Where can I find solar panels and how to install them inexpensively?
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We just installed 2 solar collectors a year ago, and it wasn't cheap. That's the downside. On a postive note, over a year's time, we've cut our natural gas bill in half (the solar collectors are heating our water). Looking at it that way, they pay for themselves. To answer your first question, we obtained ours from a friend. If you live in an environmentally retarded area, it might be difficult to find them. There are venues online where you can purchase them. Try Amazon, ebay...or just Google it.
that's an awesome question... When you find out let me know!
Sounds like you are on the right track. Next step is to total up your usage for the last year. Then divide it by 365 and divide that by the peak sun hours you have in your area. Allow for shading. Pick a Kit system and install it yourself using an electrician to run the wires and make the connections.
Most kits come with manuals and all the parts less the long wire runs.
You will get a quicker payback using a grid-tie only system. Most solar backup systems will never pay for them self unless you have really high power bills.
http://store.oynot.com/gts-grid-tie-syst...
Since you mentioned you are living in an apartment the chances of installing any solar panels for capturing the sun's heat or producing electricity (not very cost effective) are certainly limited or next to zero. The landlord would send you an eviction note if you'd start working on his building installing any of this stuff.
Get your own house first, the savings of not having to pay any monthly rent (except property taxes and insurance) are so tremendous that you might forget all about these ideas, because you're rolling in the green (dollars) already.
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