Any one use solar panels?

[doomiedee]

I'm curious to know if anyone uses solar panels to power their tanks. I saw in harbor freight a 45 watt solar kit on sale for $140. I thought it might be a good idea to help save some money in the long run since my tanks are responsible for the majority of my power bill.

Sent from my Comet

 

[doomiedee]

No one?

Sent from my Comet

 

[joe jaskot]

For the amount of electricity that an aquarium uses, it is hard to justify the cost of buying solar panels. It would take years to recoup the money on your original investment.

 

[doomiedee]

i know it wont be over night that it lowers my power bill but it would help lower the bill . if not i could always use it as a back up if i lose power .

 

[sandofarms]

Assume 15¢/kWh:

45 watt x 24 hours/day x 30.5 days/month = 32,940 watt-hours/month = 32.94 kWh/month.

32.94 kWh/month x 15¢/kWh = $4.941/month

$140 / $4.941/month = 28.33 months = 2.36 years.

It will take you 2.36 years, running the solar panel continuously 24 hours a day, to recoup that $140.
Are you sure it is durable enough to not break down for 2.36 years of continuous use?

 

[doomiedee]

Assume 15¢/kWh:

45 watt x 24 hours/day x 30.5 days/month = 32,940 watt-hours/month = 32.94 kWh/month.

32.94 kWh/month x 15¢/kWh = $4.941/month

$140 / $4.941/month = 28.33 months = 2.36 years.

It will take you 2.36 years, running the solar panel continuously 24 hours a day, to recoup that $140.
Are you sure it is durable enough to not break down for 2.36 years of continuous use?

Mine would actually be a little less time cause my bill is 7.5¢/kWh.

As durability I'm not sure that's why I was considering using it as back up.

Sent from my Comet

 

[joe jaskot]

Since you price per kilowatt hour is cheaper, it will take even longer to recoup your investment. And what about days when the sun doesn't shine?

 

[doomiedee]

I'm not really concerned about macking back the money I invested in the system. Cause if I can run atleast one or two tanks with the system it will cut down my power bill cause I'm rarely home so I'm not really using power alot. That's a good question though that's another reason why I thought of using it as a back up

Sent from my Comet