Solar in SD (how much, buy, construction)

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Ok, who's done it. So far I am really leery of pulling the trigger. I'm hearing about gypsy companies grabbing your Fed subsidy cash and disappearing. Plus, inverters going belly up every 4-6 years? Anyone have a positive experience/long term experience? I hate giving my cash to the G and E but I don't want a museum piece on my roof in 12 years either.

Rebates?

[shmoov_groovzsd]

I would hold off based on what you wrote. Prices and efficiency will he at a more reasonable price poin in th next 5 years or so.
There are some reputable companies out there and some good quality installs but you are paying a premium.

The business itself seems somewhat like marshall law. Little to no regulation in regards to what you are signing up for. Some pretty creative financing tactics that I dont think does any homeowner any favors in the long run.

I would buy all led bulbs if possible and try to put lights on timers in the meantime. Honestly look at the real savings involved vs knowing full well the technology will be progressing faster than what exists now.

[hitman619]

China will increase manufacturing output of panels and make prices go down in the future.

[Think4Yourself]

We haven't pulled the trigger as I tend to be a procrastinator ( ) but our neighbor installed four solar panels on their roof and claim their SDG&E bill has gone down by 2/3rds (basically just gas and a little bit for power). If you'd like I can ask them how much it cost them.

[Think4Yourself]

BTW this might help: Solar Panel Efficiency Comparison | SRoeCo Solar

It appears Sanyo from Japan and SunPower from California are the two best brands of solar panels on the market today. From what I hear the brand really does matter as some brands (especially the Chinese junk) sells dirt cheap but they have really low efficiency and the parts break down more often.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

I have been investing and watching this alt energy industry. IMHO the US will be pumping out tons of panels etc in the near future in actual factories lol

Ironically this new aryicle just popped up
$25 million federal grant speeds solar factory construction

[Think4Yourself]

I think there will be a whole lot of new panels installed but I don't think most will be made in the US. Why? Simple, China is subsidizing the hell out that industry with the state paying up to 50% of the cost of the panels in a protectionist measure to promote local manufacturing & exports. Why we continue to put up with unfair subsidized dumping by China is beyond me.

[ViennaSausages]

Thats why there is a MAJOR subsidy and dumping case involving chinese solar modules taking place right now in DC.... Its all over the press.

U.S. Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Solar Imports - Bloomberg

[Think4Yourself]

Yeah, but the Obama administration is only asking for a 31% tariff. If the subsidy is 50% but the tariff is only 31% (and only if they win the WTO case, which may take 10 years) then they're still up 19%. Oh, and they still get to dump for the next decade or so. Silly me but I thought the punishment should at least be worse than the crime.

[ViennaSausages]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

Yeah, but the Obama administration is only asking for a 31% tariff. If the subsidy is 50% but the tariff is only 31% (and only if they win the WTO case, which may take 10 years) then they're still up 19%. Oh, and they still get to dump for the next decade or so. Silly me but I thought the punishment should at least be worse than the crime.

Its a 31% dumping tariff and a 3-5 percent subsidy tariff, yielding a total of 34 to 36 percent which is not chicken feed.

On top of that, the tariff could change from year to year which means open ended, contingent liability for importers. Thus, what may be a 36 percent tariff this year could be a 100 percent tariff next year when the order (assuming it goes to order) is reviewed. Would you, as an importer, want to take that kind of gamble???