Your Questions About Solar Power Homes Florida

David asks…

Is a new Florida solar farm, employing 500+ workers and providing energy to 20,000 homes a bad idea?

Largest solar farm in Southeast planned for Florida

The $1.5 billion project in Gadsden County would produce 400 megawatts of energy, enough to power about 32,000 homes.

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/business/realestate/housekeys/blog/2011/09/largest_solar_plant_in_southea.html

Sorry. 32,000 homes.

Henry Dover answers:

No. Very good idea, nothing can grow on those land fills they put the solar panels anyway.

Laura asks…

Why is Solar Power not Used Like Everywhere?

OK So I live in Florida and It’s sunny here all year round…..I have seen maybe a handful of solar panels….most rigged to heat pools…..why aren’t we using this technology to power our homes….HELLO….Does the Man have that strong of a headlock on science and technology that we will just continue to improve the combustion engine and take a step backward every daty…..Its like a 5 year old asking a Politician a Question… “Gee Mr. Politician why don’t use the Sun to power our homes and offices”……and he’ll say ” because the Sun doesn’t tell us where it goes when it gets dark”

Help……..is Society High or am I?

Henry Dover answers:

It’s simply that there are cheaper ways to get energy right now. So solar has a few specialized applications; areas where there aren’t power lines (highway road signs, some houses, in outer space) and is also used by some people who want to live more environmentally and are willing to spend extra money. Or by some companies who are willing to spend extra money to show they are concerned about the environment.

But other forms of energy are getting more expensive while solar is getting cheaper. So it will be used more and more.

George asks…

Will the government permit energy independent homes?

I was watching the video on cnn about the man who put up a huge windmill to power his home. However, he was talking about how it will still be connected to the grid and if he produces enough electricity he wont pay a bill but if not he will. Also, a man in Florida built enough solar to power his home but he is also connected to the grid. What are the laws about having your own independent energy without being connected to the grid? Are you allowed to not have any connection to the power companies? I know you never own a home in america because of property tax and eminent domain. But can you not even power your home without being connected to the largest polluting, money laundering scum on the planet? I am excited about technology that can power a home free of electric companies. But if even with the technology we still have to be part of the grid what’s the point.

Henry Dover answers:

There are homes all across the country that are “off the grid “. I don’t know of any state that specifically prohibits building an off the grid home. There are homes that use solar and/ or wind with a battery backup system, some also have a stand alone generator as a second backup, which is probably the best all around system, but obviously is more expensive initially, but if you want to do a strictly wind/ solar system without the backups than I’d say stay connected to the grid, just in case, and sell whatever excess power you generate back to the utility.

Ruth asks…

info on quality energy efficient prebuilt homes?

I saw a home built by students at a Florida Univeristy that was completely energy efficient. Heat and cooled by solar power. Looked like a home from an alien planet but really liked it. Would like information on how to obtain information about possibly manufacturing this type of home or options to franchise this type of home.

Henry Dover answers:

What you are looking for is called “green” (eco-friendly) building. One of the best sources for information on the movement can be found here:

http://www.smartcommunities.ncat.org/buildings/gbintro.shtml

Hope this helps!

Susan asks…

Would u support a solar energy utility run by the government..Do u trust solar energy?

Frustrated by a lack of control over local energy issues, Sarasota County leaders are considering the creation of a government-run solar electric utility that would provide cheaper electricity bills and a free solar hot water heater for everyone.

The county would pay for and own solar water heaters in residents’ homes. The only cost to consumers would be a monthly bill for the solar energy.

That would mean two electric bills for participating homeowners. But the customer would still save money on electricity because Sarasota County would charge less than Florida Power & Light for a home’s hot water.

A citizens’ committee asked by county leaders to develop local solar incentives formally recommended the solar utility idea this week.

The proposal will be considered by the County Commission on April 14. If adopted, the system will put Sarasota County in rare company; only 35 communities in the country have solar hot water incentive programs.

Larry Altman, who headed Sarasota County’s advisory committee, touted the concept of having the county absorb the cost of installing solar water heaters in homes.

“This is a guaranteed savings on your electric bill: no money down, no mainten