What goes into the cost of solar panels?

Its one of the most searched for phrases on the Internet when it comes to energy: “what is the cost of solar power?”  Yes, people are considering renewable energy more and more these days as a way to save money, as well as the environment.  Generating your own electricity is both efficient and reliable, which also makes it an attractive option for many homeowners.

But when it comes to the cost of solar power, many people are put off.  If you are planning on purchasing your own equipment (as opposed to a solar panel lease), the upfront costs can be close to $50,000.  But what does that price cover?

Your overall investment for a solar electric system includes:

• 60% for the solar panels themselves – based on photovoltaic panels (silicon is expensive)
• 10% for the solar inverter (it takes direct current from sunlight and converts it into alternating current for us to plug int0)
• 15% for parts necessary for installation (wires and racks, etc.)
• 15% for labor

Does that still sound daunting?

If so, you’re not alone.  But don’t forget the value of solar tax incentives and credits, which can defray significant amounts of the cost of solar power, plus the peace of mind of knowing that – even though you are paying for 25-30 years of electricity upfront, you will save significantly more on a monthly basis over the life of your solar electric system.

The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. This is an update to the 2010 Edition of the book with even more diagrams, details and up-to-the-minute information on t (more…)

Ronald McDonald House to get a solar energy boost in San Diego

Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will be helping more than just the families of critically ill children – it will be lowering its carbon footprint with a new 116 kW rooftop solar installation.

The new photovoltaic solar electric system will generate power to offset energy requirements of the Ronald McDonald House, which serves more than 20,000 families each year through its 47-bedroom house/Family Care Center.  The facilities offer overnight accommodations to families with a child receiving treatment in San Diego hospitals.

During the announcement this week, the general manager of Canadian Solar, Inc., Mike Miskovsky, commented:

“The Ronald McDonald House ensures families in San Diego receive the necessities they need as they care for their sick child, and we are so pleased to be able to provide our high-quality modules to this pivotal community facility.  Through its leadership in California implementing a renewable energy solution, the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will reap significant financial savings while contributing to environmental sustainability for years to come.”

Ronald McDonald House of San Diego

With the new rooftop solar panels, Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will be able to save over 150,000 pounds of CO2 each year, which is the equivalent of planting 554 new trees.  The installation will include 518 PV panels, which will generate 147,846 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.  Canadian Solar, HelioPower and PV Powered donated price reductions to benefit the charity.

Its the first Ronald McDonald House in California to go solar.  Bill Lennartz, president and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego commented:

“Ronald McDonald House decided to pursue solar energy to create a healthy and sustainable environment for the children and families we serve, and to help greatly offset power costs.  Our partners have been vital to our success as a resource to families in some of the most challenging times of their lives, and we are excited to now be producing clean solar energy to help us provide care to even more families.”

Installing solar panels on its rooftop is the latest step taken by Ronald McDonald House of San Diego to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Solar Electricity Handbook is a practical and straightforward guide to using electric solar panels. Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels. Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line so (more…)