Comments on: anybody got any info on solar panels for energy savings?

By: erica

erica — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:04:59 +0000

Installing solar panels is now much more affordable than most people realize. Depending on where you live, new financing mechanisms such as the Sungevity Solar Lease, PACE (property-assessed clean energy) and PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) allow you to get solar with zero money down–you pay off the system on a monthly basis, and your monthly payments are likely to be less than you’re paying for electricity right now. Also, if you go with one of these financing mechanisms, you’ll be guaranteed a fixed rate for 10-15 years so you won’t have to worry about utility rate hikes. Last but not least, there are some great rebates and tax credits available right now for PV systems and solar hot water heaters–check out http://www.dsireusa.org/ for details. I’ve had solar panels on my roof for years but wish this kind of creative financing had been available to me (oh well). I’m going to see if I can find an installer who will put up panels on my son’s school using some kind of PPA. (Oh, and if you live in New Jersey, check out this article about how installing solar can actually be a get-rich-quick (while saving the planet) scheme because of an amazing incentive program mandated by the state–http://solarpowerrocks.com/new-jersey/im-moving-to-new-jersey-just-to-buy-homes-and-put-solar-on-them-seriously/).
References :
http://www.sungevity.com, http://www.pacefinancing.org, http://www.dsireusa.org

By: Damon

Damon — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:41:59 +0000

One option would be to look at organizing a group buy to save money on solar panel installations. A company called 1bog.org applies a model similar to groupon.com to save people a tremendous amount of money on solar installs.
References :
http://1bog.org
http://about.1bog.org/

By: Tommy

Tommy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:53:59 +0000

Good question.Yes I do.Let the U.S. Government Help PAY YOUR BILL.Did you know that you can get Tax Rebates for using solar and wind power.Solar will help in almost all places.You can even sell your extra power back to the power company.This will also help the enviroment with plant and animal life.Start a campaign at school or work to get your city to go green.Contact http://www.blueviewsolar.com in adress bar for all information.Thanks
References :
http://www.blueviewsolar.com in adress bar

By: Matthew B

Matthew B — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:08:59 +0000

Consider calculating the solar costs and savings ahead of time. The price of panels have come down substantially in the last 12 months. Solar Panel lifespans have also increased. The return on investment also depends on your location in the world.

Mains electricity costs seems to be going up quicker than inflation in Australia.

Work out energy efficiency first as it usually cheaper than alternative energy.
References :
http://www.matthewb.id.au/media/Solar_Power_Calculator.html
http://www.matthewb.id.au/Electricity/Save_Electricity_Calculator.html
http://www.matthewb.id.au/energy/Alternative_Energy_Sources.html

By: SPLATT

SPLATT — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:44:59 +0000

1. Solar panels are expensive. It will be a long time before you ’save’ money.

2. My sister-in-law and her family have solar panels. The put them in about 7 years ago and are still recouping the costs.

3. I’m sure that there are web sites that can give you info on solar panels. Look them up for yourself.

4. I’d give you more answers, but my hamster-powered generator needs a potty break.
References :