill.
What is the difference between solar thermal and solar photovoltaic?
A solar thermal system uses sunlight to heat a liquid to a high temperature as it passes
through a collector. The liquid can then be pumped through a heat exchanger in which
the heat may be used to heat domestic water or used in radiant floor heating.
A solar photovoltaic system generates electricity from sunlight which can be stored
in batteries and/or converted to household current and used.
Can I put up a wind turbine also?
Investing in a wind turbine to produce electricity may be a wise economic decision if there is
enough wind to make it work properly. In an urban area, one must also consider if a city
permit can be obtained before installation. A thorough site evaluation should always be
done before purchasing a wind turbine.
Other questions will be added in the future...
