Go solar

Hey everyone, i have tackled this major goal with my first step of action. I researched energy and solar online. I calculated how much kilowatts i use daily. I gathered all my Appliances, and electronics and jotted down all their wattages and energy use. Then i guesstimated how much or how long i use them daily. Gave me an average of 20KWH, or 20,000 watts a day. This included my dryer, microwave, fridge, tv, computers, water heater, ac, fans, lights, stove, dishwasher, and clothes washer. i might be forgetting some, but u get the gist. I then skimmed through some solar sites, or solar panel system companies. I compared some prices. If i use on average 20kwh daily, then i will need a 20KW solar system to totally go 100% solar. Or “off th grid”. if i purchase 12 solar panels each of them 165watts. this will produce enough power to power the house of course i have not configured the inverters and and batteries into this yet. It will cost around 9,000.00 for 12 solar panels with 165w each. hopefully i will be able to install it myself to get rid of the labor costs. I did see some stick on solar panels which might be a better candidate, we will have to see, but it will be a while before i gather up 9 grand. wish me luck as i further deepen my solar search for power!

I have gone solar in a way. Well a way that i can afford for now. I have purchased a solaris solar panel to charge my cell phone and ipod. Works quite well. I also want to purchase a roll able solar panel for my laptop. As for my long term ultimate solar goal is to Build or renovate an eco home with solar panels on the roof producing either half or all of my power that i use for the home. I could take it further and say i want to buy so many panels that i want to be off the grid. or even create a mini solar farm in my backyard so i could help people in the neighborhood power their homes, or feed it back to the grid. Of course i do not have the funds to do this yet, but its a goal that will hopefully become a reality for me and others around the world. I hope they bring the prices down so we can afford them.

well, I live in a perfect place for solar, though in the summer it’s almost overkill. We do a lot of passive solar already, like using a clothesline for much of our laundry, huge porch overhang for shading, etc.
We have finally started the process of getting quotes on going solar, and would like to be off the grid in maybe 8 yrs. Plan is to get the first phase in before fall.
I believe more of us would go solar if they would increase the incentives for it, so I’m writing to my local officials.

Start with something small like your modem – here are some instructions homemade solar power modem