[Ziggythewiz]

The cheapest panels now I'm aware of are around 20%.

The PV for the entire nation would cost under $9 Trillion, probably far less on that scale.

[PhantomPholly]

Yep, and it just keeps getting cheaper.

I'm excited about the types of panels they are now trying to make with built-in electronics. If they can completely eliminate the grid-tie difficulties it will in turn reduce installation costs. The ultimate of course will be solar shingles that don't offend Homeowners' Associations. When that happens the installation cost will be offset greatly by the fact that folks have to have a roof anyway, and so the "incremental cost" will only be slightly higher than the cost of the cells themselves (which in turn will be offset by the difference in cost between asphalt shingles and the cells).

[Mark C]

I don't have any statistics to help out with, but I worked this up to see if it looked feasible to me. I have a 1050w solar array at home, 6 Sharp 175's that are 1.3 m^2 each, total 5.2 m^2. I am adding 24 Sharp 240's that are 1.63 m^2 each, total 39.12 m^2. I estimate 875 kilowatt hours monthly average for the year, and I believe that to be a little conservative.


That will cover the energy needs of my wife and I in our modestly efficient 1520sf single family home and my estimated needs to propel a Nissan Leaf for all my commuting every month. So, I believe it entirely possible for us to do what you are daydreaming about. I've met some very unwilling people along the way trying to gain approval for my newest solar array that is in the process of being built, though. Younger folks are far more likely to consider this possible / doable than old farts {> 50} like myself and older.

[PhantomPholly]

Originally Posted by Mark C

I don't have any statistics to help out with, but I worked this up to see if it looked feasible to me. I have a 1050w solar array at home, 6 Sharp 175's that are 1.3 m^2 each, total 5.2 m^2. I am adding 24 Sharp 240's that are 1.63 m^2 each, total 39.12 m^2. I estimate 875 kilowatt hours monthly average for the year, and I believe that to be a little conservative.


That will cover the energy needs of my wife and I in our modestly efficient 1520sf single family home and my estimated needs to propel a Nissan Leaf for all my commuting every month. So, I believe it entirely possible for us to do what you are daydreaming about. I've met some very unwilling people along the way trying to gain approval for my newest solar array that is in the process of being built, though. Younger folks are far more likely to consider this possible / doable than old farts {> 50} like myself and older.

Hehe - yeah, remember when 50 seemed old?

[jeremyjs]

Yeah. Solar is actually becoming a worthwhile option if you plan on being in the house for at least 5-10 years. One problem with roof installations is that unless a house is built with solar panels in mind it's likely half or probably less will be at a suitable orientation for solar panels. If/When I ever move it's something I'll be paying attention to with how inexpensive it's getting. I certainly wouldn't mind getting a loan for an array with a 5-10 year payback and then; basically free electricity after that. Although if a lot of people get this idea monster, cheap storage batteries will be essential for the grid tied to really work without causing problems.

It would be a while though. I think I remember about 2-3 years ago that it shouldn't cause problems unless or until the total installed solar capacity was around the 20% of total capacity mark.