Q:I want to buy a solar panel kit to run my central AC unit. it is a 3 ton unit. Can I do this? The electric rates in the Chicago area are skyrocketing and I can't keep paying 350 dollar electric bills during the spring and summer months

It sounds like saving money is your chief goal. If your house is not already super-insulated, that should be the first target. Super-insulation, radiant barriers, double-pane windows, white roof, weatherstripping, attic fan. Number two would be conservation. Can you turn the A/C up to 80? I visited a place in Wyoming when it was 0 outside, and 80 felt very pleasant. Third, efficiency. Have you considered a ground-sourced heat pump? Deep down below your house the water table may be colder than 40 degrees F, and can provide good cooling. After all that, you can look into solar electric, which may or may not be a good deal in your area. The type of solar electric that is most cost efficient is the kind that connects right to the house wiring and works alongside the normal electric company. You can talk with a local installer and get a free financial analysis. Then you can look at it and see if the installer is on the level, or trying to play accounting tricks with unreasonable assumptions. Solar makes sense in most parts of California, but Illinois is not known as a big solar area. The kits you have have seen were probably for standalone solar, generally an expensive proposition for the amount of power you get. Put another way, either it will be low power, or it will be very expensive.

Q:Can solar panels be used to power a construction site?

Yes, solar panels can be used to power a construction site. They can provide a clean and renewable source of energy to run the equipment and machinery needed for construction activities. By utilizing solar power, construction sites can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.

Q:Simplfy it so i can understand pls and put it in stages such as . sun hits solar panel plsHow many different types of solar panels are there?

Solar panels are made of a series of solar cells.solar cells are an electical device that convert sun energy directly into electicity by the photovoltaic effect,which is an physic and chemical phenomenon.solar cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon,which is currently used most commonly.Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material.This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely.This flow of electrons is a current, this current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce.

Q:Can solar panels be installed in areas with high seismic activity?

Yes, solar panels can be installed in areas with high seismic activity. However, special considerations need to be taken into account during the installation process to ensure their stability and durability. Reinforced mounting systems and appropriate anchoring methods can be utilized to enhance the resistance of solar panels to seismic events. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to identify and address any potential issues that may arise due to seismic activity.

Q:How do solar panels affect the resale value of a property?

Solar panels can have a positive impact on the resale value of a property. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels tend to sell faster and at higher prices compared to homes without them. This is mainly because solar panels can lower energy costs for homeowners, increase energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, all of which are highly valued by potential buyers.

Q:How do solar panels impact the electricity bill?

Solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills by generating clean and renewable energy from the sun. By harnessing solar power, homeowners can offset their electricity usage with the electricity produced by the panels, resulting in lower overall energy costs.

Q:How do solar panels affect the property's long-term financial viability?

Solar panels can have a positive impact on a property's long-term financial viability due to various factors. Firstly, solar panels can significantly reduce or eliminate electricity bills, leading to long-term savings on energy costs. Additionally, with the potential to generate excess electricity, property owners can sell the surplus back to the grid, generating additional income. Moreover, solar panels can increase the value of a property, as they are considered a desirable and environmentally-friendly feature. Lastly, with the growing adoption of renewable energy, properties with solar panels are likely to attract more potential buyers or tenants, enhancing the property's marketability and ensuring long-term financial stability.

Q:If I wanted to add solar panels to my home to produce on average, 8 kWh of electricity daily, how much do you estimate it would cost using state of the art technology?I live in Virginia (Washington DC Metro Area), and I have Dominion Power. I pay the following electric rates:Jun-Sep $0.0904/kWhOct-May $0.0776/kWhAnnual Ave: $0.0824/kWhDistribution charges add on approximately another $0.0228/kWh.How long would the ROI for an 8 kWh/day solar system be?

Figure 8 hours of sun per day, so 8 kW-hr is a rate of kW, which is a medium sized panel, probably not enough to operate your house totally, unless you have a very small unit. Averaged over 24 hours, that is power at a rate of only 300 watts, enough for a TV. Average US home use is .2 kW, which over 24 hours is 29 kW-hr, plus you need extra for cloudy days, peak demands, and to charge batteries. You have to decide off-grid or on-grid, and if you want to (and are allowed to) sell excess power to the power company. Off gird, the cost of batteries and charge controller are a large part of the cost. On-grid, you have to purchase equipment approved by the power company to match your power with the grid. Panels will cost about $3 per watt, so for 000 watts that is $3000. Double that for installation, then add in cost of charge controller, inverter, batteries, etc. The last items depend on your alternatives, see paragraph above. .

Q:Can solar panels be installed on oil or gas facilities?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on oil or gas facilities. This is known as hybrid energy systems, where solar panels are integrated with traditional fossil fuel facilities to generate electricity. This combination allows for the diversification of energy sources, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Additionally, solar panels can help offset the energy consumption of oil or gas facilities, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on water bodies or reservoirs?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on water bodies or reservoirs. This type of installation is known as floating solar or floating photovoltaic (PV) systems. By installing solar panels on water bodies, it maximizes the use of space and offers numerous benefits such as reducing water evaporation, increasing energy production due to the cooling effect of the water, and providing an opportunity to repurpose underutilized water surfaces for renewable energy generation.