Powered by Sunshine! Our house goes solar electric!

The Dunn family converted to photovoltaic solar electricity, installing an array of solar panels on our house that now produces more electricity than we use! Here comes the sun! Let the sunshine in!

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• solar
• energy
• photovoltaic
• electric

[bill1usmc]

Things to consider before investing in solar power: What part of the world you live, How much sunlight you receive, How much power you use and what incentives are available. Average cost is $40,000 for a 5000 watt system. Fixed array systems (as the one shown) are far less efficient than axis tracking systems but axis systems are less attractive.

[DDWiz27]

You are correct about factors to consider. You are also correct that axis tracking systems are more efficient, but also more expensive. While I am sure you can find someone willing to charge what you suggested, that is far more than I paid for what is essentially a 5000 watt system. You may not be up to date on costs, which are rapidly plummeting. As noted in an early comment reply, I spent less than $30,000 net.

[RODikUlus]

Thanks for this video. I was considering installing a geothermal heating and cooling, and solar panels 2 years later. How many KwHrs do you seem to average a month, and can a 5000 Watt system produce 25 to 35 KwHrs a day?

Also, you said price is falling fast, and it seems you did this a year ago. Did it really fall in this year?

[DDWiz27]

Our system is a 5000 Watt system and routinely produces 25-35 KwHrs per day through most of the year, ON SUNNY DAYS. The more clouds, the less sun, but still some production. On the shortest days of winter we get down into the mid 20's. Our highest recorded in a single day was 38 KwHr.

As for prices, I am not in the industry and no longer monitor them, but especially with new tax rebates I hear they are falling fast.

We are very happy with our choice.

[RODikUlus]

Thanks. How do you know what angle it needs to be at for optimal giveback? bill1usmc said 32 for your part of the country. I live in N.Y.C., and was wondering what angle is best for me. I don't want an axis tracking type.

I'm thinking of opening up my cape cods 2nd story, so that will give me the chance to angle my roof. Then I'll put on a 5,000 Watt system. I hope it'll cost 18K when I'm ready.

Again, thanks for this information.

[DDWiz27]

In order to qualify for the full credits, it is MANDATORY that it be angled correctly. Ours faces south. It is determined by the contractor, since they handle processing the credits anyway. I can't say that our experience in Southern California can be duplicated in more northerly lattitudes with less sunshine.

[iLDiscovolante]

Sorry, correction- (I must proof read more) NOT become prey....... Funny one word makes all the difference! Thanks again. (Yes I proof read this post.)

[iLDiscovolante]

Great Job Mr Dunn! I hope to set up my home with solar power, it is great. I would like to thank you for your amazing writings on the flat tax, economics and the Iraq war. I have learned a great deal and hope that you INFORM more people and make our country more enlightened and become prey to the oligarchy and the ignorant. Thank you!

[RODikUlus]

If I were to get a solar panel system, at what angle should my panels be on my south facing roof? I live in N.Y.C., right outside J.F.K. Airport. Thanks for your answer in advance.

[DDWiz27]

You would be correct if that were a year-round solar angle. While it was near midday, the video was taken less than a week after the Winter Solstice -- the shortest day of the year, when the sun is low in the sky (which I mention in my narrative). By Spring and Summer the middday angles were much higher in the sky, and the unit produced at midday more than the maximum it was rated for. Bottom line is we are producing more than we use, even with heavy AC use in summer.