What are the ups and downs of Solar Energy?

Question:

I've heard that having Solar Cells installed on your roof can run you about 18,000, but you can get a 1% fixed loan to cover this. Is this true? Also, can you realistically power all your appliances, lighting, basically all your electrical needs with a system like this? Can you operate an electrical heating system as well? I know all cases are different, but on average, what is your experience?

Answer:
The largest draw back to solar is the cost. It can handle your entire house if you have enough batteries. I helped work on UMR's solar house project and it ran A/C and heat pump, house appliances including dishwasher, also had to keep a electric golf cart charged. Just all depends on how much you can spend. This was all part a competition with the DOE in Washington DC

YOU'VE FOUND THE BIG LIE... UNLESS YOU LIVE IN A VERY MODERATE ENVIRONMENT ( COLD), IT NO WORKEY! SOLAR CAN'T HANDLE A/C, & BIG POWER DEMANDS LIKE A 220 WATER WELL. YOU CAN GET 12V LIGHTS & FANS & ALL THE OTHER CRAP LIKE SMALL APPLIANCES CAN RUN ON INVERTER, BUT I'D BET YOU COULDNT RUN SOMETHING LIKE A BIG KITCHEN AID MIXER, DISH WASHER, WASHER & DRYER, WITH A GOOD RESULT. HOT CLIMATE?, FORGET IT, UNLESS YOU'RE ONE OF THOSE 98 DEGREE & WINDOWS OPEN KIND OF GUYS!

I have heard of one family who uses solar power for their house- and they practically sell electricity back to the power company. Also, during one of the recent hurricanes power went out where my parents live- but one family still had power because they used a bank of solar panels. Granted, I don't know their other arrangements, but it sounds promising to me.

What are the ups and downs of Solar Energy?

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