SOLAR PANELS, STORAGE BATTERIES & ELECTRIC CARS

Those technologies seem to be getting more sophisticated every day. I'd say the first thing to do is find out if there are any building code restrictions for what you want to do. We have someone in our neighborhood who wanted to install solar panels on his roof. Because they would have faced the street side of their house they were denied a permit.
As for electric cars, I have no desire to own one but future technical development and legislation may render that point moot in the future.

For many reasons, it's a potentially productive enterprise.

Design makes or breaks it from both construction and cost/return perspectives. The decision to go on or off grid is a primary consideration. Pros and cons to both. Before considering any design, I would strongly recommend a thorough study of local laws and regulations to avoid potential unexpected costs. For example, existing roadblocks to selling additional electricity production through the grid can affect the cost/return calculation with an on grid system. Conversely, in some jurisdictions, you could also be subjected to basic electrical service charges even if you are completely off grid - Better to know.

Second, the geographical configuration of any unit can also have a significant impact. For example, if a unit which faces east and the residence has a sufficient roof pitch that the north side of the roof doesn't see the sun after 10:00 AM in mid-summer, the square footage of the roof on that side couldn't be considered productive which would have to be overcome in some manner to compensate for both capacity and usage.

Water heating is another consideration. Either a passive or active solar system can be utilized. The primary difference between the two is a pump between the batch collector, water heater and heat exchangers, which requires electricity, is utilized in an active system. The most efficient design would include a water heater being located closest to the area of the house which receives the most direct sunlight and, hence, may not require an additional circulation pump depending on usage requirements. Long proven Asian tubular designs could also be considered.

Ground is the most important element to a successful geothermal HVAC system. Our karst topography here in Kentucky lends itself to such systems particularly well. It's possible even with a small lot because necessary loops can be constructed vertically; however, cost is a primary concern depending on system design. Basically, you're paying the utility costs forward and return on investment increases the longer any system is utilized. That curve would be incredible if any of us had enough money to do this in our 20s or even 30s.

As far as cars, I have a 2007 Prius hybrid (along with a 2016 4WD F150) which I bought new sitting in the driveway. Prius has 106,000 miles and getting better mileage, 44 MPG average, than ever. I'll go electric when it gives up the ghost. The primary problem with that one is if somebody has a typical 200 amp residential electrical service, solid change there's not sufficient remaining capacity for a 220/240 volt charging station even if they have the jack. You'd have to be generating a significant amount of solar electricity to handle that load. I'm sure it could be done; however, I'm equally certain most don't possess the resources to make it happen.

Good luck Dino.

Excellent post.  Thanks

Here's what I'm thinkin on the geothermal...

let me know when you get it figured out, i would love to be able to heat and cool my house without astronomical utility bills.

I tried that venue here in Maryland. Jumped through all the hoops. Conducted the site survey where you count trees, distance from house etc to predict how much shade your panels might get eyc. Got through all the paperwork only to see the last line state something to the effect of :"Must be installed by licensed solar panel guy"

Really? So I'm going to pay a guy 4 times more than what it would cost me to install a system myself, just to get 50% back?

The way it's set up here in KY, for better or worse, individual residential home owners have wide latitude and can pull most permits desired providing they actually perform any related labor; nevertheless, there's an underground of retired individuals who maintain their trade licenses and will also pull permits for a fee. They have to maintain minimum license and insurance requirements established by the commonwealth; consequently, they have a vested interest in work being performed correctly. 

If a licensed journeyman trades person is caught working on a home owner's permit or none at all, they're subject to both fines and suspension of their license (s); however, if a Master's licensed individual pulls the permit, they no longer have that particular liability.Competitor's turning them in to state officials is the normal downfall. 

Man it's kind of a multi-layered mix no matter how one looks at it. How much do you want to do yourself? What level will be required of others? How much risk are you willing to accept to save jack? It's all part of the final product. 

I'd also still be fairly hawkish about checking out possible tax credits and deductions.  





 



 

Interesting but I suspect somewhat dated.  

That is from a 2017 article, or you can Google - solar panel effeciency 2017

news.energysage.com/what-are-the-most-efficient-solar-panels-on-the-market/