Affordable Solar & Wind

How much can I expect it to cost to install solar panels?

My home uses an average of 2400 kW per month (28,800 per year.) How much can I expect it to cost to install solar panels of this amount?
(It is not my intention to go off of the electric company's grid. I would like to generate what I can / possibly sell back extra power)
What "hidden" costs are there?
What is the average life of them?
What is the "best" (cost effective and green) solution / approach?
(BTW.... I am in southern LA if that makes a difference)
Best answer will go to clear answer WITH links/resources to back it up!)

THANKS A MILLION!!! I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!!!

There are 4 basic components to every photovoltaic (solar) system.
1. PV collection cell (solar panel)
2. Charge controller
3. Power inverter
4. Mass power storage system (Collection of batteries hooked up in series and in parallel to supply the correct combination of Voltage, and Amps to the inverter)

When you think of the four basic components, you can see why this is not the cheapest method there is.

Now, for your needs, you should start with about 1200 Watts worth of panels. (~$3,500)
You can pick these up on eBay for great prices.

Charge controller 50A (~$300)

Now for a power inverter.
You are going to want to get a 3000W inverter or better. ($600 +)

For the batteries.
Since you want a grid tie-in system they are not really necessary. But it would still be a good idea to get a dozen 6VDC heavy duty golf cart or marine deep cycle batteries. They should be hooked up in parrallel and series by an electritan. This way you can still have power when the power goes out and there is little-no sun. (~$1,000 total)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tonen-53-watt-Photovoltaic-Solar-Panels_W0QQitemZ260195786773QQihZ016QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Enough panels... (~$3,500)

http://cgi.ebay.com/60A-XANTREX-C60-Solar-CHARGE-Controller-DIGITAL-Meter_W0QQitemZ120201628253QQihZ002QQcategoryZ41980QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Charge controler 60A (for up to 1440W worth of panels) ($300)

http://www.theinverterstore.com/the-inverter-store-product.php?model=pwri3k24012w-top-rgb

Power inverter to change 12VDC panel power to 220VAC House power. (~$600)

You are also going to need various switches and a meter to keep track of how much you are sending back to your power company.

Final answer... Expect to pay ~$7,000.00 with installation by a qualified electritan.

SunPower: The Complete Solar Solution

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The Solar Project $58.94 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles In 1995 Solar One was converted into Solar Two, by adding a second ring of 108 larger 95 m (1,000 ft ) heliostats around the existing Solar One, totaling 1926 heliostats with a total area of 82,750 m (891,000 ft ). This gave Solar Two the ability to produce 10 megawatts. Solar Two used molten salt, a combination of 60 sodium nitrate and 40 potassium nitrate, as an energy storage medium instead of oil or water as with Solar One. This helped in energy storage during brief interruptions in sunlight due to clouds. The molten salt also allowed the energy to be stored in large tanks for future use such as night time.Solar Two proved it could run continuously around the clock producing power. Solar Two was decommissioned in 1999, and was converted by the University of California, Davis, into an Air Cherenkov Telescope in 2001, measuring gamma rays hitting the atmosphere. Its name is now C.A.C.T.U.S.. Solar Twos 3 primary participants were Southern California Edison (SCE), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 74 Publication Date: 2010/07/21 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.18 inches

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Solar Carabiner Crank Flashlight $15.94 Solar Carabiner Crank Flashlight Solar Carabiner Crank LightEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source: Rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel or cranking LED technology - Bulb never needs replacing Carabiner Clip to hang light where needed 5 Hours of full sun powers light for ~2 Hours (solar charging) 1 minute of cranking powers light for ~10 minutes

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Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSPUMP1 Replacement Pump for pump kit ZSK045 ZSK0100 $41.85 Replacement pumps are available for all OSS solar pump kits. These pumps all come with dry run protection. This new technology senses when water is low and turns the pump off automatically preventing damage to your pump.

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSPUMP2 Replacement Pump for pump kit ZSK0200 ZSK0500 $55.35 Replacement pumps are available for all OSS solar pump kits. These pumps all come with dry run protection. This new technology senses when water is low and turns the pump off automatically preventing damage to your pump.

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK0600 Solar Pump Kit Max. head 6.9ft Max. flow 359.3GPH $492.08 Enjoy the sound of moving water in your back yard. The solar pump has an extralong cord that allows the solar panel to be placed up to 16 feet from the fountain.Replace your present electric power with this solar pump kit to make your fountain more environmentfriendly more portable and safer for your kids. Fountain height up to 80 inches water flow capacity up to 360 gph with adjustable variable flow rate. This kit includes Dry Run Protection if the water runs low the pump will automatically shut off preventing your pump from burning up

Ps10 Solar Power Tower $78.07 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Europes first commercial concentrating Planta Solar 10 or PS10 solar power tower operates near the Southern Spanish city of Seville. The 11 megawatt (MW) solar power tower produces electricity with 624 large movable mirrors called heliostats.The mirrors were delivered by Abengoa, the solar receiver was designed and built by TecnicalTecnicas Reunidas, a Spanish Engineering Company; and the Solar Tower was designed and built by ALTAC, another Spanish Engineering and Construction Company. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 112 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.27 inches

Ps20 Solar Power Tower $78.07 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Planta Solar 20 or PS20 solar power tower is a solar thermal energy plant in Sanlucar la Mayor near the southern Spanish city of Seville. It is the worlds most powerful solar power tower. The 20 megawatt solar power tower produces electricity with large movable mirrors called heliostats. Solar thermal energy (STE) is a technology for harnessing solar energy for thermal energy (heat). Solar thermal collectors are defined by the USA Energy Information Administration as low, medium, or hightemperature collectors. Low temperature collectors are flat plates generally used to heat swimming pools. Mediumtemperature collectors are also usually flat plates but are used for creating hot water for residential and commercial use. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 108 Publication Date: 2010/07/13 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.25 inches

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK039 Solar Pump Kit Max head 20 inches Max. flow 39GPH $71.08 This 40 GPH pump ships with a small 5 x5 solar panel that can provide plenty of power to push your water to this pumps max 21 inch head height. Includes a 5 head nozzle kit for many different looks also a 16ft extension cord and garden stake will allow you to securely place your solar panel in the optimal position.

Outdoor Solar Solutions ZSK045 Solar Pump Kit Max head 27inches Max flow 46GPH $82.01 This 46 GPH pump ships with a 6 x4 solar panel. With more photo cells this panel can provide more power lifting the water to max head height of 28 . Includes a 5 head nozzle kit for many different looks also a 16ft extension cord and garden stake will allow you to securely place your solar panel in the optimal position.

Solar Folding Lantern $27.94 Solar Folding Lantern Energizer Solar Folding LanternEnergizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation.Features: Dual Energy Source:Rechargeable batteries powered by solar panel3 D Primary Cells 5 Hours of full sun powers light for ~2 Hours (low mode) D Cells: 110 Hours (high mode) The lens folds out to provide 360 degree illumination or down for 180 degree light. 3 Light Configurations: Low, High, Amber Nightlight

Energizer Solar SOLCKCCBP Flashlight $16.99 3 x LED White 4.90 oz - with Batteries 5.20" Width x 2.20" Depth 9 Lumen Dual power options - solar panel or crank handle Solar panel charges even in low light Versatile spring carabiner clip attaches to backpacks or belts Crank operates clockwise/counterclockwise 5 hours of charging in the sun provides 3 hours of runtime Crank charging for 1 minute provides 9 minutes of runtime Energizer Solar lights offer convenience and portability to fit every lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially enjoy the versatility that comes with hybrid power solutions. Charging options include solar panels, crank, primary batteries and car adaptors, making these lights flexible enough for almost any outdoor situation. Push Button Switch Carabiner Cilp Compact Crank Powered Energizer Energizer Holdings, Inc Flashlight Impact Resistant LED SOLCKCCBP Solar Solar SOLCKCCBP Carabiner Crank Light Yes www.energizer.com

Solar $124.99 Solar - Laminated Oversized Art

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