I want to get solar panels but not spend 20,000!! I found out that you can get a panel to run only your AC unit, I also found something that will run my pool pump! Anyone own either of these? How did you do? Where did you go? How much was it, and was it hard to install?
I recenty had a system installed for my home, you can get a system that will dramatically reduce your over all electric bill for $20K. My system which is currently running my meter backwards from about 8:30 am till about 6pm cost me around $8K, I did get a $0K rebate and I'll get a $2K federal tax credit. I just had the system installed this week, so I won't know how much it will take away from my yearly consumption for a while. I personally think an overall system is a beter financial option. If you get one that just runs your a/c then you lose the benifit of the energy it is producing when the a/c isn't running. It makes sense to have a system to run an item that is located away from a source of electricity, but then you would need to invest in a storage system. The best advice, is to have a contractor come out and give you a quote. You can get a system that will produce part of your electricity all year and you can always add to it at a later time to eleminate your electric bill.
Solar panels are very expensive and take many years to pay for themselves. You'd be better off contacting your congressmen to lift bans on Nuclear and other producers of electricity. That would lower the costs and save much more than the hassle of hooking up solar power and batteries etc.
Your problem will be the days that are too cloudy, rainy, (snowy won't apply since you will need A/C during summertimes) and the night hours when there is no sunlight. A battery might be okay for a while but if you have to have a good one. Is there is a battery that can run an air conditioner for long without crapping out! I don't think you will ever recoup your investment.
Most major cities have construction signs and other public things powered by solar panels. We have parking meter stands, USGS meters, street lights, etc. when these lose efficiency, they need to be replaced. They still work at about 60 percent efficiency. Learn who services these items and ask how to get them at a reduced rate or even for free. Be personable and nice and go to the source physically, not via e-mail. You can get a solar panel to run just about anything
