Solar Panels (credit, homes, tax credit)

[xlx_sparkz_xlx]

Anyone out there have solar panels on your homes? are they worth the price and were they really expensive? I've done research and they said it ranges from 20-40k! Which would be well worth it if they really are as beneficial as they say.

[twiggy]

Some people have solar but surprisingly not as many as you would think in the "Valley of the Sun". The majority of citizens here that could afford them are republican and they don't generally do "solar". They might be starting to now, I'm not sure. It's expensive and unless you factor it in the building a home most don't just add it later. Some people are trying solar heaters for their pools though. And, they are excited to carry guns. lol It's a different crowd out here and from what I see not really the "tree hugger" type. Don't believe in the old "Global warming" so not much need to worry about alternative energy. lol It's a little bit "wild west" with a little bit Mormon and then you have us suburban families.
I've done a thread for solar and the like and most people posted that they didn't believe in the need. Maybe you will get some opposite opinions to mine, or you won't get any. lol I hope for the first for ya.

[MotleyCrew]

Solar actually does not work very well with intense heat. It is more useful in cooler/sunny climates. Looking forward to the technology of the future.

[Finger Laker]

it's an imperfect technology with a high cost - i definitely think we should be at the forefront of investing and investigating in this technology and finding a way to make it work better out here ........ would provide sustainable, high worth jobs along with educational credibility and in the end a technology that can help us become more sustainable

however it seems people aren't really look to advance technology in this country (see our still pushing those monster windmills that aren't really efficient .......... i saw a program about some euro nations having wind generators that are about the size of box fans being built into structures that are supposed to do as good of a job)

[blisterpeanuts]

Originally Posted by xlx_sparkz_xlx

Anyone out there have solar panels on your homes? are they worth the price and were they really expensive? I've done research and they said it ranges from 20-40k! Which would be well worth it if they really are as beneficial as they say.

Takes 20 years to pay for itself, and that's including the initial investment and state/federal tax credits. The prices are coming down as production ramps up and technology improves, though.

but only Democrats install them, so you may have to switch party affiliations before proceeding.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by blisterpeanuts

but only Democrats install them, so you may have to switch party affiliations before proceeding.

Big Ole OUCH, Blister!

! ! ! ! !

[fcorrales80]

Solar panels are expensive but most have rebates from APS, SRP that cover up to 80% of the cost to install. My parents have solar panels on their home and they actually are "paid" for their energy production at peak times during the summer and generally only use power from the traditional grid at night of course.

Solar technology works great in this extreme heat, especially those that use large mirrors to focus the power of the sun on tubes of fluid that heat water, create steam and spin turbines. This is an interesting article to find out what technology is being implemented in AZ.

Solar tax credit would expand Ariz. economy

2nd APS solar plant may surpass target set for green energy

APS to test idea of free solar panels on homes

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

Solar panels are expensive but most have rebates from APS, SRP that cover up to 80% of the cost to install. My parents have solar panels on their home and they actually are "paid" for their energy production at peak times during the summer and generally only use power from the traditional grid at night of course.

Solar technology works great in this extreme heat, especially those that use large mirrors to focus the power of the sun on tubes of fluid that heat water, create steam and spin turbines. This is an interesting article to find out what technology is being implemented in AZ.

Solar tax credit would expand Ariz. economy

2nd APS solar plant may surpass target set for green energy

APS to test idea of free solar panels on homes

yep, thats what my neighbor had was the tubes of water on his roof top. Besides a few leaks it worked pretty good out here.

Some republicans do solar, just not the majority Blister.... Some do a lot of things against the grain, like jack mormons. he he

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by twiggy

yep, thats what my neighbor had was the tubes of water on his roof top. Besides a few leaks it worked pretty good out here.

Some republicans do solar, just not the majority Blister.... Some do a lot of things against the grain, like jack mormons. he he

My parents have the traditional panels that are much thinner now than ever before. I have heard that the tube technology holds heat for sometime allowing for energy production for a few hours into the night.

[xlx_sparkz_xlx]

Fantastic responses!!! Thank you for all the information. It sounds as if I will have to do some serious research but for such an investment thats probably the smart move...
P.S. I am a democrat so I guess that's one less step I have to make before I install them lol