Jenny asks…

How do you install solar power direct to your meter, and do you need a power inverter?

how do you install solar power to your meter without useing batteries do you still need a power inverter and do you need a special permit in indiana

Henry Dover answers:

You would use a grid-tied inverter to connect between the solar panels and the electric grid meter. Here’s an example of a 1000W solar system, http://www.altestore.com/store/Kits-and-Package-Deals/Grid-Tied-Systems/Alt-E-Designed-Grid-Tie-Packages/AltE-Grid-Tied-Package-System-A-1kw/p6629/. Click on the box that says schematic to see how everything goes together.

You need to talk to your electrical inspector to see what their requirements are for installation. You also need to have a net metering agreement with your electric company to connect to the grid. You are probably going to require a professional solar installer. Her’s a list of NABCEP certified installers in your state. Http://www.nabcep.org/installer-locator?state=IN.

Laura asks…

How much would it cost to install solar power to a 1400 sq ft. home in rural colorado?

Found a piece of really cheap land (a little over 1K/acre) and just wondering the cost it would be to have solar electricity there – no electricity yet in the area b/c it is very rural and about 20 minutes from town.
thank you so much!! :O)
Hey, no thank you! Those websites are not solar related — they’re about appliance repair. Come on people!

Henry Dover answers:

It depends on how much electricity you plan to
use, and how many days storage capacity you’ll
require. – Those winters can be fierce.
(If you plan to use electric cooking, heat, or A.C. -
forget it).
You’ll need:
*Solar panels to gather a days worth of power in about
4 hours.
*A charger/inverter unit of the proper size for the load.
* Batteries with storage capacity for two days of the load.

Experience has shown that the system will cost
about what you’d pay for 15 – 20 Yr.s worth of utility power.

Sharon asks…

Is it feasable to install solar power in third world countries ?

I’m in the process of doing some research where i want
to find out the feasability of solar panels in
Pakistan.
There is a big power shortage in Pakistan and WAPDA
(Government electricity department) has no alternative
rather to do loadshedding for
residential and commecial users. Users have no other
option but to adjust to a lifestyle where there is no
power, even when they can afford an alternative,
there is none available.
Pakistan has hot and sunny climatic conditions and
solar energy could a be good alternative for
commercial and
residential users. There is a huge construction boom
in Pakistan nowadays and if feasable solar energy
alternatives are introduced i’m sure lots of users
would be interested. New industries are being setup
with local as well as foreign capital and alternate
energy sources could be suggested.

I wanted to know if there are solutions for residential
users and how can we calculate if it will be feasable.

Henry Dover answers:

I’ve been installing Solar panels. Solar stoves, Solar batch and inline hot water heaters.Solar radiant heating. Solar home heating and AC, along with home made wind gens and other alternative energy items for the last 3 years in the Mexican border towns (Mexico is NOT a 3rd world country) across from my ranch here in Texas.

Myself, my ranch and home are 100% off the grid and self sufficient. Every form of energy we have I built (mostly from recycled things like car brake drums, old alternators etc). The technology is simple and can be introduced to ANY place by ANYONE in ANY climate or conditions.

You can even make the above projects on site in Pakistan with simple parts from the local hardware stores or auto stores or junk yards. For more info check out some guides I wrote / compiled on how to DIY http://www.agua-luna.com/guides.html

Again these projects can be accomplished anywhere by anyone.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions,

Dan Martin
Retired Boeing Engineer now living 100% Off-the-Grid with my family, using Alternative Energy & loving every minute.
For more info visit www.agua-luna.com

Linda asks…

How much does it cost (on average) to install solar power in a small home?

Henry Dover answers:

All depends on your needs and what you have done to reduce your electric consumption already and how much electricity you will need in the future , time for you to get the calculator out , and do some home work, also look into hybrid, one does not work well alone

Richard asks…

how much would it cost to install solar power to a 700 square ft house with one bathroom and a small kitchen?

Henry Dover answers:

If you are looking for information on a small, economical system…I suggest you take a look at this interesting website…http://www.otherpower.com/wardsolar.html
You can gage whether this $700 system is too light or if it may work for your lifestyle. You can enhance it from there.

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