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Would you consider solar energy?

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If I lived somewhere other than Oregon, probably.

It is very expensive though. Rather, it takes a huge initial investment that will be paid back in like 10 years....

Solar technology needs more advancing.
 
Originally posted by: Bateluer
If the cost comes down and technology is refined, then I have no problem with using solar power. The amount of solar radiation that hits this planet is off the charts, we just can't take advantage of even a fraction.
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Yes we do. Some uses of solar radiation are: lighting during the day, heating during day, tanning ( 😛 ), water heating (the oceans), growing vegetals, evaporating water (that falls back as rain and becomes hydroelectric power).
On a more serious note, solar energy is indeed rarely used by technologically advanced means, but that don't mean that I don't use solar energy to transform cut grass into hay
 
Originally posted by: Sureshot324
I'd consider it if

a) It was integrated with my existing power system, so I could use regular power if my solar panels weren't enough, and I wouldn't have to get enough panels to power my entire house right away.

b) I could sell power back to the electrical company if I had any excess.

c) The price came down a lot, which it would if solar got a lot more popular.
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A is true for all installations, B is true if you make more power than you use (this would send energy back into the grid...your meter would run backwards 🙂 ).

C is already happening, which is why people are looking at it again.
 
Originally posted by: kami333
Not yet for electricity, but for water heating.
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when i was a kid, my dad inserted a loop of hose/tubing to the inlet of our water heater with the loop sitting in a sunny spot in front of the house. it helped some, i think, during the summer
 
Originally posted by: K1052
Substantial increases in efficiency and a large reduction in production costs would be required before I would consider it.
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Like this?

Spray on nanotube technology that can bet up to 6X as efficient as current technology. Cheaper too.
 
word up - i saw 5.5 watt solar panels available for boats. enough juice to power a trolling motor, for example. available at a local hardware store. that's fun.
 
I am going to invest 10-20K into a system that will save max of $500-$1K per year.
Based on expectations that Solar will only provide 50% of my needs.

That is a lousy ROI; System will probably wear ouit/become obsolete before the $$ has been recouped.

Unless there can be a ROI within 10-15 years, you wil not see voluntary conversions.

Need lower upfront costs, higher output and the ability to feed excess power back into the grid.

Then it will be considered.
 
My energy cost for my house are around $200/mo., with a payback of 4 years it wouldn't be out of the question, but I doubt a $10K system would provide as much energy as I use now.
 
Sometimes the states give tax breaks. Also, solar panels sometimes give the energy surplus BACK to the electric companies.. meters run backwards and so this helps to reduce your bill.
 
Costs too much for decent equipment... especially the panels themselves

If price comes down, it's a freakin goldmine for those who can get involved in selling it!
 
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