Here comes the sun: tell me about solar electricity

July 22, 2005 6:24 AM

SolarPowerFilter: My wife and I love the idea of solar power and would love to compliment our current electrical consumption with some tasty renewable energy, but where do we start?

For instance, where would one go to buy equipment for a solar panel array? Would the installation be a DIY project, or do we need an expert? How can we incorporate it into our old school 200 amp city-provided electrical service? I've heard talk about government incentives, but how do you find out about those, if any are applicable?

I know that's a lot of questions, but since they're all on the same subject hopefully they won't be too difficult to answer. Thanks!

posted by bjork24 to Science & Nature (13 answers total)

Other Power is a great source for information. I highly suggest it.
posted by jackofsaxons at 6:30 AM on July 22, 2005

Try Home Power magazine also.

Before you set your self on generating electricity from solar you might also consider using solar thermal, i.e., using a panel on the roof to use heat to warm water for use in your house. You may find it more economic than electrical generation, solar cells are still pretty expensive.
Depending on your circumstances you could also consider a heat pump.
Remember that before you install renewable you should check that the energy efficiency of your dwelling is up to scratch. This can be a cheaper thing to fix for bigger savings both economically and for the environment.

Does someone have to be highly suggestive before a high suggestion works?
posted by biffa at 6:53 AM on July 22, 2005

You might also want to check out whether your utility company offers renewable energy options. Most won't advertise it, for a variety of reasons, but with both NYSEG in New York and UI here in Connecticut I had the option of buying renewable energy from them (mainly wind and hydroelectric) for about a penny more per kWh, or about $6 more a month.
posted by ChasFile at 7:27 AM on July 22, 2005

You could call your utility and ask for recommendations on local efficiency and RE consultants. I know one guy around where I am who got hired to do this sort of thing all the time, and, as biffa says, almost always wound up getting people to make their home efficient first, before installing RE. When you call your utility, you should also find out if they do net metering, so that electricity you generate above what you need at any one point in time goes back into the grid, rather than getting wasted.
posted by claxton6 at 7:29 AM on July 22, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for the links! As I was browsing through the sites, I stumbled upon the DSIRE database, which contains details for state-by-state RE government incentives. Just wanted to point that out, in case anyone else was curious.
posted by bjork24 at 7:35 AM on July 22, 2005

Another place to look is Real Goods; they carry solar kits that include all of the little bits you'll need. That link goes to a section for utility-tied systems aimed primarily at Californians; their main online store is here.
posted by aramaic at 9:15 AM on July 22, 2005

There's also Real Goods, where they sell an array of RE products and even services.
posted by OmieWise at 9:16 AM on July 22, 2005

What claxton6 said "home efficient first, before installing RE"
For example if your fridge is older than 10 or so years(depending) get rid of it. Find all those charger transformers and unplug them or put them on a plugstrip and use that switch. If you never run out of hot water, turn down the temp settings (get help if you don't know how). Use cf lamps instead of regular 75w bulbs.
Do all this and more.
Then if you still want solar, go for it as the needed system will be smaller (less $).
As for DIY i don't recommend it, Why? Most grid tie solar these days has a array voltage of 220-500 VDC Not to be messed with by the lightly skilled.
However some Solar pros will let you/homeowner mount racks, drill holes, install unpowered conduit and so on. This will save some money, but let those with the Solar Skillz do all the wiring (Danger, Danger). Also some states reduce your rebate for owner installed (california) to encourage better installs. I have seen some truly dangerous jobs done by owners that passed inspection (details, details).
Disclosure, i have been a solar contractor for 15 years.
Enjoy

PS: Realgoods is the Wallmart of the solar world.
posted by blink_left at 10:04 AM on July 22, 2005

One useful thing to know is many power companies will buy your surplus power. This way you remain connected to the electrical grid and don't need batteries during the night. You sell the electric company power all day, and buy it back at night.
posted by shepd at 10:14 AM on July 22, 2005

Realgoods is the Wallmart of the solar world.

What does this mean exactly? Low- quality, cheap crap and poorly-paid employees?
posted by 40 Watt at 1:20 PM on July 22, 2005

Yeah, shepd, that's definitely more appealing than batteries. It also allows you to start small, with panels that wouldn't supply your entire need.

The other cool thing is:
1. solar produces the most during the daylight hours, which are peak times for power companies.
2. the RealGoods website points out that law requires the power company to buy power from you at the same price they would sell it to you
3. peak hours power costs more (or will soon)
4. so most of the energy you're selling back to the power company you sell to them at a high rate
5. and at night when your solar produces nothing, you buy power at a cheaper rate
6. PROFIT!!!
posted by scarabic at 2:48 PM on July 22, 2005

peak hours power costs more (or will soon)

Not until they replace your standard electric meter with a time-of-use meter.
posted by vaportrail at 5:24 PM on July 22, 2005

There may also be some links of interest to you from MetaEfficient, especially their Independent Power section. They review solar power products along with other eco friendly things, and also have an energy production link list.
posted by yoga at 5:22 AM on July 23, 2005