Six Easy Steps to Estimate Cost of a Solar Power System
Solar power energy systems are not inexpensive. That said it's important to compare them within context of other types of home improvement projects. Home buyers and realtors view a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water heating system as a significant value-added improvement - similar to adding a deck or remodeling your kitchen. Plus unlike a deck or kitchen remodel, you also gain one-up on your power bills. Here are some foolproof ways to estimate the cost of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system and to figure out if a solar energy system makes sense for you.
Six Easy Steps To Estimate Cost of a Solar Power System
Solar power energy systems are not inexpensive. That said it's important to compare them within context of other types of home improvement projects. Home buyers and realtors view a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water heating system as a significant value-added improvement - similar to adding a deck or remodeling your kitchen. Plus unlike a deck or kitchen remodel, you also gain one-up on your power bills.
Solar power systems often get an additional financial boost as well: many jurisdictions and utilities across the USA offer attractive financial incentives to drive down the upfront capital costs associated with a solar power system.
Here are some foolproof ways to estimate the cost of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system and to figure out if a solar energy system makes sense for you. Let's start with a home photovoltaic (PV) system.
Step 1: Estimate your home's electricity needs
To get started, it's good to have a sense of how much electricity you use. You'll have a better point for comparison if you find out how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per day, per month, per year. Your utility bill should include that information.
Of course, the utility bill will also display your costs and many utilities include a graph that displays how your monthly energy use/cost varies throughout the year. That helps you estimate where your highest energy use is and at what time of year.
New Home Construction
If you are constructing a new home, then you'll need to estimate your demand based on the type of equipment you plan to install and your home's square footage. The pross call this "your load".
To figure out your anticipated load, create a table to record the watt use for each appliance. Each appliance - be it a water heater, electric light, computer, or refrigerator - should have a nameplate that lists its power rating in watts. Or you can get the information from the manufacturer's website.
Some labels list amperage and voltage only; to obtain watts multiply the two together (amperage x voltage = watts). In another column, record the number of hours each appliance is expected to operate. Then multiple the watts and hours together to estimate watt-hours used per day. Since it's hard to anticipate all electric loads (it may get tedious scouting out every toothbrush and mobile phone cell charger), you might want to add a multiplier of 1.5 to be safe.
Step 2: Anticipate the future
In 2005, average residential electricity rates across the USA ranged from about 6 to nearly 16 cents per kilowatt hour depending on where you lived. Average retail and commercial electricity rates have increased roughly 30% since 1999 and the upward trend will likely continue especially as costs for the coal and hydropower used to generate that electricity rise as well. So think about your home electricity needs and present and future cost in relation to one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
When buying a solar photovoltaic system, what does 3.0 kW mean?
I know that kW means kilowatt but does 3kW mean it produces 3 kW per day or what? If my home uses 2-3 kW per day, does this mean a 3 kW system that is tied to the grid, would result in close to a zero electric bill for that month?-
ANSWER:
Using your numbers.You use 3 kWh per day on your home
You install a 3 KW solar power sytem. If you only got 1 hour of sun a day you would zero out your electric bill. But normally we get more then one hour a day. It is all based on how many Peak Sun hours you get in your area. If you get 5 Peak Sun Hours a day in your area with the same 3kw system you would get 15 kWhs from the system.Read this link http://www.oynot.com/grid-tie-only-how-to.html
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QUESTION:
how can we store electrical energy generated by solar photovoltaic system?-
ANSWER:
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QUESTION:
what is the best brand/type of solar system for residential photovoltaic?
I'm looking for a cost-effective solar electric system for my house.-
ANSWER:
There are three brands that I would recommend. For solar panels I recommend the Aten Solar ATPV-42 Solar panels (first link). These are thin-film amorphous silicon panels and are the lowest cost solar panels currently available at /watt. That compares the the current average cost in the United States of .85/watt. That is a 38% savings on the most expensive component of your system. I am thinking of purchasing a set of these panels myself to add to my system.I recommend using a grid-tied system and so you will also need a grid-tied inverter. I recommend the SunnyBoy brand. They are german made and of very high quality. I have two on my solar system. Sunnyboy inverters have the highest efficency ratings and are the most affordable available. (second link) They make a variaty of inverters in different sizes to match your system needs.
For mounting I chose the Unirac modular Solar Mounting Rails. They are very easy to use and very sturdy (third link).
These three components make up the heart of you system. You will also need wiring, disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers etc. Unless you are an electrician who speciallizes in solar installations I strongly urge you to consult a professional installer to help you design and install your system. I have included an excellent link that can help you to estimate your system cost, size, payback and to find a qualified and reputable installer. Check out "My Solar Estimator" on this page. It is great (fourth link).
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