The New Age of Photovoltaics
Converted to blog from our forum:
Good article from Fine Homebuilding discussing using photovoltaic panels for electrical generation. Their 4kw system is priced out at $36,000.
Click on “View as PDF” ?http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/photovoltaics-offer-efficient-clean-electricity.aspx
Below is a very interesting reader feedback letter, concerning the above article, from the March 2008 issue (FHB #193).
In “Letters-Reader Feedback” a reader writes “Since going solar three-plus years ago, I’ve become a great fan of this simple way to make electricity at home. Unfortunately, the article perpetuates the myth that solar is only for rich people.”
“Four years ago, our two-adult household decided to go solar.” “We sized our grid-tied system to provide 90% of our “conserved” electricity usage on an annual basis. Total cost, after a state rebate and a small state tax credit, was $7,400. (Federal tax credits were not yet available.)”
“This system runs our electrical meter backwards when the sun shines, and it lets us use commercial power the rest of the time. In effect, we use the utility as our electrical storage battery. Once a year, we settle with our utility for the net power we use. In three years, our total net usage as been zero.”
“To say we have are thrilled to have been able to do this for the cost of a used car is an understatement. I hope others are encouraged by this story, and also that those who think they need a $36,000 system will rethink how they consume electricity.”
RS. San Louis Obispo, CA
Posted by BigGreenMachine
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