We're building a new house and have a roof with plenty of space for number of solar panels, most likely photo-voltaic electric ones. But I'm hard-pressed to find a thorough *current* analysis discussing the pros and cons of various schemes for the systems.
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posted by wkearney99
on Nov 3, 2012 -
6 answers
Commercial landlords/property management: You are approached by a solar power company or a wireless telecom company that wants to lease space on your roof. Can you list in order of importance (to you and your firm) the issues that you want to be fully informed about and cover point by point in negotiations and any potential lease?
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posted by thewalrus
on Nov 2, 2012 -
3 answers
I have a home in Louisville, Kentucky that I want to possibly put solar panels on but I need to know the whole process for 2012. i have read where solar panels cost are lower now given the glut from China.
posted by usermac
on Oct 7, 2012 -
3 answers
Calling all electrical engineers! Need some clarity on how to figure out solar charging rates and consumption of a USB device...
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posted by griffey
on Sep 8, 2012 -
3 answers
Home energy advances. Are there any new developments I should know about as I'm about to move into an older single-family home after 13 years of living in an apartment? It is a gas/electric home with heavy tree shade.
posted by usermac
on Jul 13, 2012 -
6 answers
Should we lease our land to a solar energy company? We were approached by a solar energy company that wants to lease 5 acres of our family (3 generations) land in Ontario, Canada for solar collectors. We are having some lawyers and other folks make recommendations and look over contracts, etc. What sort of things might we be missing? Will our neighbors hate us? In 10 years, what will make us say, "didn't see that coming?"
posted by I'm Doing the Dishes
on Aug 14, 2011 -
16 answers
I want to look into planning a solar panel solution for my home, as electricity has hit 50c/kwh and doesn't look like it's ever going down. Where are the best resources online to learn about the various options and techniques?
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posted by Static Vagabond
on Jun 29, 2011 -
10 answers
I have a bunch of thin, old, south- & west-facing windows that need energy-efficiency treatment. I got estimates for both solar film and solar screens, and the cost seems pretty comparable, although I may be able to get the screens a bit cheaper. What's my best option, bang-for-the-buck-wise? And is direct sunlight-blocking actually the most important factor, or does heat leak in/out through thin windows regardless of the light striking them?
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posted by crookedgrin
on Apr 5, 2011 -
4 answers
I want to install solar panels when I replace my roof next summer. What do I need to know about manufacturers, incentives, and costs? I am in Washington state.
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posted by bq
on Dec 14, 2010 -
10 answers
Comparison of carbon reduction/energy efficiency/ cost-benefit of rain water tanks V solar heating V waste water reclamation?
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posted by parryb
on Oct 17, 2010 -
4 answers
I'm doing some preliminary research into what it would take to run a garage on solar power. This, of course, means using a solar array to power the heavy duty shop equipment that runs on 220.
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posted by Jon-o
on Aug 1, 2010 -
7 answers
Why are solar panels for the home so expensive? What makes them out of reach for most consumers-the technology, the difficulty of installation, or the parts needed to build them? What would be the key to making them as cheap as buying a microwave for example?
posted by ~Sushma~
on Jun 27, 2010 -
14 answers
How can we present instantaneous stats on our energy consumption and generation in a site with a windmill and possibly other forms of energy generation?
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posted by advicepig
on Sep 18, 2009 -
3 answers
I am looking for research data on demographic trends of customers of companies that have opted to install solar energy systems on their buildings. My hypothesis is that companies who invest in solar will attract a more affluent customer to the desired call to action than companies in the same industry, all other things being equal. I am interested in any data pertaining to manufacturing, retail, medical, commercial office, etc. applications. Any ideas of where I can find any secondary research that has been done on solar (or renewable) energy demographics? Thank you!
posted by wts111
on Mar 1, 2009 -
1 answer
I heard about a company that installs solar panels and then they take part of the energy created as a source of paying for the panels and installation...does this sound right and does anyone know of such a company?
posted by matthelm
on Jan 2, 2009 -
9 answers
What would it take of an alternative energy to make a serious impact in current global energy consumption? What cost/benefits would it need to demonstrate over and above existing sources? Who would need to seriously start using it? Anybody have some good sources of information or discussion on this topic?
posted by zaebiz
on Oct 22, 2008 -
19 answers
Can I install/configure solar panels on my roof so that the energy produced
goes directly to the electric company as a credit to my account? I'd like
to install some panels, but I don't want to invest enough money to
power my house exclusively with solor, and I don't want to store the power
using the current batteries that are available.
Thank you.
posted by GernBlandston
on Aug 6, 2008 -
10 answers
What domestic devices can be operated effectively on solar power these days? Know any interesting alternative uses? Wide open question.
posted by vizsla
on Dec 28, 2007 -
11 answers
Anyone know a simple and cheap solar panel setup to run a small boombox about 9-12V DC?
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posted by Bengston
on Dec 4, 2007 -
3 answers
The oil we use today was made from a biomass from a certain era. When was it, and how long was that era?
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posted by sourwookie
on Oct 27, 2007 -
7 answers
Solar photovoltaic fabric. I'm trying to find or recall about a particular type of technology that I half-remember, as well as find out more about the current state of the art for flexible and/or fabric and/or imprinted solar panels.
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posted by loquacious
on Jun 6, 2007 -
4 answers
Are there any easy and inexpensive solar kits for your home? Someone preferably DIY installable. (in the 500-1k range?)
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posted by mphuie
on Aug 28, 2006 -
4 answers
if heat and light can be turned into usable energy, why don't we launch some collectors to orbit the sun and gather truck loads of the stuff that is otherwise dumped into space, then beam it home via microwave?
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posted by Tryptophan-5ht
on Aug 20, 2006 -
25 answers
Why hasn't solar energy been able to replace fossil fuels in Europe where gas is taxed so heavily?
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posted by MrMulan
on Aug 31, 2005 -
33 answers
