Q:. Does it really only cost $200 in contrast to $5000 or more?2. How much would it cost to build panels that would energize an entire average household? (washer, dryer, water heater, lights, fans, a/c)3. Is there a place to get the info on how to make them for free instead of paying E4E?4. Are the professional solar panels better? more efficient? 5. Will the electric company in So. Cal. really pay you?6. Do you have to be certified to do this professionally? or an electrician? If so what schools teach it?7. Would wind generators be of any use in So. Cal.? I mean don't you really need to get the fan spinning to get energy?8. Are there any extra unseen costs? (tools, energy converter, ect)9. How much is it to get an electrician to hook you to the grid?0. Is it better to hook to batteries or the grid? Pros, cons, why?

Are there any extra unseen costs? (tools, energy converter, ect). Yes. Batteries or Inter-tie, charge controllers, inspections, wiring, inverter etc. 9. How much is it to get an electrician to hook you to the grid? Call for a quote. 0. Is it better to hook to batteries or the grid? Pros, cons, why? Batteries are expensive and only last several years. Maximum power is limited by the size of the inverter. Grid-tie eliminates the need for batteries but then you have to purchase a very expensive grid-tie inverter.

Q:I have thermal solar panels on my roof. Iive in Colorado

Mr. Sun when he finds out what the **** exactly is going on.

Q:Are the solar panels on the roof just a gimik to get all the tree huggers to buy it, or are they actually a good, efficent design?

Create okorder /

Q:I am planning to run a couple of dc motors on solar current. I have a couple of 450mA 4V, 200mA .5V, 00mA 9V solar panels with me. I need to run a pair of .5A 9V motors. Suggest me a circuit along with other equipments I might require. For your info, I am trying to build a solar powered drone / UAV

I don't think it is enough solar power. Your motor requires .5A x 9V = 3.5 watts. The solar cells are .450A x 4V x 2ea. = 3.6 watts, .2A x .5V = .3 watts, .A x 9V = .9 watts total solar = 4.8 watts. The problem with connecting the cells in series to get the right voltage, like the two 4V cells in series with the .5 volt cell (total 9.5 volts) is that the .5 volt cell limits the maximum current to only 0.2A. If you paralleled that with the 9V cell, you would get 9 volts at 0.2 + 0. = 0.3A, too low to operate the motor at its design current and voltage. The best you could do is put the two 4V cells in series, and in parallel with the 9V cell (a blocking diode might be a good idea, but probably not required for such a small array). That way you get 8 volts at 0.55 amps.

Q:Are there any fire risks associated with solar panels?

Yes, there are fire risks associated with solar panels, albeit they are extremely rare. These risks can occur due to factors such as faulty installation, damaged wiring, or issues with the electrical components. However, industry standards and regulations have significantly improved over time, ensuring safer installations. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate these risks and ensure the safe operation of solar panel systems.

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

Yes, solar panels can be installed in areas with high winds. However, it is important to design and install the solar panel system with wind load considerations. Proper anchoring and structural support should be implemented to ensure the panels can withstand strong winds without causing any damage.

Q:Solar Panels not working very well, they have faded. Is there any paint or anything else I can do to restore them? Thanks Eileen

Unfortunately Eileen the panels are bound to fade as its par for the course. Over time much like everything else (from an AC condenser to your knees and hips) everything starts to go south. When did you purchase and install your panels? If this was done within the past few years then something is definitely wrong, and you should have the manufacturer and installer come back and replace the panels....on their dime of course. Is the warranty on your panels still in effect? If so then its definitely something that they have to come back and take care of. There is a company I know of called Sun Electronics that has a 20 year warranty on their products, so if its worth anything you might want to buy your new panels/system from them. The panels around today are more efficient than those of years past, and with the cost coming down due to economies of scale and the tax incentives you might want to consider getting a new system. Sorry to let you down though Eileen!

Q:Do solar panels require regular inspections or maintenance checks?

Yes, solar panels do require regular inspections and maintenance checks. These checks ensure that the panels are functioning optimally, identify any potential issues or damage, and allow for timely repairs or cleaning. Regular inspections and maintenance contribute to the longevity and efficiency of solar panels.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on camping sites?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on camping sites. They are a great renewable energy option for powering small electronic devices, lighting, and charging batteries while camping.

Q:That one costs money but looks like it might work. I don't really have the money for it but if it works then it would probably be worth it. Do homemade solar panels really work or is it just a gimmick? I'm really interested to see if anyone has actually tried this and to see what they say about it.Thanks

Solar photovoltaic cells oxidize, commercial panels are hermetically sealed but DIY panels degrade rapidly with time. Sizing the broken solar cells by individual measurements are labor intensive and the additional soldering makes them unreliable. Also, their irregular shapes result in less of the panel's surface area being covered with cells. They do work but not well and they deteriorate quickly.