This is my first post in which I ask a lot of questions I would like to get answered before starting an install.
I thought I would start this entire process of researching, purchasing, installing and testing my own solar powered system with my current concepts and questions I have of solar power.
Here are my current concepts of solar power (probably wrong):
- I am guessing solar power is expensive and will take some 15 years before it will pay for itself.
- I will guess it takes a system that is around $30K to run the meter backwards for our house.
Questions that I currently have about solar power:
- How long do solar panels last?
- How long do batteries for a solar system last?
- How much does it cost to get my meter to run backwards?
- Can the panels get damaged from a hail storm?
- Can solar panels handle the wind we have here in Colorado?
- Can I even put up solar panels - will my town or HOA have regulations prohibiting solar panels?
These are all the questions I have at this time. I’m sure my research will raise a ton more questions.
As they say in the library biz…”time to hit the stacks”! This should be a fun process!
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6 users responded in this post
You are off to a great start. Good luck with the new concept. Solar is good for everyone (exept greedy oil companies).
Dave,
Great idea! It’s about time Americans get off the “oil tit”! What about wind power… I live in Wyoming and we have a plentiful supply of BOTH sun and wind:). Thanks, Tom Gabriel
Dave,
Good timing for this website. The scientist world wide agree that humans are influencing climate change. The policy makers in the United States cannot ignore it anymore.
As you know Dave, I’m a big fan of Solar Energy (specifically PV) as that is what I’ve passionately choose to concentrate my carrer on. One thing I always recommend FIRST (even though I love PV) is to emidiately opt into your local Wind Energy program, which here in CO is Excel’s Windsource program. It is by far the easiest and most cost effective way to get ‘green’ energy, instanlty. Zero up-front costs and minimal monthly adjustments on your bill (couple bucks per month, I think).
link to Excel’s Windsource:
http://www.xcelenergy.com/XLWEB/CDA/0,3080,1-1-2_735_22932-221-2_366_583-0,00.html
Hi Dave,
Great website so far; this will be a great resource.
Re one of your questions: “Can solar panels handle the wind we have here in CO?”
I asked Cary Hayes of REC Solar the same question. He said that their installations are rated for 130 mph winds. Cary told me that Boulder recently had 134 mph wind gusts. REC Solar flew out their engineer to inspect several installations, taking photos, measurements, etc. He reported that ‘nothing moved’.
Cary said that the wind rating is largely determined by the depth of penetration of the ’screw’ that attaches the panel racking system to the roof joists.
Eddie,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing that info.
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