Converting over completely to solar panels

[somchai]

We are considering this, even though our electric rates are quite average - just the idea of partially getting of the grid. We are very rural {to say the least}, yet reasonably self-sufficient. Anyone know the long-term realities and logistics of going over to solar dependency? The initial cost, I fear, would not pay for itself after a number of years......know of anyone who might be doing this?

[Admin]

Great idea.
Need to go through serious building planning to achieve efficiency of the solar panels as if they are not built correctly they will be almost useless.

http://www.solarbuzz.com/CompanyListings/Thailand.htm

http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byGeo/byC/Thailand/byP/solar/solar.shtml

There is a small place selling solar products on road 219.
Directions:
Drive straight out of Buriram on Jira road, pass all the car dealers,big-c, makro.
After the traffic light keep straight about 1-3 km and you'll see the place on the right side.
*You'll see traffic lights outside of the road, all of them with small solar panel on them.

I did stopped there one time in the past but went through the price list there and realized its not so much saving having these products on offer they have there, maybe it has been changed.
In most hot countries, 99% of the houses have solar panels on the roofs to get hot water during the hot season.
Amazingly, Thailand, one of the hottest places on earth does not!! 

[somchai]

Thanks for the info and comments. As you have suggested, it could easily be developed here more so than it is - principally, it is still expensive for average folk, less for commercial applications. The caveat.

[swimming pizza]

I know a farang fellow claims he know how to build these.
don't know about efficiency though.

[manni]

I don't know about the cost or availability of solar arrays in Thailand but I do have a friend in the U.S. who installed a solar system.  The house is approximately 3,000 sq. ft and his system is capable of generating surplus electricity. I believe the total cost was $80,000 US, but tax credits reduced that amount by $30,000 US.  He expects the system will pay for itself in approximately ten years, which interesting enough, is when the warranty on the system ends.  From a purley economical standpoint doesnt quite make sense to me, but I realize there are other factors.  Not certain if the economics of solar system would be similiar in Thailand.

[Admin]

yes. but how you explain the fact this technology didn't catch in thailand?
so much wasted energy! I think its not popular because people wasn't educated and learned to understand the beauty of this this system,therefore, they are not popular and these solar panels priced too high.

When I first repaired my house here, I thought to install these system, so the shop seller asked me if its because I'm "kinyao"(cheap charlie) to pay electric?  I didn't knew if to laugh or to cry.
Eventually it really was the price of these units took me off from this idea of installing solar panels on my building.
Too low knowledge,too expensive, too hard too get in this area.

[burirambangkok]

the small electric hot water heaters are so cheap and the eclectic consumption using them is so low its just not justify the investment on solar panels to heat water!

[buriramboy]

the small electric hot water heaters are so cheap and the eclectic consumption using them is so low its just not justify the investment on solar panels to heat water!

the hot water heater cost between 2000-5000 Baht a unit and using it only when shower it really doesn't cost much.
there are also units work on electric with double entries;hot water for the shower and basin when washing your face.
some people really amazed these are not popular here but its because the hot climate here there is no real need for hot water all year long. warm water OK for me.