[mdmagana]

I just got done reading a thread about people and their A/C bills. Does anyone out there use passive solar? (A panel or two mounted on the roof or patio to reduce electricity usage) Not that it gets anywhere near as hot as Vegas, but here in Santa Fe a lot of people have passive solar systems. All of the HOAs seem to allow them provided they are not visible from the front of the house.

[jpk]

My HOA doesn't allow solar panels. I do have a solar powered attic fan on my roof, though. It's rather small and the housing is painted to match the roof. But large panels are prohibited. I'd probably be interested in them if they were allowed (even though they cost as much as a new car).

[MediocreButArrogant]

At less than $0.12 per kwh, solar doesn't make sense if you only looking to save money. It makes more sense in places like PG&E land, where the top tiers are over 4x what you pay in Nevada.

[unf0rgiven6262]

It takes something like 30 years to finally feel the savings from getting solar panels. The only way I would consider it if I was buying a house that was pretty isolated from the power grid or if the power company follows through with having everyone by the balls.

[bledsoe3]

Originally Posted by unf0rgiven6262

or if the power company follows through with having everyone by the balls.

They already have you by the balls. You buy power from them or you don't have power.
It just depends on how hard they want to squeeze.

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by bledsoe3

They already have you by the balls. You buy power from them or you don't have power.
It just depends on how hard they want to squeeze.

Yea I meant to say if they squeeze as hard as they can.

[alphamale]

In NJ it's a three and a half to four and a half year payback.

With electric rates at .20 cents per kwh it's a great payback!

Light makes electricity, not heat.

You need more than "a couple of panels" to offset your bill.

[dynimagelv]

I only use SOLAR for light during the day time.....

[elkotronics]

I would love to utilize the photovoltaic cells on the front grille and rooftop of my Pininfarina-Bollore BlueCar, if only they would export them to the U.S.
So at least I could have an opportunity to buy one.


2011 Pininfarina-Bollore BlueCar

[mdmagana]

I'm not sure if this is a state thing or federal thing, but here in New Mexico I know there are some tax credits / incentives for adding passive solar. What's really nice about it is that if you aren't using any power during the day (when you're at work or something) the meter runs backwards. I have no idea how it works in Nevada, but in some states if there is a negative balance at the end of the billing cycle, the power company has to pay you because you have dumped additional energy into the grid.

Again I'm no electrician or expert or anything, but I know Vegas gets a ton more sun than I do here in Santa Fe so I suspect solar would be a good alternative in some situations.