5 Responses

1. how much is your bill?
   solar systems cost $15 000 to $50 000 per KW
   depending if you want power all the time or just when there is sun!

   Di

2. Your first problem is that the solar panels will only work properly outside, so you will have to run a power cable either through an open window or through a hole in the wall, which will make your mother even madder. Next you need to consider the specification of the solar panel. The older TV is likely to run only on mains voltage rather than 12 volts, so you will need a panel that puts out 12-14 volts DC to charge a battery, which in turn supplies an inverter which produces a mains voltage of 110V or 240v AC (whichever country you are in). It will all get rather expensive.

3. It would cost money to get those panels, let alone install them.

   Realistically, you would not be using the 360 for many years. If you think you would use it for 10 years, ask yourself how many people are still playing Nintendo 64 today. Given that, it would be cheaper to just pay your mom for the electricity, which is actually not that much. If the xbox plus TV uses 400 watts, that’s probably about 5 cents an hour.

   However, your mother may have valid concerns about you playing too much, and I would support her in choosing what’s best for you, even if it isn’t pleasant.

4. tinyurl.com/lowcostsolarpanel

   check that out. teaches you how to make solar panels for under $200.

   My son and I made one.

5. As many other people have noted. Solar electric power requires a large capital investment.

   It is certainly something that is do-able however.
   I recommend you review the components on this page:
   http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx

   On a side note, your xbox isnt drawing that much power. Your mom wants an excuse to have you do something else…ive been there :)

   Best thing to do would to be deturmine the power consumption of your x-box and find another way to reduce your homes power consumption.

   You can calculate your estimated power consumption or you can mesure it exactly with a Kill-a-watt meter:
   http://www.aurorapower.net/products/categoryid/5/list/1/level/a/productid/22.aspx

   This meter will show kWhr just like your power bill, so you or your mom can track exactly how much the xbox is costing to power.

   It is likely that shaving 1 minute off of a shower will save you the equivalent energy of running your x-box all day. There are many other ways to conserve energy. Conservation isnt as cool as solar, but its a whole lot better on the wallet.

   Hope that helps!