The Cost of Solar Energy and Saving the Environment
A photovoltaic
system installed in your household is an excellent
choice if you want to contribute to saving
Mother Nature. But the cost of solar energy
in a household can be a detrimental factor
in your decision. Although the cost of solar
energy photovoltaic cells has dropped significantly
as compared to the 1980s, it is still a big
investment today. This article might help
you in your decision making if you are really
set on using solar energy as the renewable
energy source of choice.
Small, Portable, Just Enough Power
If you want to have a portable solar panel
with just enough juice to power several electrical
appliances like electric fans, computers,
and a few small items, the cost of solar energy
panels will be about $700 to $1,000. These
portable solar panels are mostly used in recreational
vehicles, boats, and for camping out.
The most commonly used solar energy unit in
the US is the solar thermal water heater.
The cost of solar energy panels for a typical
thermal water heating system would be about
$5,000. The return-of-investment for this
type of unit would be within two or three
years. The factory-built, pre-fabricated swimming
pool heating systems can extend the swimming
season well beyond the colder months. The
cost of solar energy pool heating systems
will pay itself off very quickly.
Big, Independent, Maximum Power
There are now many residential houses employing
photovoltaic roof shingles and photovoltaic
glass windows. These are silent, no-pollution,
environmentally-friendly power producing energy
sources. It takes away the guilt of using
electrical appliances because you know that
you are not contributing to the green house
effect by burning fossil fuel in your energy
needs. The cost of solar energy PV cells connected
to the distribution grid of your utility system
may be about $10,000 per kilowatt of capacity.
The cost of solar energy in a robust and “independent”
solar powered household will be about $20,000.
You will need to check your local state because
the cost of solar energy may not be as much
if you are eligible for state incentives.
On the average, the cost of solar energy is
roughly about $10 to $12 per watt installed.
Installing a grid independent solar energy
can be a more practical choice for a remotely
located cabin than hooking to a wired post.
The cost of solar energy in a remote cabin
will depend on several materials and factors
but generally, the following should be accounted
for:
The number of appliances that will
need electrical power constantly
1) Solar panels used
2) Backup generator
3) Batteries needed
4) Wiring length
Aside from the above factors, the cost of
solar energy powered cabins will also include
a system meter to monitor how the battery
charge cycle, a main DC disconnect to allow
easier shut-off of batteries for service,
and a charge controller for overcharging protection.
Your decision to do it yourself or to hire
a professional installer will also affect
the cost of solar energy expenses.Admittedly, the cost
of solar energy may be a little pricey at first, but in many cases,
the system eventually pays itself off in a few years. So if you want
to contribute to saving the environment and becoming more energy independent,
start investing on solar energy.
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