Build Own Solar Panel

1. Gertrud S Said,

   there is a wide choice in solar equipment already.
   in any case, you will get enough energy in the midwest.
   my suggestion is that you contact a couple of companies
   that sell solar equipment, have them come and make
   offers. comparing the offers you will find out advantages,
   disadvantages, rentalbility, investment needed an so on.
   the advantage of having two offers is that each will point out
   the disadvantage of the other system. of course you can
   decide for third version.
   References :
   having been professional buyer

2. luis l Said,

   the much you spends is the much do you save ,you have to learn to be a independence people from mayor providers
   References :

3. electricpole Said,

   Solar power plants can cost in the neighborhood of $9.25 / kW. (total cost of panels , converter , etc.) Multiply that by how many kW’s you need. Many States have programs to reimburse up to 1/2 the cost of the project with certain restrictions. This is for a "Grid Connected" system, Stand alone with batteries & a back up generator are considerably more of course.
   They are not hard to install, if you are mechanically / electrically, otherwise, get a qualified contractor.
   The best kind is really a combination of components that fit your home / region. Much of the "good stuff" comes from Germany.
   VERY ballpark, you need about 400 sq.-ft to make 5,000 kW / year in my location , (North East).
   There are published charts that give average usable sunshine for all of N. America and can help you predict your yearly output. There is a trade off for panels. More sun = more output, but heat drops there efficiency drastically. So your location may not be so bad. A 1000W panel will put out much less if it is 100 deg. out, and MUCH more if it is 0 deg.

   Most systems are "Grid Connected", which means you are using the Electric grid to "store" your power. They give you credit for every kW you put in, and take one away for every one you use, with a yearly cash true up. Because you may be sending power into grid all day when you are not home and using it back at night when it’s dark. Generators do not store energy. Many stand alone systems have them as a back up.
   References :

4. whsgreenmom Said,

   There are 2 ways of installing solar, you can stay on the grid and get a system that will reduce your bill, that’s what I did. Or you can go off the grid, you will need a much larger system and you will need a bank of batteries to store the energy for when the sun isn’t shining.

   I can tell you that the system I had installed cost $26K, but I got a rebate from my utility of $10K and a fed tax credit of $2K. If you install a system now you will get a fed tax rebate equal to 30% of the installed costs. I have a 2000 sf tri level home and my system generates over 75% of my summer usage and over 50% of my winter usage. That is a savings of over $2K per year. I should break even in 6-7 years, it would have been more like 10 without the rebate. My utility lets my meter run backwards so they are buying back all the energy I produce but don’t use. I’ve only had one day that I didn’t really generate any electricity, so even on cloudy or overcast days I get some sun on my panels, it only needs the light so it temperature doesn’t matter.

   The best thing to do to see what type of system may be right for you and what results you can expect is to have a local licensed contractor come out and give you a no cost, no obligation quote. Your specific site will determine your results. My roof isn’t at the best angle, but I’m still getting better results than the contractor quoted me.
   References :

5. Pats Fan Said,

   Read everything you can. You’ve got a lot of studying to do.

   Good news, yes you can have a solar energy system on you home in the midwest.

   You don’t need a generator, you need a bank of batteries to store the energy you collect.

   As far as your first 3 questions. It depends on the size of your home, how much electricity you use. How much you are willing to conserve.

   It is recommended that most people start by conserving electricity. See how low you can get your electric bill. Then you can calculate your energy usage (there are formulas available). Once you know your needs, you will be able to size your system, and determine price.
   References :

6. roderick_young Said,

   Prices are unstable right now, and falling, due to the recession. I’ve linked an article below. Your best bet is to call some solar installation companies and get bids.

   It takes a professional about 2 days on average to install panels on your roof. Like a roofing job, it depends on the type of roof you have, and accessibility. For most people, it’s too difficult to do self-installation. It’s possible, if you’re the type that would dare to do your own remodel.

   The vast majority of residential installs do NOT use batteries. If there is grid power available, it is usually cheaper to tie the solar to the grid (through appropriate equipment).

   As for how much sun you get, that would be a good question for a local installer.
   References :
   http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/environment/2009-01-12-solar-panels-glut_N.htm

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