Solar getting closer to mainstream.

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by Restrain

At this point, purchase of a solar unit for your home is not practical based on costs, return.

I don't understand why people keep making daft comments like this, when so many thousands of consumers are finding the opposite to be the case. Among people I know who have solar energy installations, the payback time ranges between 6 - 12 years, for systems with an expected life of 30 years or more, and the return on investment is quite satisfactory to them. If you have the money to invest, purchasing is a far better deal than leasing. After all, leasing companies are making a profit on their deals. That comes out of your share.

You get a much bigger return on your bucks with radiant barrier, replacement windows, extra insulation, etc.

If your house doesn't have those things, sure, conservation is always the best starting place, and has a good return. But if you already have an energy efficient home, then solar power may well be the next big opportunity for you. It all depends on how the numbers crunch for your specific situation. There is no such thing as a blanket rule that covers everything. It's all in the details.

[Pfalz]

Originally Posted by Dakster

Apparently that 1% is enough to start sending jitters down the backs of power company executives though... And states are starting to allow the power company to charge for connecting PV arrays to the grid. (I agree with that BTW, I don't mind paying for what I use, as long as it is reasonable) If this wasn't a big deal, it wouldn't be a big deal in the legislatures of many states right now.

That's because solar is producing electricity at the same time as peak price. Selling energy during the afternoon of summer heat waves is where they earn their bread and butter. Solar energy generation dampens the price spike at these times.

To them, its the equivalent of a fly that only buzzes when they are at bat with the bases loaded.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by HappyRider

I have a two car garage I want to heat. The house is on a quarter of an acre lot in a typical suburban neighborhood. What is a practical renewable approach to do it? I read how cheap and widespread renewables have become but when it comes to actually help an individual homeowner it falls short.

I'd look at solar thermal with hydronic slab heat. Why heat a garage in DC? It doesn't get that cold.