Any DUers with Solar powered homes? - Democratic Underground

slor

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Wed Oct-19-05 02:59 PM
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Any DUers with Solar powered homes?

I am thinking about it, and wonder if it can be done by a non-professional, such as myself, or with minimal help from a professional eletrician. TIA

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CottonBear

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:04 PM
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1. Check out this solar technology site:

Edited on Wed Oct-19-05 03:05 PM by CottonBear

http://www.siliconsolar.com/

The portable power kits are way cool:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/portable_power_system.htm

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Neocondriac

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:05 PM
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2. In Germany..

The average German homeowner will sell back as much as 25% of his excess solar power to a local grid. A national effort in that direction would be helpful.The BFEE won't allow that.

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CottonBear

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:11 PM
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3. You should also consider passive solar in addition to active solar.

Edited on Wed Oct-19-05 03:17 PM by CottonBear

The proper orientation of the house, the surrounding (exisitng and proposed) trees and the prevailing winds are all important factors to consider. Consider as well, the vernaculat architectural forms and site planning models of your area. For example, here in GA, high ceilings, dog runs (central hallways with doors at each end) screened sleeping porches, screened porches, transom vents and big shade trees are typical. A landscape architect could help you with site planning for maximum solar gain and protection from wind and sun.

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troubleinwinter

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:20 PM
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4. Installed

a solar-powered attic exhaust fan in California this spring.

My husband is convinced that it cut the temp of our home 10 degrees during the day this summer.

It is absolutely silent, cost about $350, and was pretty simple to install with only a jig-saw.

I think it is a great energy-saver in lieu of running air conditioning in hot summer areas.

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GreenPartyVoter

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:22 PM
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5. This site has some good info on having a solar home although

it's more of a mansion in my book.

http://solarhouse.com/

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garybeck

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:24 PM
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6. I can answer any questions you have

Edited on Wed Oct-19-05 03:28 PM by garybeck

I've been doing solar (selling, writing, teaching, installing, reparing) for over 15 years. I've designed over 1,000 solar systems that are in use all over the world.

check out my website:
http://solarbus.org

this page explains the basics of solar electric systems
http://www.solarbus.org/solar.shtml

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Pam-Moby

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #6

7. What is the cost range for a

medium size house with normal use?

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garybeck

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Wed Oct-19-05 03:49 PM
Response to Reply #7

8. answer

$5,000 - $10,000 will get you pretty far. however before you can consider going solar, you have to take care of a few things:

replace electric heating appliances with propane or natural gas - clothes dryers, baseboard heaters, etc.

get more efficient appliances - replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent, get a super efficient refrigerator, ...

then the photovoltaic system in that price range will do you good.

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