Q:We are considering getting solar panels for our home just south of Birmingham, AL. We know a little and are trying to educate ourselves the best we can. But we are having a hard time finding anyone around this area. We have done the yellow page thing, and some quot;green places around town. But to no luck.....

Any electrical contractor could likely install them, and there are several Internet businesses that sell solar panels. You likely have no place there to get the kind of large panels you need for a house. Look at your local regulations. Your utility may not allow grid-tie, so you may have to set up an off-grid system with batteries and use separate wiring or a transfer switch. One thing a lot of people neglect is hail protection. In Birmingham, you're likely to have large hail (larger than golf ball size) every couple of years in the spring. You need to work out a way of covering them in advance of severe weather. Most panels will take up to golf-ball size hail with no problem. DK PS, I've done this myself, and have considerably more information. Email if you're interested.

Q:Someone Said It costed them 50,000 To Install Solar Panel In their House and 35,000 For Installation. Is that true?

It depends on the number and size of the panels. The minimum charge for a small bungalow would be at least $20,000 labor and material.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on refugee camps?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on refugee camps. In fact, they are increasingly being implemented in many refugee camps worldwide to provide reliable and sustainable electricity. Solar panels offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to meet the energy needs of the camps, providing power for lighting, charging devices, and running essential services. They can contribute to improving the quality of life, enhancing safety and security, and supporting the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance in these often resource-constrained environments.

Q:I've built a set of lights, fan and a clock running on only solar power. The problem is, i have to present it tomorrow and when the light isn't particularly strong it won't work too well. It works flawlessly when its under my desk light on max brightness but the only the light works when i set it to low brightness. Currently, tomorrow in my city it won't be sunny so any advice for trying to make it work under low light?

Solar panels are designed to be used to recharge a battery or series of batteries, not for direct power. That is the inherent weakness of solar systems. The only way to have it work in low light conditions if to have several cells wired in series and have a voltage regulator to limit the amount of voltage that can be supplied. Other than that, add a battery and a charging circuit that the cell would supply power to.

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

Solar panels can have a positive impact on the value of a home. They are considered a valuable asset as they reduce energy costs and provide potential financial savings for homeowners. Solar panels also contribute to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle, which is increasingly valued by homebuyers. Additionally, homes with solar panels are often seen as more attractive and can stand out in a competitive real estate market, potentially increasing the overall value of the property.

Q:How do solar panels perform in extreme temperatures?

Solar panels perform best in moderate temperatures, typically between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, extreme temperatures can affect their performance. In extremely hot temperatures, solar panels may experience a decrease in efficiency due to an increase in heat-induced resistance. On the other hand, in extremely cold temperatures, solar panels may experience a slight increase in efficiency, as lower temperatures can reduce resistance and improve conductivity. Nonetheless, most solar panels are designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures and can still generate electricity in extreme weather conditions.

Q:The voltage and power problems of solar panels

From morning to night (with sunshine) solar panel voltage is generally relatively stable, that is basically about 30V; but the output power is always changing, sooner or later, noon; if it is good quality solar energy,

Q:If a solar panel is a .5kW system, what length of time is it putting out that much power? Every hour?

Power = work done/time taken In other words, Watts=Joules/second. In this respect, power is a little like speed (m/s). Your question is looking at a car with a 50mph top speed, and asking how long is it going that fast? The solar panel will produce .5KW for as long as you require it. Enough to boil a kettle, run a modest electric heater etc,

Q:Here's a little idea I though might help everyone out in Iraq a little: How about if the US mass produces solar panels that are small enough to carry (maybe one foot by three feet) that have a regular power outlet on them to the Iraqis? We could send convoys to the people waiting in line to buy gas and give each person one free solar panel. Why?. A lot of people are buying gas to run generators for air conditioning, not to fuel vehicles. 2. It would help reduce the gas lines if people only needed gas for cars instead of their generators too.3. It would help reduce the fighting over the power grid if people didn't need the grid for their own electrical power.My theory is, once every family in Iraq has enough of these panels that they don't even care about the power grid (during the daytime anyway) it would be much easier to fix the power grid. Maybe these solar panels could even connect to and add to the power grid.

In oil rich Iraq it would be counter productive to take such an initiative. There is already a huge shortage of solar panels. If you drive the price up more, which you're plan would do, It would just set back their growth in the U.S. and other developed oil poor places. This would hurt us a lot more than it would help them.

Q:Can solar panels be installed on a residential community or housing development?

Yes, solar panels can be installed on a residential community or housing development. In fact, many residential communities and housing developments are embracing solar energy by incorporating solar panels into their buildings or providing shared solar systems for the residents. This not only helps to reduce the carbon footprint, but also allows residents to save on electricity costs and increase the overall sustainability of the community.