Off the grid by using solar panels

[gemuppity]

I recently read some articles about solar panels. It really caught my attention and I've been wondering ever since if it's truly possible to go off the grid with solar panel use. Is it a reliable alternative source of energy? Anyone here with firsthand experience on this? What are the pros and cons? Is it really better for the environment?

I'm going to do some more research on this but I'd appreciate some feedback. Thanks!

 

[analyticalicy]

The disadvantage aside from it's expensive (it's a given) is the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day. When the sun goes down or is heavily shaded, solar PV panels stop producing electricity. If we need electricity at that time, we have to get it from some other source. In other words, we couldn’t be 100% powered by solar panels. At the very least, we need batteries to store electricity produced by solar panels for use sometime later.

 

[gemuppity]

The disadvantage aside from it's expensive (it's a given) is the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day. When the sun goes down or is heavily shaded, solar PV panels stop producing electricity. If we need electricity at that time, we have to get it from some other source. In other words, we couldn’t be 100% powered by solar panels. At the very least, we need batteries to store electricity produced by solar panels for use sometime later.

I've done some research about that. There are batteries and storage systems for storing the electricity. An acquaintance of mine has firsthand experience with this company, Ecoult. I've checked their site out and the case studies are a little overwhelming but impressive nonetheless.

Anyway, what you're saying is it's reliable as long as one has the complete package? I sure hope the costs go down so that more people are encouraged to use solar panels. I believe in some places there are government subsidies and tax deductions. That's a step in the right direction, isn't it?

 

[analyticalicy]

I'm glad I was able to contribute. Regarding the case studies, I will check it out.

 

[H2O]

I have 15 panels on my house and while they generate a decent income that number of panels don't come close to covering all my power needs.

Ignoring the short term power storage issue of needing power for lights at night they also produce significantly less power in the winter when compared to the summer. That would be a pretty huge problem for me as at that time of year my energy usage is much higher.

Solar panels are a good thing when used in partnership with other power generation systems but i can't see them being a viable sole source.

 

[Osprey]

I really doubt solar power alone can run a normal household, but using it in conjunction with normal grid electricity would probably decrease the amount you spend on power. Of course, you need to take the installation costs into account too. Would the panels be able to save enough on power to be worth it?

 

[SobriquetP]

The main hurdle solar power has right now is the costs associated with it. We just simply don't have the technology right now to make it cost effective. You will end up spending megabucks with the hope that it pays itself off one day, assuming you even live there. :/

Now if you have the money to spend, by all means go ahead.

I do not know how it is in other locations, but down here the power companies actually work with people who generate large amounts of energy and will actually pay you for any excess power you do not use and put it back into the grid.
Of course this would change month-to-month for reasons mentioned above, but again the cost to get there usually keeps most people away from even considering it.

 

[Krash]

I really doubt solar power alone can run a normal household, but using it in conjunction with normal grid electricity would probably decrease the amount you spend on power. Of course, you need to take the installation costs into account too. Would the panels be able to save enough on power to be worth it?

I've seen this in a number of houses in my neighbourhood. When I asked one of the lucky gents about it, he says he uses grid electricity for his heat and appliances, and Solar power with a storage battery for his water pump, hot water heater, and lights. I think, if used in tandem with a grid, it could seriously lower your power bill.