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Is Solar For You?
Though
Solar is capable of meeting 100% of your needs, a realistic goal
would be:
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economically heating up to 60% of domestic hot water and up to 90% for a
swimming pool.
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space
heating of home, cottage, shop or store.
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generating electrical energy for lights and appliances
Solar retrofits for the typical house range upwards from $3500 for a solar
thermal heating system and $5000 for solar electricity - depending on your
needs. Keep in mind, that after the initial investment, solar can be much
more economical than other energy alternatives. The amount of solar energy
available depends on the orientation and angle of the panels, obstructions
and size of solar array. Coupled with Wind Power total self sufficiency is
achievable. A ground source heat pump would also be a good fit. |
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How much
energy you can produce is not just dependent on how much sunlight you get
but also when you get it and how you use it. For instance, even under
cloudy skies solar electric panels deliver some energy. Using sunlight for
"daylighting" works best in lightly cloudy skies. Solar water heaters work
best when the water entering them is cold. Simply put, it depends on what
you need and when, more than how much sun you get. |