Comments on: Solar Home - Conserving Pv Power

By: Brenda

Brenda — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:07:59 +0000

It’s hard with an older rental. You can do some other energy conservation stuff in the house.

You can build a solar panel for less than $200 or if it would work in your area, you might want to consider a small wind generator. You can build one usually for less than $100.

There are lots of manuals available showing you how to do this, but they aren’t all written well. There are 3 evaluated at http://www.makerenewableenergy.weebly.com

This is something that sounds really hard to do, but can be done easily. Good luck with what ever you decide.
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By: gduncan

gduncan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:05:59 +0000

Yeah, you’re limited to what you can do in a rented home. I guess I would continue with any additional energy conserving improvements that aren’t going to get you in trouble with your landlord, then you could experiment with solar power for your home.

You could start with a radio or a charger as has been suggested. There are a number of options available. Once you’ve gone through this exercise, you might be ready for the portable solar panels.

Remember that you have the option of buying or constructing your own. There are a number of resources available to help you out with this sort or thing, but one called Efficient Planet is probably the best one for you. It covers a lot about home energy conservation as well DIY solar power.
References :
http://www.efficientplanet.ca

By: dbHARMesq.

dbHARMesq. — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:03:59 +0000

Depending on where you live, and the Year-Round exposure of Sun rays to a "prime" location for your receptors; has *EVERYTHING* to do with your decision to try to "tap in" to the *FREE ENERGY* supplied by our *Mother Sun* to *All* of the planets rotating around *Her*! I think that I’m safe in saying that *only we on this planet Earth, so far as we know, are the only GOD-created creatures* who have a *dedicated and determined* interest in *LIVING A GOOD LIFE* to the *GLORY OF OUR GOD*!!
References :
A long, LONG life of *Living* & *Experiencing* — !(LIFE)! on this planet — EARTH!

By: Bandett

Bandett — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:01:59 +0000

when ever you want to discuss solar energy you have state where you live. Even if you owned the house solar electric is 25 to 50,000 to make any house hold power. BUT solar hot water is cheap and plentiful. you can make an outside shower.

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/water_heating.htm
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By: Irv S

Irv S — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:59:59 +0000

Because you rent, your options are limited.
You can’t make any changes without the owners permission,
and anything you do to the house becomes his property.
Don’t do anything, even insulation, without his permission.
Any improvment you make should be re-imbused in some
way by agreement with him.
Any meaningful solar installation would take major renovation,
and be very expensive.
References :
Retired Construction Consultant

By: Hex92

Hex92 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:57:59 +0000

You might be able to get a few small panels…..enough to run a couple of lights….

Won’t save you any money though. Panel costs will offset the few pennies saved on electricity.

Live frugal. Save money. Buy your own house and then do your thing.
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By: Gary H

Gary H — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:55:59 +0000

There are a number of vendors that offer portable solar panels to charge devices like cell phones, ipods, and other portable electronics. Solio is one of several: http://www.solio.com/charger/

It may seem like small potatoes, but every little bit helps I suppose. Larger panels that will provide more power start at $300 and up. Is this beyond your price range?
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By: Anthony F

Anthony F — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:53:59 +0000

you could use solar panels but their all expensive. houses in the 50’s were not built that great so before you deal with the electricity I would deal with the insulation and window issue. A lot of houses from that period would use sawdust for insulation. work on sealing everything in the house and then go on to electricity
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By: Madison T

Madison T — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:51:19 +0000

How can I use solar power in my rent home?
We are renting a 1400 sqft home built in the 1950’s. I want to be as energy conscious as possible, but it seems impossible in this old house that was built long before anyone even thought about conserving energy. I know we can seal the windows, we’ve already replaced all light bulbs with CFL’s. We don’t have the money for large solar panels and even then we can install anything because we are just renting. Are there any portable solar panels that we can put in the backyard or something? Any advice on how to conserve energy would be great!