Solar energy

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  WoolyM1 year, 3 days ago #1Show comment toolsReply

  Do a search on youtube if you want some individual type responses
  eg type in solar panels
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  DAMNOME1 year, 3 days ago #2Show comment toolsReply

  but they only work in the day? (when i am in work)
  they don't store energy in batteries so when you want extra electric (in the night) they are useless?
  or am i missing the point.
  oO
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  splatsplatsplat1 year, 3 days ago #3Show comment toolsReply

  I thought they produce energy and "sell it" to the grid if you dont use it.
  
  A lot of companies are offering free panels/installation but I guess you lose the benefit of subsidy/selling energy.
  
  So how much are the plans when you pay for panels/installation and get subsidies.
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  super_leeds_861 year, 3 days ago #4Show comment toolsReply

  In short the only thing that makes it viable is the F.I.T (feed in tariff)
  
  If that didn't exist a typical family would see £120 annually shaved from their energy bills, systems last time I looked are £8k, and guaranteed for 25 years (the output does decrease) = 66 year payback!! So energy bills would have to increase by 5 times to become viable and by that time more efficient solar will be out.
  
  BUT with the F.I.T...
  The F.I.T pays something starting out at around 40p (decreasing over time), a kw generated and works out that after 14-16 years the amount of saving (£120 PA) plus the F.I.T, pays for the system making the remaining 9 years paid all profit, which could be upto a £10,000 "profit". This is why farmers are doing it, they'll never sell up and are in it for the long haul!
  
  So in short, no feed in tariff, no point, with feed in tariff, spend the £8k and in the next 16-25 years see the profit! (Just don't sell your house).
  
  If you let a company fit them then all you see is the £120 saving (£3k over 25 years at todays prices) and they see the feed in tariff rate - then any maintenance you need to do on your roof, you pay them for any losses they incur while the panels are out of action. Also may hamper in selling and after 25 years what happens to the panels, often you buy them for a nominal fee - then it's your responsibility to maintain them or dispose of them (probably as hazardous waste).
  
  For me it still needs development and I'd go with other things first, LED bulbs, efficent equipment, minimal long term cost equipment (no 500watt gaming pc's!)
  

  
  Edited By: super_leeds_86 on May 18, 2012 10:40
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  DAMNOME1 year, 3 days ago #5Show comment toolsReply

  can you imagine what solar panels will look like in the next 5- 10 years...
  
  these things will look hideous on your roof when the newer smaller sleeker panels are developed - or even integrated into tiles.
  
  not for me - yet..
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  midlandscomics1 year, 3 days ago #6Show comment toolsReply

  DAMNOME

  can you imagine what solar panels will look like in the next 5- 10 years...
  
  these things will look hideous on your roof when the newer smaller sleeker panels are developed - or even integrated into tiles.
  
  not for me - yet..

  
  
  PV roof tiles are already becoming quite common.
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  super_leeds_861 year, 3 days ago #7Show comment toolsReply

  Saw some NASA developed lightweight PV sheeting last year. Will be great for tacking down onto buildings that cannot support the weight of current panels.
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  WoolyM1 year, 3 days ago #8Show comment toolsReply

  super_leeds_86

  Saw some NASA developed lightweight PV sheeting last year. Will be great for tacking down onto buildings that cannot support the weight of current panels.

  
  Was it like this
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQK5wq4T_E
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  super_leeds_861 year, 3 days ago #9Show comment toolsReply

  WoolyM

  super_leeds_86

  Saw some NASA developed lightweight PV sheeting last year. Will be great for tacking down onto buildings that cannot support the weight of current panels.

  
  Was it like this
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQK5wq4T_E

  
  
  Yeah that's the stuff!
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  WoolyM1 year, 2 days ago #10Show comment toolsReply

  I know this is not the type of solar setup that you will power the house with, but here is a cheap diy way of heating hot water.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP8H5IOTwYU&feature=related
  Starts showing how to build it from about 4:30.

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