Solar Panels For My House
Does it make sense to put solar panels on my house?
I live in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) I am going to build a home, and I am thinking of going green, I probably won’t do some of the “green things” like using all recycled materials, or even bamboo flooring, but more so, radiant floor heating, all Energy Star appliances (even getting an LED TV), Tankless water heater, french drain water collection (for water the lawn) LED lights, spray foam insulation etc. Does it make sense to get solar panels? I know that building rather thatn buying saves me 25%, but going full on green costs about 40% more.
My ultimate goal it to have a home that is comfortable, cool in the summer, warm in the winter, not a lot of energy loss, and especially low utility costs. I know solar cells are expensive, and I going to build a 3000-4000 sq ft house… what do you think?
Michael, since you’re designing the house, you should take advantage of passive solar building techniques – south facing windows, earth sheltering, a lot of interior thermal mass, etc. Check into using insulated concrete forms for the walls. Next, consider where dollars are most effectively spent for active energy recovery. Rather than gathering sunlight and converting it to electricity, convert it to heat and store it in a hot water tank – which provides both household heat and domestic hot water. How to air condition a house with hydronic heat? Look further into earth sheltered construction, and plan landscaping to provide some shade. You may find your AC needs are minimal or non existent. Do this correctly, and you’ll save tons of $$ in utility bills while the rest of the nation is up in arms about rising energy prices. You should be able to name that tune for about 20 – 25% above normal construction costs. Good luck!
|
|
P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor $50.00 Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your elec… |
|
|
Nite Guard Solar NG-001 Predator Control Light, Single Pack $16.67 The Nite Guard solar-powered night predator light is a maintenance-free unit that keeps nocturnal predators away from your birds, livestock and property. Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 3 x 1 x 2, Removal Of: Nocturnal predators, Single, Pair, or Set: Single, Power Source: Solar, Indoor/Outdoor Use: Outdoor, Material Type: Sealed temperature resistant plastic, Includes: Auto on/off… |
|
|
Energy Film Glare Control Window Film 48-by-84-Inch $30.79 Energy Film Shade is a thin, tinted window film that provides immediate year-round energy savings by retaining interior heat in the winter and blocking solar heat in the summer. Energy Film Shade is an inexpensive and easy way to make the home or office more energy efficient while providing UV protection. It is easy to apply and uses no adhesives.Summer/Winter insulating filmSaves up to 12-18% of … |
|
|
Elenco Solar Deluxe Educational Kit $14.95 Your kids will have a blast developing basic knowledge of solar energy with these do-it-yourself science experiments. They’ll learn how to make an electrical circuit or solar circuit, how to increase voltage and current and how to use solar power to produce energy for a radio, calculator, battery charger, cassette player and more. This kit can be put to use for a science fair project, classroom de… |
|
|
Plan Toys The Green Dollhouse with Furniture $178.00 The dollhouse’s energy efficient design includes a wind turbine, a solar cell panel and electric inverter for generating electricity, a rain barrel for collecting rain, a biofacade, which uses the natural cycle of plant growth to provide shading, and a blind that can adjust the amount of sunlight and air circulation. Also, recycling bins are included in the set.Playtime Ideas:The Green Dollhouse i… |
|
|
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden)) $9.56 The bestselling alternative energy reference book in North Americaânow in an updated editionWant to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether youâre looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how… |
|
|
The Sims 2: Mansion & Garden Stuff $19.99 Design impressive estates and meticulous gardens for your Sims with three all-new styles. Infuse your Sims’ mansion with the intricate beauty of new Moroccan designs, add a touch of retro-modern style with stately and new Art Deco elements, or build in the imposing new Second Empire style. With a host of new architectural and landscaping items to choose from, your Sims homes will look more stunnin… |
|
|
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 $53.99 Solar-powered wireless keyboard charges itself whenever there’s light and stays charged for at least three months in total darkness, eliminating the need for batteries, power bricks and charging cables. Thin keyboard features advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity that gives you the reliability of a cord plus wireless convenience of fast data transmission, virtually no delays or dropouts, and 128-… |
|
|
Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter $189.95 This inverter provides household power on the go. It converts battery power to 120 V AC household power, allowing you to power up office equipment and household appliances from your vehicle. This unit is ideal for such appliances as microwave ovens (1000 watts or less), coffeemakers, laptops, TVs, video game consoles, CD and DVD players, cell phone chargers, and more. Power equipment and applia… |
|
|
Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze 12V Fan $59.99 Endless Breeze is a high volume 12 volt fan with a twelve inch blade that operates at three speeds. Air movement of up to 900 CMF (cubic feet per minute) introduces a major breakthrough in 12 volt portable fans. Standing only fourteen inches tall on retractable legs and less than four inches deep it travels and stores easily and weighs under five pounds. Endless Breeze can be powered by any 12 vol… |