The system includes a charge controller which takes in power from the solar panels and feeds it to the batteries for storage. The controller includes a digital readout telling me exactly what the system is producing at any given time. I have 1, watts of panels, which means that under optimal conditions they are rated to produce that much power. In reality, the power on the readout is constantly changing as the sun and temperature conditions change.
Solar panels like it cool, so on a nice cool, sunny April day, I might get a peak reading of 1, watts. Right now, with some clouds dancing across the sky, it's reading watts. As you know, watts measure rate. When you see a cop on the Interstate and take your foot off the gas, you might drop from 70 mph to 65 mph in a few seconds. The same thing with the solar panels and sun.
How far you have driven at the end of the day is determined by your average speed, and how long you drove. As I write this, my solar array has been online for , and has produced 2. That's about enough power to have done a load of dishes in my dishwasher. Dear Energy Solutions, I have heard that replacing windows is a waste of money.
Is that really true? Dear Paula, A lot of people have the idea that replacing old windows is one of the first things they should do in an energy renovation of an old building. There are a lot of good reasons to replace old windows, and not all of them are about energy.
These include aesthetics, maintenance issues, and comfort. Yes, I consider comfort and energy to be different considerations. It can be very uncomfortable to sit next to an older single- or double-pane window in the winter, but in absolute terms, that window may not be costing you a ton of energy. Any of these factors, along with overall energy use, may point you toward window replacement. I would slow down and look at other options, however. Analysis of "payback" is tricky, but there are credible calculations showing payback, based on energy saved, for window replacement, of 10—40 years.
For most people, that's a long time. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
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