Solar Panels $4 a Watt delievered Plus 30% Tax Credit

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(saechaka @ Apr 30 2006, 01:31 AM) [snapback]247473[/snapback]</div>

That's an interesting FatWallet thread. Does anybody here use solar?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheLastPicasso @ Apr 30 2006, 06:44 AM) [snapback]247530[/snapback]</div>

darelldd runs his all-electric RAV4EV from solar cells on his roof. No pollution, no imported oil. (But I think he has a Prius also.) (?)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TheLastPicasso @ Apr 30 2006, 08:44 AM) [snapback]247530[/snapback]</div>

We have a 3.3 KW system on my roof for 1 1/2 years. So far, it's produced 7MWH of energy. I've used 6.5 MWH. 0.5MWH has gone back to Edison's grid.

 

There are more than a couple of folks here who have PV systems. I'm looking to add one to the next house that I buy, taking advantage of Colorado's shiney new rebates. probably a 2.5 kW system would fit our needs pretty well. I'm also thinkin' about solar thermal for water heating. It'd be nice to cut down on the NG costs. One of these days I'd also like to install a small wind system or micro hydro to complement the solar, but we'll see.

 

I have ~1kw of panels, but mostly for backup power during hurricane outages. But, whatever isn't charging the batteries is sold to the grid! I also just purchased a solar hot water system, just need to find the time to run the pipes for it.
I plan to be the only person in my development with an infinite amount of running HOT water and electricity if we have another hurricane this year. B)
Thanks for the link, I'll have to look at it. I paid a little less than $4 per watt from Sun Electric in Miami:
http://www.sunelec.com

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(keydiver @ May 2 2006, 01:10 PM) [snapback]248649[/snapback]</div>

I'm surprised there aren't more folks down there of a like mind. Seems like the smart move to me.

BTW, < $4/Watt is pretty darn good these days. The Silicon shortage was pushed prices up somewhat.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 2 2006, 02:13 PM) [snapback]248654[/snapback]</div>

If you're into investing in alternatives, this silicon shortage phenomena has caused WFR to sky rocket. Take the plunge if you dare.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(burritos @ May 2 2006, 01:54 PM) [snapback]248679[/snapback]</div>

yes but do they pay dividends

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 2 2006, 04:34 PM) [snapback]248734[/snapback]</div>

No they don't. Prior to this year, their P/E ratio was actually reasonable.

I figure, let the solar panel companies duke it out. But they all need silicon.