Westinghouse Solar Introduces Low-Cost, DIY Home Solar Power Kits

[kristopher]

Westinghouse Solar Introduces Low-Cost, DIY Home Solar Power Kits
September 26, 2011

The price of solar photovoltaic (PV) power modules has fallen drastically over the past year and more. Looking to capitalize on that trend, Westinghouse Solar announced today the introduction of “all-in-one,” do-it-yourself (DIY) solar power system kits for the home.


The kits’ low cost and ease of installation make them “very appealing to contractors and do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners who, until now, have been put off by the high price of a rooftop system,” according to a Westinghouse Solar press release.

Each kit includes Westinghouse Solar AC panels with integrated racking and inverters, roof flashings and panel splices. Customers need only add wiring to the rooftop and a circuit breaker in the home’s electrical service panel to start producing clean, renewable power. Though its targeting the DIY homeowner, as well as contractors, Westinghouse recommends that a licensed professional electrician take care of the wiring to ensure that it’s safe and up to code.

Drastically lower solar PV prices combined with federal and state solar incentives translates into a payback on investment that’s shorter than it’s ever been, and customers wind up with free electricity for many years thereafter, noted Westinghouse Solar CEO Barry Cinnamon. “What has been lost in the recent news about the solar industry is that solar panels are less than half the price they were just two years ago. These cost reductions are terrific news for consumers. Now, paybacks in many states are less than five years — after which homeowners get free electricity from their system,” Cinnamon said.


“What these dramatically lower prices mean is...

http://cleantechnica.com/2011/09/26/westinghouse-solar-introduces-low-cost-all-in-one-home-solar-power-kits/

Edit to add Westinghouse's website:
http://www.westinghousesolar.com/index.php/ac-kits

[itsrobert]

1. Advisors

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

[txlibdem]

2. This is great news! Not all but *some* solar installer companies try to gouge you on price

I've never been able to get a solar installer company (here in my area) to give me a quote low enough to provide anything less than a 17 year payback time. The lowest, IIRC, was $6 per watt installed. If you look at the panel prices they are between $1 and $2 per watt... so where's the justification to jack up the price so darn high??? But then again this is Oil country so maybe my expectations of these companies here are too high.

Now, with this DIY solar kit, solar power will be affordable for many more families. Possibly millions more.

[binarysunrise]

3. cheap kit?

I wonder though, if the cheap kit is actually cheap. I.e. will it hold up as well as the more expensive installations?

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. DIY can not be legally grid tied in SoCal

[txlibdem]

5. Not by a homeowner but by a licensed electrician it can in most states

Are you sure about SoCal? I'm pretty sure a licensed electrician can (after you secure the panels to the roof and route but NOT connect all of the cables).

PS, technically you cannot replace a light switch or install a ceiling fan -- supposed to have a licensed electrician for that too, IIRC.

[txlibdem]

6. I don't know about where you live but around these parts contractors don't give a damn

All they care about is the paycheck at the end of the day. The quality of work by most contractors is so shoddy you'd be better off doing it all yourself.

Perhaps where you live there still are actual craftsmen who care about the quality, fit and finish of their work. If so, you are in a rare situation indeed.

[Kolesar]

7. I cannot find those kits at www.lowes.com eom

[kristopher]

8. "Interested in doing-it-yourself?"

Interested in doing-it-yourself?

If you have a minimum of 300 sq. ft. of sunny roof space, you own your home, and your utility company offers good solar incentives, you are an ideal candidate for a Westinghouse Solar Power System.

To learn more or to find retail locations near you,1.888.400.0668.

http://www.westinghousesolar.com/index.php/do-it-yourself

[Kolesar]

9. There are no prices there eom

[kristopher]

10. So pick up the phone. nt