SolarEnergy FAQ

How much energy is in sunlight?


The amount of energy that can be harnessed from sun is dependent on geographical location and weather conditions. Generally you can expect about 1.0 KW/m2-1.4 KW/m2 per hour in absence of clouds.






How much energy i need to power my home?

According to the US Department of Energy, an average American household used approximately 866-kilowatt hours per month - 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) = the amount of electricity required to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.


How many solar panels do i need?

The array size you need depends on how much energy you want to produce, your average electrical usage, climate, roof angle, shading problems and many other factors. To approximate the array size you need, multiply your average daily electrical demand in kilowatt-hours by 0.25. The result is the approximate size of solar array, in kilowatts, needed to meet your electrical demand.


What is a solar house?


A solar powered house make use of the solar energy in all his aspects and gain more energy than it looses. This include the use of passive solar power, solar heating and solar panels.

• Passive solar energy is the simplest and least expensive method of using the sun for energy. Basically it's about controlling the temperature of a home without the use of panels and can dramatically reduce the energy needs.

• Solar heating is the use of sun energy to heat water or spaces. Concentrators, reflectors or mirrors can boost these temperatures to well above the boiling point.

• Solar panels 0r photovoltaic panels convert the light from the sun into electricity.

Can i install my own solar system?


Yes, you can. Actually more and more people do that in order to cut the costs of a solar system. A 1-kilowatt home solar system takes about 1-2 days to install and costs around US$10,000, but can vary greatly and does not take into account any incentives offered by the government. However the cost can be reduced to a fraction if you decide to build and install your own solar system.




What components do i need for a solar system?

There are many components that make up a complete solar system, but the 4 main items are: solar modules, charge controller, batteries and inverter.


How do i know if i have enough sunlight for solar panels?


Solar panels need unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most or all of the day. However they are relatively unaffected by severe weather and are angled to catch the sun's rays, so there is enough sunlight to make solar energy nearly everywhere in the United States. For more information about the solar energy in hours at your location check out this Solar Insolation Map.

What if i don't have enough sunlight for my energy needs?

You can always consider the alternative of using the power of wind to create more energy for your home. Wind turbines are also a viable option of renewable energy especially for areas without enough sun power.

How to build my own solar system?


There are a lot of good books and resources to help you build your own solar system. If you are looking for an excellent step-by-step guide to build your own cheap solar system and a wind turbine check out this DIY Energy Guide.