I haven't googled it and I don't know enough about it but why isn't there a device

[RB TexLa]

that can be attached to a building with say a combo solar/wind apparatus at a reasonable cost that could provide say 15 to 20 percent of the electricity needed for a regular size home?

I'm only thinking general numbers in my head, something like a 5 or 6 year return on the investment. Of course certain geographical areas of the country are better suited for it than others, but just about everyone gets some wind and some summer.

The reasonable cost and size are the issues. I know there are solar panels and wind turbines for sale. I'm thinking attaching to the house like a satellite dish and much lower cost. Remember the first VCRs were something like $800??

[AZCat]

1. There are a lot of professionals who think about this every day.

There are a lot of things that need to be considered. Not that your idea isn't interesting, but there are other paths that I think hold more promise. If you're interested, I could provide some links (although it would have to wait until tomorrow when I'm at work).

[RB TexLa]

4. I'd like the links.

My thought is from a person with no idea about the stuff. I'm sure no one had any idea what a digital music player would look like 30 years ago, so I don't pretend to know what they can come up with to do what I thinking of.

But I would like to see what being looked at.

[AZCat]

6. Ideas come from all sorts of places.

It isn't wrong to suggest one just because you're a layperson. You never know what it will inspire.

A lot of work is being done on reducing the energy consumption of buildings - retrofits of existing ones, more stringent requirements for new construction. There's an ongoing argument in the engineering community on whether money is better spent improving the building envelope (walls, windows, roof) rather than spending it on solar (PV, water) or wind generators, especially when considering cradle-to-grave impacts of PV (the stuff they're made from is pretty exotic). My guess is that it depends on the specifics of a particular building site/usage profile. Unfortunately we're still not addressing other issues like neighborhood and urban planning that can have as significant an impact on community energy consumption.

I'll post some links tomorrow, but that's the thrust of what I'm seeing in the trade pubs.

[sandnsea]

2. Here's one

We think there should be one that turns in the rain or the wind.



http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=16774&userID=312050&productID=459564059">Air Breeze Land Wind Turbine

$ 604.00
How can you prepare for a rainy day? The answer is blowing in the wind.
Small wind electric systems can deliver serious energy. This is just one lesson people are learning all around the world. From remote homes and cabins to rural communications towers and monitoring stations, people are using small wind system to generate inexpensive energy, right where it’s needed. And for a great many of these people, the system of choice is Southwest Windpower’s Air generator. Today, Air Breeze, the new generation of the world’s best-selling small wind generator, powers countless lights, radios, computers, tools and appliances. It is also used widely to complement solar PV systems. Air Breeze is a perfect choice for hybrid wind/solar systems that provide you with the most reliable year-round energy supply.

[NYC_SKP]

3. OK

Basically, if it's DIY then you should stick with a battery backed system.

I got everything I need for a 460 watt solar system with four 110amp hour batteries for about $4000 new.
That would provide in the neigborhood of 10-20 percent of an average home in a sunny climate.

But better systems are grid-tied and use the utility company instead of a battery, but you need to do it with your utility provider, have a net meter installed, but then you also get to take advantage of rebates.

So, you should inquire with your electric company.

You should also ask over in the Energy-Environment DU forum.

[BadgerKid]

7. That seems expensive?

Last I read (casually), solar panel electricity was around USD $4/watt. What was the component cost breakdown, if you don't mind my asking?

[NYC_SKP]

8. Purchased in 2004, here's the list:

4- Evergreen 115W modules $2456.00
4- Module mounting kits $196.00
4- 100 AH glass mat batteries $516.00
4- Sets output cables $120.00
1- ProStar charge controller $199.00
1- GoPower 300W inverter $159.00
Shipping $252.00
Sales tax $291.68

I'm not sure if the $4 figure is before or after rebates, or if it's system cost or just panel cost.
I'm used to reading the per-watt figures as panel cost only.

This ready to go 1.9kW system costs $11,448, about $6/watt.
http://www.gogreensolar.com/collections/the-green-collection/products/1-9kw-grid-tied-solar-electric-system

I love solar.

:donut:

[jwirr]

5. There are some individual wind machines but most of them are made

and used in Europe. I cannot remember any of their names. I was impressed.

[surrealAmerican]

9. One thing to bear in mind is the expertise needed for installation.

Where you locate and how you orient the devices makes a dramatic impact on how much you can generate.

[applegrove]

10. I think you can get small wind turbines and hook them up to your house. My sister was

talking about it because she & her husband wanted something small to run the power their geothermal heater used.