Your Questions About How To Install Solar Power Panels

Susan asks…

How much power is generated by the solar panels at Albuquerque Airport?

I understand Albuquerque Sunport recently installed solar panels atop their parking structure to generate electricity. Just wondering how much power this actually generates on a typical day. Thanks.

Henry Dover answers:

At most 4,985 kWh daily
or
17,940 kJ daily

this amounts to an average of 207 kW of power every hour, which should require over 4,000 m^2 (43,000 ft^2) of installed PV panels.

William asks…

How much solar panels would I need to power up our whole house?

We are considering buying and installing solar panels on our house… I don’t know how much it’ll cost us. Anyone knows where I could find a free quote? Thanks

Henry Dover answers:

Unfortunately without knowing your energy usage it is impossible to give an estimate on total system costs for a solar electric system. You can find out more about sizing your system by reading this article.

Http://howto.altestore.com/Articles-on-Renewable-Energy/Solar-Panel-System-or-PV-Systems/How-Many-Solar-Panels-do-you-need-in-your-Solar-Array/a88/

-Dave C.

Betty asks…

how much would it cost to install solar panel for just a 1/2 horse power water pump usage ?

Henry Dover answers:

You don’t have to spend a lot on solar panels.

Its the cost of batteries and inverters thats gonna set you back.

Your not going to run a pump of any real size directly off a solar panel.

Miketyson26

Donald asks…

How do you install solar panels without burning them out?

I’ve heard of Synchronizers and power meters but how do I use them to make sure the power is even or balanced? I want to install this

http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-39110-123-Watt-High-Efficiency-Polycrystalline/dp/B000MS8SHM/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1SPRFWV6IOY3G&colid=2HN19X2BA3IF8

Henry Dover answers:

First off, please don’t buy it from Amazon. Go to the pros instead like Real Goods who specialize in solar units and you can get a 123 watt output unit like that not only cheaper, but they have all the information and accessories you need to install it and tie into it. Plus they will help you with any questions. See this link below with units with the same or more output than the one you are looking at but $50 to $90 cheaper.

Http://www.realgoods.com/category/solar+power/solar+panels.do

Real Goods and their Solar Institute is probably the oldest and most reliable source for any alternative energy household or business installation. They test and stand behind every product they sell — Amazon won’t offer that kind of service as they are just re-sellers.

Lisa asks…

Would rooftop solar panels provide enough power to run ceiling fans and lamps?

I’m hoping to install rooftop panels over the next five years, curious how much output they have. I live in San Antonio, TX so there is never a lack of sunshine to provide.

Henry Dover answers:

Sure. You can get solar panels to run part or all of your household needs. How much depends on your budget. Are you looking to take these devices off the electric grid and just run them off batteries through an inverter, or do you just want to create enough electricity to offset what they use, and keep them connected to the electric grid with the rest of the household appliances?

It may be helpful to you to go to the calculators here to determine how many solar panels you need to install to power your requirements. Http://www.altestore.com/howto/Calculators/c5/ I strongly recommend if you are trying to power lamps, that they have either CFL or LED bulbs in them, not the energy hog incandescent ones.