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Question: Anyone currently using solar/wind power at home?

(Posted by: Puresnow on 2008-10-26 06:43:57)

I've done a little research and the cost is not prohibitive, as far as I can see. Do you ever have interrupted power? How much did the panels/ windmills cost? How much was installation? Do you plan to invest in alternative energy sources again? What, exactly? Estimate your savings, please.

Answers:

Posted by: whsgreenmom on 2008-10-26, 13:35:14

I installed a solar PV system this summer. I am still tied to the grid, so I don't store my power, but I am lucky to have a meter that runs backwards so my utility buys my unused power. We occasionally have rolling black outs on peak demand days when we get several days over 100 degrees. I shouldn't have to worry about power if we have a black out in my neighborhood during day light. I paid $16K for my system and my utility paid $10K so the total system with installation was $26K. I will also get a $2K Fed.tax credit. The company I used had a licensed electrical and structural engineer, so I feel confident I won't have problems in the future. I will add to my system in a few years when we get either plug in hybrids or electric cars. I will need to see what my usage will be to get a system to fit my demand. I will also be able to get another rebate when I install the additional system. Since I only have a few months I can't say for sure what my savings will be. The proposal I received estimated I would be able to cut my usage by 33%, but so far I've seen about at 75% savings. I expect I will see it drop as the day light decreases, but I have much lower usage in the winter months as well. The proposal estimated a 6.5 year break even point. If that holds true and electric rates increase by 5% annually then I should save over $40K.

Posted by: babi on 2008-10-26, 09:20:50

I cant answer this question bcoz i am not using

Posted by: MeMom on 2008-10-26, 09:49:48

I am using solar power. No not unless there is a storm etc. $80,000 installation was included in price Was paying 600+ a month for electric Now at least half in the winter.Did get credit from electric company where they owed us money.

Posted by: tman755 on 2008-10-26, 10:56:17

I'm currently running a couple of small wind turbines at my home. There's interrupted power when the wind dies down, but I live near to a coast, so it's relatively uninterrupted. The installation was pretty cheap, but the turbines themselves cost $15,000. In the future I would consider doing it myself, but it seems that that might be a bit tough. I'm currently saving about $40/ month on a bill of $300, so I would need to DIY in order to save money. I'm still looking into the feasibility of this.