So we've briefly covered some basic ideas about the cost of solar kit installations that tie into the local electric grid and sell unused power to the utility at wholesale prices. They are game changing home modifications, with major long term implications about what it means to own a home. But, maybe you aren't able to spend tens of thousands of dollars all at once, but you still want to get started doing a conversion a little bit at a time. In that case we'll start exploring alternative energy options that are completely separate from the electric grid.

These closed loop systems can be used to power specific devices or a small separate circuit in your household and are far more affordable than traditional grid tie kits. They scale down more easily, and for the DIY enthusiast, these systems are almost all entry level hands on installations. Non-grid tied systems are usually best suited for particular applications like hot water heaters, cell phone/mp3 player recharger's, AC/Heating unit boosters. But with a little ingenuity the systems can be expanded with battery packs and DC/AC inverters to power specific appliances that see infrequent, high wattage short term use, or long term low power use, like microwave ovens, laundry driers, dish washers, blenders, coffee machines, fans, radios, etc... In fact, you can slowly scale up a non-grid tie system until all your household needs are met and the grid is just there for backup.

  Read more...

     So what does it cost to reduce the amount of energy we consume on a household basis while maintaining the same standard of living?

     And the simple answer is the self defeating, "It costs a lot of money."

     Take for instance, an in home solar setup, pre-made kits that sell excess back into the power grid range from about $8,000 on up to well over $50,000 for serious 6kw setups(source). It's roughly the same cost as remodeling sections of your house. A small kit setup may be the same as remodeling a bathroom, a large setup similar to remodeling a kitchen.

     If you do it yourself you save money, I'll cover that in later articles.

     Most of the hard numbers equations for return on investment of these systems are disheartening to say the least. With household solar systems taking 7 to 20 years to pay for itself, it would seem like a poor and long term investment.

     But the truth is that it will eventually pay for itself, that in itself should be amazing. Something you change about your house will turn your house from a consumer to a producer. That's a fundamental change of no small significance, your house can now contribute to the national economy in a measurable way. Sort of like how you do by working, although it does so by just sitting there soaking up the sun. Read more...