John Hasler wrote:
Kevin Mark writes:After geening a snippet of an article on slashdot last year, it said that solar cells are now 48% efficient.Some extremely expensive experimental solar cells are up to 48% efficient....it would seem that the cost of investing in solar cells to power cooling units would be initially expensive but would be better in the lost term.Insulation would probably be a better investment.
Indeed. On the roof: a second roof encapsulating the concrete one, that is easily come by.
The walls: they call it panel-w, styrofoam reinforced with steel strips that you put up against the walls and stucco over.
I have looked into solar panels: it would be several times the cost of the house *and* you are up against the monopoly of the electricity company.