The Louisiana Solar
Energy Society is an
educational organization formed to promote the
use of solar energy and to share information
on the subject between its members and the
public.
Answer:
Solar costs about as much as a car. Period.
You
can buy parts of a car for $200 or a new luxury model for $40,000
See
what I mean? Lets see what you need....
1.
The basic DC system that will run DC lights and appliances (like boats
or campers have) can start at $200.
All you need is a
solar module
and a
12
volt battery.
This is a good way to start and this is all that many
cabins & camps need.
If
you want to upgrade, all you add is an
inverter.
This will convert the
DC in the battery to AC which can run standard household appliances like TV's,
radio's, and lights. These are priced by how many watts they will run.
They start under $100 and can be purchased at many locations. You might
like to buy one larger than you need today to handle future items.
2.
For a larger "small system" be prepared to spend more money. You will need
multiple solar modules.
Four large
modules will cost around $3600. A
1500
watt inverter
will cost around $1000 and you will need around
4
batteries
which will cost around $1000. You will need additional
items to complete this system like wire, mounts, and meters. This
is called "balance of system".
3.
Big systems are big bucks. A 1000 watt grid-tied
system will cost around $10,000. A 3000 watt grid-tied system
will cost around $25,000. These systems will produce power for decades,
raise your home's value, and not raise your property taxes (they are exempt).
Remember that your system can start small and grow to accommodate your
needs.
Use the
to determine the size system to fit your needs.
