Solar Panels $4 a Watt delievered Plus 30% Tax Credit

[MelissaB]

I know nothing about solar power, but saw this on Fat Wallet and wanted to let you guys know and see what you thought about this.

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/24/607803

[Dogmudgeon]

1. That's ... a little pricey.

If I had to pay $4/w-h for what I use now, I wouldn't be able to afford therapy for the anxiety disorder I got from reading about Peak Oil. And my "carbon footprint" is in the lower 20%ile range.

They gotta get loads cheaper. And I gotta get a new shrink.

--p!
Maybe an E-Meter would help. Whaddaya think?

[Thor_MN]

2. Wouldn't you use them longer than an hour before tossing them out?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. The carbon footprint in Fallujah is still visible from satellites.... may

they rest in peace. They meaning the civilians in their beds.

[FloridaPat]

4. That's a one time charge. You get those watts everyday without

further costs.

[dcfirefighter]

5. Installation Costs?

Certainly with a grid tie, you'd have to use licensed electricians, which would likely triple your total out of pocket costs.

At $12/watt capacity (installed) and 5% interest,
using my home's insolation (4-5 kWh/m2/day average, flat plate tilted south at latitude)
and the efficiency from the spec sheets for evergreen solar panels (115W/M2 output @ 1000W/M2 input)
Over the 25 year warranty (longer than I expected)

For $69/yr I could have 189 kWh/yr.
For which I currently pay PEPCO about $18.

Furthermore, I could (disclosure: I don't - I'm not the only one making bill choices in my house) opt to pay about $30/yr for 189 kWh of 100% wind generated electricity. When I buy my own house, I will. Of course, in and around Washington, DC, that isn't likely to happen until I marry or get a better paying job.

[jpak]

6. Umm....no federal solar tax credit??? State solar rebate????

Also - Congress is about to increase the federal solar tax credit to $2000 per kW, which will cut the cost of domestic PV dramatically.

...and the introduction of thin film CIS PV (very soon) will drop the price even further (~30% or more over current PV module prices).

...and a PV array is a home improvement/investment that will enhance the value of people's homes - it's not just about the price of the electricity produced...

[One_Life_To_Give]

9. Guerrilla Solar

Install it yourself. (Too code of course) And run your meter backwards during the day.

[rfkrfk]

7. overbuilding electrical capacity is selfish

these solar cells should go to people who
don't have anything now,
or people that have to pay for diesel generators burning fuel oil

[Dead_Parrot]

8. Ah, but that wouldn't be a tax cut for the rich... nt