There's No Magic Solution: 6 Cons of Renewable Energy
Let's face the fact that there are many environmentalist groups out there that are actively advocating the people to revert and minimize the usage of non-renewable energy. But is it really worth the time and effort for the people to go green?
Going green is not an overnight make over session with your favorite stylist. It takes money, sweat, and patience to have a fully converted eco friendly home. There are seven points to remember before joining mother earth's campaign.
1. Eco Friendly is not Consumer Friendly
Sure the trend has been set and many companies have joined in the fad but those true blue advocates have money to burn in their pockets. Solar panels or wind mills are not easy on the wallet. A solar panel costs a hefty sum; consider buying four or five of them to cut down your electricity bill by a half. Not to mention that these technology is not widely available elsewhere.
They have to be specially ordered and professionally installed to be fully functional. It may be beneficial in two or three year's time but at the start it's just all bills and no gain.
2. High maintenance gadgetry may hurt the wallet's feelings
It may sound rough but truth hurts. Unlike automobiles which can be maintained by good old dad, these gadgets must be maintained by a professional to be able too meet maximum potential and satisfactory performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Solar Panel costs and energy generation?
If I buy a 60W solar panel is that how much electricity produces? In what time period? And if so how many kWh's would that be equal to?-
ANSWER:
60W would be the RATE at which it produces electricity (W, watt, is a measure of power not energy).kWh is the measure of energy which is equal to 1000W of generating power running for 1 hour.
that means it would take your 60W generator (assuming that it is running at that level based on environmental factors) 16 2/3 hours running at that level to general 1 kWh. (that would probably be about 2 days assuming 8 hours of good sunlight per day)
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QUESTION:
How much money does it cost to make ONE solar panel?
Can you please tell me how much a solar panel costs?
Please back up your info with a website.-
ANSWER:
If you mean how much does it cost a manufacturer, First Solar is now making claims of /watt manufacturing cost, which obviously doesn't include shipping. That would make a 200-watt panel 0. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/02/first-solar-inc-manufacturing-costs-solar-panels-below-1-dollar-watt.phpLow-cost crystalline panel manufacturers such as Suntech are believed to have costs in the .50/watt range today - making it 0 for a 200-watt panel. That doesn't mean that one can buy a panel for that price, of course.
If you mean a DIY panel from purchased solar cells, the cost would be closer to 0 for an equivalent-powered panel, not counting the price of the frame, and the labor. A homebuilt panel would not stand up to decades of weather unless one spent even more on the frame. And since such a panel would not have safety certification, it could not legally be connected to the grid in most places.
If you meant a water heating panel, please update or post another question - I'm sure people will chime in.
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QUESTION:
Do you get the cost in energy from a solar panel?
If the solar panel costs 00 do you get 00 worth of energy?-
ANSWER:
Yes, but depending on a variety of things like where you live, and your electric rates it takes time. I have a system and I should break even in my 6th year. That was taking into account that electric rates increase at an average of 55 annually. In my area that is very low. Last year I think the increase was 7% next year they are talking 12%. So it will more likely be 5 years. The panels are warrantied for 25 years. I expect to save over K before they have to be replaced.
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