How much does it cost to produce solar energy?

Question

I need exact figures ($$$/W or household). We all know its more 'expensive' than fossil fuels.. but how expensive is it? Are there any reliable reports or sources from the interwebs? I have not been able to successfully google anything..

Answer 1

I can tell you the costs etc for my system. I have a 3.74 kwh/dc system, it cost $26K, I got a $10K rebate from my utility, so I paid $16K out of pocket. I will also get a $2K fed tax credit. My summer electric bills went from over $200 down to $20, my winter bills have gone from over $100 to $35. I expect to save about $2K per year. If you estimate that electric rates increase an average of 5% per year I should break even in my 6th year. I expect to save well over $50k during the life of my system. I haven't zeroed out my bill, but I got a system that maximized my rebates, I would have broken even in about 10 years without the rebate. My city also buys back all the unused energy, so as rates go up I will save more.

Answer 2

Your best bet is to contact a professional installer in your area and get a free quote. There are several factors that make it hard for someone on Y!A to give a general answer that will work for your particular location.



It depends on:

1) Your local electric rate structure. Does the electricity change price after a certain number of kilowatts baseline is used? Will the power company pay you back 100% for electricity you generate?



2) Your latitude and local climate. Is it foggy or sunny? Is this way up north, where the sun is low in the sky? Are you at the top of a mounain, where the air is thin? What are the temperatures like? What is the wind like (airflow cools the photovoltaic panels, making them more efficient).



3) Site dependent details. Is there a south-facing roof? Is the only choice east- or west-facing? What is the slope of the roof? Or will you do a ground-mounted system? Are you in the middle of a forest with tall trees all around, or in big-sky country, with a 360-degree view of the horizon? Does a neighbor's chimney cast a shadow on your roof anywhere?



4) How much electricity does your house use, and how much photovoltaic do you want to install? The cost is not linear per watt. Installing 10 kW takes almost the same fixed labor as 2 kW, so overall costs are lower.



A local installer will know these things by visiting your house and looking at your electric bills.



If you need a rough guide, I think you can see $3 / watt net in the coming year, depending on location. That's what my neighbor got, but it was a deal ahead of its time. Our system cost $4 / watt net.



See the link below for the trend in solar residential pricing.

Answer 3

Well, i used as much recycled material as i could, just to get started.

I have built two small towers (45 ft) used lots of parts from army-air

force salvage. most was new in the box, using wind power and 5 solar

(photovoltaic cell) i produce 3.82 kwh/dc and if i have a electric bill.

Most of the time i do not have an electric at all. My solar cells work

well enuf, but they are mostly there to help keep the batteries charged.



My biggest expence is the inverters and a battery now and then,

I've got at the present time have about $11,000 and by mid July or August i will have reached the break over.

Answer 4

Rebates are available in some areas.

These help to keep the costs down.

Make sure you get the most financial benefit available.

Seeking expert advice helps a lot too.



You'll have to research for your area, but if you live in Melbourne, Australia, here's a site that might help:

www.solar-power-melbourne.com-inside.info

Answer 5

Almost sure that you will pick up everything that has to do with solar power at: greensunwho.info You will find simple products to newest renewable energy data and related media.

Answer 6

Guide To Solar Power - http://SolarPower.siopu.com/?Ghc

Answer 7

Almost sure that you must pick up everything solar energy at www.greensunwho.info.

Answer 8

In Germany, in case you purchase image voltaic panels, the corporate will supply them to you for unfastened, in the issue which you will supply the corporate 15 % of your capability earnings for 10 years. this does not do away with out of your capability, as you in many situations have sufficient left over for your self. in case you're in the States, i'm exceedingly particular which you will detect a company which will do the comparable as in Germany. solid success! :)