I am seriously interested in a viable solar power system - I live in an area that gets lots of sun and my house has a wide unobstructed southern view, to the point where I get a LOT of free heat from the sun, whether I want to or not. :)
If they can make a system like this on a smaller scale that can be hooked into a household power and heating/cooling system, I’d love to have it. Anything that makes me less dependent on the power company makes me happier, even though cutting that connection completely isn’t particularly practical.
Same here. So far solar has not been practical for us, even with our huge electric bills. I would love for someone to come up with a simple, cheaper, working system.
see http://www.builditsolar.com/ for do it yourself ideas
see http://sunelec.com/ for cheap PV
You want dirt cheap redneck hot water - get this http://www.uline.com/BL_2105/Black-Heavy-Duty-Poly-Tubing
Go to Hardware store and get hose clamps and adapters to feed it with a garden hose (just don’t drink it). Lay it out in the sun. On a 70 degree day I got 140 degree water really fast. 1500 feet for $69 is enough hot water to heat a pool. I use about 20 feet rolled up to take camping with a stripped shower head. Nothing like a hot shower when camping. :-)
My reaction exactly.