Q:Can solar panels be used for off-grid living?

Yes, solar panels can be used for off-grid living. They are a popular and sustainable option for generating electricity in remote areas or locations where there is no access to the traditional power grid. Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity, which can power various appliances and systems in an off-grid home. Additionally, by incorporating batteries or other energy storage solutions, solar panels can provide a consistent power supply, even during periods of low sunlight or at night.

Q:Can solar panels be used to power electric vehicles?

Yes, solar panels can be used to power electric vehicles. Solar panels can convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be stored in a battery and used to power an electric vehicle. This helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promotes sustainable transportation.

Q:Hoping to find instruction, materials list and hardware needed to construct solar panels myself, how many and make it happen instead of talking about it

If you think that a solar storm is going to knock out most power utilities in that time, what makes you think that your solar panels will not be affected as well? The cost to even come close to light up half your house will be prohibitive and will take at least a decade or 2 to just break even on your original costs. May want to do a little more research on your 202 storms. If you are concerned about the power going out for a while, then you better check at what else may happen.

Q:What happens to solar panels during extreme weather conditions?

During extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or hailstorms, solar panels can be damaged. Strong winds can cause them to be torn off or destroyed, while hail can crack or break the glass surface of the panels. Additionally, heavy snowfall can cover the panels, reducing their ability to generate electricity. However, most solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, and manufacturers often perform rigorous testing to ensure their durability and resistance.

Q:i have a small solar panel,the ones from a garden lamp that turns on at night-i think.what i was wondering is can i just connect the solar panel to a capacitor and then a light just to test?or do i need something to convert the solar energy to usable energy?and how do i tell if a capacitor is broken?

solar panels for those lights provide the power directly to the light, so there is no capacitor used or needed. in any event, capacitors very rarely break but you would need an OHM meter to test it.

Q:wondering if i should get them?? not sure if its worth leasing? also anyone know anything about solar city?

Solar panels can be worth it but it is more complex issue than that. It will always be more efficient to add insulation, change to high efficiency lights, more efficient appliances, etc, first to try and save energy. However, if you have done all of that and you have a south facing area whee they could be mounted and you live in an area with a decent amount of sun, then they could pay off. I have no experience myself with Solar City, but I know from word of mouth they are good. I can recommend from first hand experience REC Solar. I have 20 of their panels on my south facing roof. They have a leasing deal or a deal where you buy the system outright (which is what I did) but for less than you might think. I'd be glad to help you if you had any other questions.

Q:What happens to solar panels during a power outage?

During a power outage, solar panels are unable to generate electricity because they rely on the grid to function. This is because most solar panel systems are grid-tied and do not have a battery backup. Without power from the grid, solar panels are effectively rendered inactive until the power is restored. However, there are alternative solar panel systems with battery storage that can continue to provide electricity during an outage.

Q:I want to replace my electricity with solar and wind. I live just right outside the city, the roof about 000 square feet. How many windmills/solar panels would it take to get me off the power grid?

I live in the Southwest where the sun shines almost every day. I got a quote for Solar system to produce about enough to cover my annual usage. My annual average electrical usage costs about $2300, or about $90/MO. The system costs around $30,000 but I can get rebates and some of your tax dollars in subsidies to bring my cost down to under $20,000. I can borrow $20,000 for 3 years at 7% and pay $95/MO, so in 3 years I will have the system paid for. As you can see, I don't start Saving any money for a long time. Maybe the rates will go up in later years which will help, but My friends that have solar systems tell me things like controllers go bad over time and they cost like $3000. Will it ever pay for itself? Maybe. Please note. This still does not get me off the grid. This system will not support things like an electric stove, air conditioning, Pool pump running, etc. so I still need the grid for when these operate and my usage peaks. If I installed a system that would totally support everything 24/7 the cost would be astronomical. If you live in the east, midwest, or NW where you have cloudy days, your economic calculations will be much less favorable I would think, unless your power costs are much higher than mine..

Q:What things can a solar panel power?

With the right equipment anything that requires electricity. I have been living on solar power for 6 years now.

Q:Me and my wife just saw an ad on TV about going solar and saw the money we can save every month... any here have solar panels? How much do you save every month on energy bill? Is it true that your energy meter will spin backwards? lol

I have them. Jamie's way of going about it is one way, the other way is to do-it-yourself. I went the DYI way and got off the grid. I bought my panels online along with the batts, they were cheap. I paid cash on the spot, this allowed me to not get into paperwork and possibly financing it. Now I save what I was paying every month. I am not interested in the meter going backwards and selling my power, I am free now!