Q:i already have solar/gas water heating, but was wondering if getting solar panels for electricity installed was a good idea.

Sure they work, photovoltaics. Light goes in, electricity goes out. Is it a good idea? Well. See, they're expensive. You probably need several kilowatts of capacity to run your house for one thing, and that's going to require several thousands of dollars worth of panels. And electricity doesn't cost that much. You can figure out how long it would take you to make the expense back. It would be a while. It would take even longer if you wanted to spring for a system that could take you completely off the grid, that would require banks of deep cycle batteries too. But most people are probably fine with a system that ties into the grid, and depending on who your utility is you may be able to sell surplus power back to them. Expense is the main reason I think you don't see a huge number of people adopting photovoltaics yet. Doesn't explain why solar heating isn't more popular though. That's really cheap and practical by comparison. But yeah you can find the photovoltaic panels for sale all over the place. Google it. Yeah the going rate for panels is around 2 bucks a watt.

Q:im interested in starting a solar panel manufacturing company. ive researched on how to make them and it doesnt look too hard, and is definitely something i can figure out. i would be starting from nothing so my question is what are the chances of me actually selling a lot of panels and the business actually succeding?thanks

At this very moment, most of the people already have an idea on how to create their own solar panels, And creating your own company takes a lot of necessities such as permits ans other stuffs like that,.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on a military base?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on a military base. In fact, many military bases around the world have already implemented solar energy systems as part of their efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy. Solar panels provide a sustainable and cost-effective source of electricity for various facilities and operations on the base. Additionally, the installation of solar panels on military bases can contribute to energy independence, resiliency, and environmental sustainability.

Q:How much space do I need for solar panels?

The amount of space required for solar panels depends on various factors such as the size and type of panels, the efficiency of the panels, and the energy needs of your household or facility. On average, a 1 kW solar panel system typically requires around 100 square feet of space. However, it is best to consult with a solar installer or expert who can assess your specific requirements and provide accurate information regarding the space needed for solar panels.

Q:we are planing to move out of the grid. we need to operate constantly 2 laptops online - does any one can tell us how much solar panels we shall need to make sure of that?

A laptop is about 70 to 00 W, and you have two. You also may need to power a router, and modem. So, about 50W to 250W contineous should cover it. To save power when not in use, you can let the display go blank. This will reduce your solar pannel, and battery size, and cost. You will need batteries, and blocking rectifier to store the energy for use at night, and a 300W to 400W inverter. Checkout the link below for purchasing solar equipment. You can only hope to get about 8 to 9 hours of full output from your solar pannels, and 80% efficiency. The laptops will be on and using about 200W for the 8 hours during the charging period. So your pannels, need to produce that plus 2 times more than this amount, so you can charge the batteries for the evening, at the same time. So for 24 hour operation, you will need 200W x8hrs for the laptops, plus (6 hours*70W)/8=340W avg. Total of ~540W for 8 hours. Assuming you use power saving modes when not in use, you can probably get away with 3x60W -- 520W to 600W pannel. ( Thuja is right, a few cloudy days may knock you offline) Batteries. A common low cost ( $40) automotive battery can hold about 40 Amp/hours at 2V. Under load, you may get 35 Amp hours at 0V, which is about 350Watts for one hour. You need about 80W avg for 6 hours, or ~ 2900Watt Hours. Which means you would need 9 automotive batteries. Deep storage batteries cost more, but are more durable. 6*00W pannels, $460*6 ~ $2800 Inverter $70 Batteries $400 Battery cables, rectifier, lugs, connectors $50 There are probably some other hidden costs. I was rooting for you, but it appears to be pricey. Another thing you can do, is to use the new energy efficient RF florescent bulbs for lighting. The color and brightness are excellent, and a 60W bulb only uses about 3W, and they last a lot longer as well.

Q:i am wanting to build a small tiny house running 3-4 2 volt 5 watt light bulbs for a lighting source and using a Koolatron Fun Kool 26 Quart 2V Portable Mini Fridge This cooler consumes 4.5 amps at 2 volts. The conversion is: 4.5 amps (X) times 2 volts (=) equals 54 watts. and i want a solar system that will have back up for 2 days with the lights on for probly 5-6 hours a day so theirs no room for error

you silly ! with Solar there is always room for error . you have to build it in to your numbers . solar is full of errors . So you should plan on producing at 3 times what you expect you will need . then you have enough .

Q:What is the average lifespan of a solar panel?

The average lifespan of a solar panel is typically around 25 to 30 years.

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

Yes, solar panels can be used in areas with high winds. However, it is important to ensure that the solar panel installations are properly designed and anchored to withstand the wind speeds typical for the area. Additionally, selecting durable and wind-resistant panel models can help mitigate any potential damage caused by strong winds.

Q:Are there any aesthetic considerations when installing solar panels?

Yes, there are aesthetic considerations when installing solar panels. The appearance of solar panels on a property can be a concern for some homeowners, especially if they want to maintain the visual appeal of their property. To address this, solar panel manufacturers have introduced sleek and stylish designs that blend well with different architectural styles. Additionally, there are options available for rooftop or ground-mounted installations, allowing homeowners to choose the most aesthetically pleasing placement for their solar panels.

Q:Can solar panels be connected directly to motor?

Power supply must be a number of individual battery strings, connected in parallel and tightly packaged into components.