Questions about starting small - 1kW

[stevehull]

As I see this, you are really trying to cut down on winter heating costs. PV panels are attractive as they seem to get something for nothing (electricity from sunlight).

But the cost vs reward of using PV panels to make electricity that you "burn" in a heater is the worst way to use this expensive system.

I agree with Pinball that doing it once is a good thing. But check with your utility on how expensive it is to set up a PV system and to add to it.

I also forgot to mention that the very first thing to do is button up, tighten up. Get a blower door test done to find out where air leaks are. Seal these. This has by far the highest reward of saving money. FAR more than anything else. And most of it is simple (button up).

Then look at the insulation - is it adequate? Add it as this is number two on the reward list (tighten up).

Lastly, and sadly this is last, look into alternatives to provide your heating BTUs. There are several excellent sites where you can compare the type of heating system (propane, air source heat pump, geothermal, electrical resistance, etc) and enter the unit cost of fuel. Then you find out which fuel and heating system offers you the best return on $.

I applaud your interest in PV. I would encourage you to look at other alternatives for heating AND to use PV for lighting, etc. As always, get efficient light devices such as CFLs, LEDs.

If you can't find the comparison website that I mentioned above, let us know. Most of us here have used it at one time or another.

And welcome to the site - I forgot to mention that!


Steve



Steve