Solar Electric Power Systems

As a homeowner of solar electric power systems you should prepare yourself to times when there is little or no sun. On these time periods, some kind of backup should be available.

If, for example, In the dead of winter, when the weather is overcast and snowing sometimes for weeks, it is not being practical to have a battery bank large enough to last that long. Most batteries are sized to last without recharging no more then 3-5 days.

I would recommend using a small sized AC Generator to charge the batteries during these periods. Of course, in the summer operating the generator is not necessary.

One more benefit of solar electric power systems is the ability to enjoy both worlds. You do not need an independent system if you only want to add some solar power electricity to the electricity you get from the normal utility company power.

All you need is a Grid Tie inverter that will suit your needs. A Grid Tie inverter will lower your electricity bill because whatever electricity that your solar panels produce will reduce the amount supplied by the power company.

If you are producing more power than you are using, you can actually sell the excess back to the power company!

For this set up there is no need for a large battery bank to store the power for later use.

If you would like to do a Solar Survey and learn where to locate your Solar electric power systems, It is all in the Free Guide.

To make independent solar electric power systems practical, you need to make some changes in your daily life:

1. Replace power hungry appliances. Instead of a gas stove you should use an electric stove that will triple the size of the solar electric power systems required.

2. You should consider replacing anything that uses over 1500 watts. Like electric hot water heaters and electric heating systems that are not practical to use.

3. Electricity conservation is always part of the equation. Simple things like turning off the light when you leave the room. They are far more important with solar power than if you are connected to the grid.

Being independent from the utility company and having no electric bills except the cost of a little unleaded fuel for the generator makes conservation a small price to pay.

Get more information about Solar electric power systems.

Solar electric power systems are referred to as an Alternative Energy System. It is true but don't forget that wind, geothermal, and hydro systems are also alternative energy sources. We focus primarily on Solar and will therefore simply use the phrase Solar Energy System or Solar Electric Power Systems.

After you get an idea of the components you'll need for your solar energy system, be sure first to check out if your house fits to have solar energy with our solar survey free tool.

Here is a general idea of what parts are needed for solar electric power systems.

Solar Panel - One or more Solar Panels would be the first component needed, they supply the electricity and charge the batteries. For a small to a medium system you should figure to have at least 4 to 8 80 watt panels.

A Charge Controller - It is needed to prevent overcharging of the batteries. You will prevent damage and increase the life and performance of the batteries with proper charging.

Power Inverter - It is the heart of all solar electric power systems. It makes 12 volt DC stored in the batteries into 120 volts AC. If it connected to a generator or the AC line it will also charge the batteries.

Storage Batteries - They store the electrical power in the form of a chemical reaction. Without storage batteries, you would only have power when the sun is shining or the generator is running.

The price of Solar electric power systems, is in the range of minimum around $4000-6000, but for real service expect to pay closer to $9,000 to $14,000.
You can get the solar electric power systems for the average of 8000$ by using less automation and working at your batteries harder. However, it will reduce the cost of the system 15 or 20 percent but in the end, performance would suffer.
The system works for: 10 cubic foot refrigerator, computer plus LCD monitor, Energy Star Color TV and other lights and small devices in the house.

These price estimates would be for typical energy usage and include an AC Generator for back-up power and all the equipment necessary for a completely independent, fully functional solar power system.

There is a system sizing estimators that will give you a fair idea of the number of solar panels and batteries you'll need for a variety of configurations.

How long does it take for solar electric power systems to pay for themselves?
These are the first question people would ask me every time:-) 5 years? May be more years? There are several variables you will have to consider. However, in the average let's say after 10 years the system has been paid.
It is only part of 25-30 years of the system life time. Does the utility company stop charging you after 10 years? Usually no, in most cases you will pay more each year for price increases.

I prefer to think about solar electric power systems in other terms:
1. Price paid the utility company during that entire time in comparison to the life of the system!
2. How do you put a price on independence and self reliance?
3. Personal contribution to the environment!