Some question from a complete idiot

[kickoff3pm]

Hi, found your videos on UT, great thanks.

I wanted to ask some questions that may seem stupid but here goes.

I'm in the process of buying a detached house. When complete I'm going to renovate the house and live in it for about a year before either selling it or renting it out. I've always been interested in alternative energy but never been in a position till now to concider doing anything. This house has a large slopping roof and the sun rises at the front and follows right over the back where the slop is. Here are the questions I have, it would great to get an idea of if I'm wasting my time.

1. I saw on a goverment website that it might take 25 years to recover the cost of installed solar panels. The estimate for the size of roof I will have was around £25,000. I'm thinking that if you get a company to install them but coud I do it myself a lot cheaper. Solar seem very popular for the DIY in the States.

2. Could I build a system that not only does all my power needs but also earn my money ?

3. If I could build such a system and I end up renting my house out would I be able to meter the use and change the person renting for the power they use ?

4. Are the any other issues I need to concider.

If these question do turn out to be stupid perhaps they'll at least create some debate :-)

[MJLorton]

Thanks for the post.

1. I saw on a goverment website that it might take 25 years to recover the cost of installed solar panels. The estimate for the size of roof I will have was around £25,000. I'm thinking that if you get a company to install them but coud I do it myself a lot cheaper. Solar seem very popular for the DIY in the States.

> The payback period has reduced a fair bit...another video I hope to do soonish...but generally less than 10 years now depending on where you live and the type of system. I would get a professional company to install unless you are very comfortable and experienced working with household mains and high voltage DC...can be very dangerous. Also, if you want to see a return and not just experiment just be aware that a system not installed correctly could have high losses...and fail before payback.

2. Could I build a system that not only does all my power needs but also earn my money ?

> Yes.

3. If I could build such a system and I end up renting my house out would I be able to meter the use and change the person renting for the power they use ?

> Yes....although I'm not sure if there are any local laws that restrict the sale of generated electricity...

[kickoff3pm]

Thanks for your replies they help a great deal.

I've taken the next step to securing this house so this information has helped a lot. When I get further down the road and have ownership I've certainly investigate the process with a professional company. Apart from the large slopping roof the plot also has a massive long double garage with flat roofs so perhaps I could use those too.

If it's ok I'll pop back help for more advice and perhaps if I get the project going post some images and further info that might helps others.

[MJLorton]

Thanks for your replies they help a great deal.

I've taken the next step to securing this house so this information has helped a lot. When I get further down the road and have ownership I've certainly investigate the process with a professional company. Apart from the large slopping roof the plot also has a massive long double garage with flat roofs so perhaps I could use those too.

If it's ok I'll pop back help for more advice and perhaps if I get the project going post some images and further info that might helps others.

Excellent, look forward to seeing and hearing  how it develops.