If so…how much would solar panels cost to install in a home this size?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That would depend largely on what level of comfort and convenience you want. Heat and air conditioning would take a lot of power. Computer, TV, cooking add up quickly too. Careful material and construction would reduce the requirements. I did not research cost but you could shop around to determine approx. cost per Watt and go from there.
Location will be a big factor as well. Seattle is cloudy much of the time so more panels than say Phoenix.
It depends on lights, camera, heat, cooling, water and so forth. It might be possible but the engineering is a large undertaking. Do more design work and list what you want in the house, what you must have and what you want.
That sounds like a typical off-grid cabin, maybe a little larger than average.
Any home can be completely powered off solar, the only question is whether it will be cost-effective. You need to total up your predicted energy use, then see if an appropriately-sized system will make sense.
If you plan to have any of the following, they will probably make solar electric prohibitive in cost:
- electric heat
- electric stove / oven (occasional microwave or coffee maker ok)
- washer / dryer (if used with any regularity)
- air conditioning (fan is ok)
How much it costs also depends vastly on how much sun your area gets.
It a very good possibility. You can also try wind power if your in a windy area. You an DIY for under 200 dollars per unit. In time it will pay for itself. The site below has some DIY information.
Good Luck