It would seem, I could have almost the basic system for my condo, and should have at least a break even electric bill.

It would seem the government would offer a no interest loan as well as tax credit, if they are serious about green energy.

Georgia plays a game, where you install it first, then apply, and if there is any money left in the program, you might qualify.

politics is a funny thing.

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Budgets are tight all over.

Even progressive California has suspended rebates on wind and fuel cell installs because the program ran out of money.

In Minnesota, depending on who your energy company is, you can get a total credit of around $5/watt if you jump through the hoops and use PV panels made in-state.

Together with the federal credit, it's a fairly quick payback, even with relatively low electric rates here. But the program is oversubscribed, and future funding is uncertain.

Politics aren't funny, it's because the coal companies are completely invested in the politicians and systems that support the foul, dirty and destructive coal industry. The american people subsidize the coal industry in ways you can't even begin to imagine..oil too..that cheap kilowatt on your bill is actually an incredibly expensive kilowatt..the extra money we pay for it just doesn't show up on the THAT bill.

In addition to the factors cited above, each city and county government has distinct permitting procedures and standards, so installers have to budget substantial time to get the requirements, submit the city or country specific forms, wait the allotted time, line up the inspections etc. Also, the final inspections are often done involving the local utility since solar usually hooks up to the grid. Utilities drag their feet and make it as difficult as possible. All of these time requirements increase the cost in substantial man hours. Additionally, China has been selling solar panels below cost, pressuring installers who often have supply agreements with domestic manufacturers. Copper and metals involved in racks and frame have gotten really expensive in the last few years as well. Even for DIY solar the costs have gone up, though panels have dropped substantially in price over the last five years or so.

Georgia Power Electric, has been allowed to raise our rates twice, in order to afford the building of nuclear plants.

The news had a story this week, that Georgia Power had such high profits, mainly due to mild winter, that they may lower our summer bills. They always have a high profit.


Maybe the solar panel folks could install a sponsored system, and you could sell the electricity to them.


Georgia Power's program on buying your electricity is very chinchy, tiered and not such a great deal.

Ra doesn't want you using his stuff.

Ellensburg WA installed a community owned solar array. They found that it was cheaper to collectively purchase the panels, install them, and connect them to the grid and return the proceeds paid to them by the electric company back to the share holders. They used cheap land next to I-90 that no one would or could use for anything else.

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Nothing to see here, move along.

I have always wondered what that small array was for.

It appears to be a city project that individuals or companies can buy shares in. Good article here.
[nwcommunityenergy.org]

I wonder what a share costs and what the break even timeframe is.

Whatever it is, don't expect this type of thing to become widespread, especially if it is municipally oriented. Some industries don't like government competition and they own the politicians.

Quote
lazydays
I have always wondered what that small array was for.

It appears to be a city project that individuals or companies can buy shares in. Good article here.
[nwcommunityenergy.org]

I wonder what a share costs and what the break even timeframe is.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

Check out [www.solarcity.com], they seem to have plans where they install a system on your roof for no costs up front, you just pay them back with the profits from the power you generate.

Quote
Kraniac
Politics aren't funny, it's because the coal companies are completely invested in the politicians and systems that support the foul, dirty and destructive coal industry. The american people subsidize the coal industry in ways you can't even begin to imagine..oil too..that cheap kilowatt on your bill is actually an incredibly expensive kilowatt..the extra money we pay for it just doesn't show up on the THAT bill.

I thought political claptrap like this was supposed to be posted on the other side.

Cheap, plentiful energy is the basis for growth, progress, and all the benefits of modern civilization. You can go back to whale oil lighting, 90% of the population farming with mules, and average lifespan of 40 years. I'll take fossil fuels any day, and keep the %^%$&*%$# government out of the energy market, period.

/Mr Lynn

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"Hillbilly at Harvard"
Honky-tonk Country and Bluegrass
Founded in 1948 by Pappy Ben Minnich
Saturdays 9am - 1pm Eastern
WHRB-FM, Cambridge, MA
Streaming at [www.WHRB.org]
Be there!
New blog! [hillbillyatharvard.wordpress.com]

On the river in Saxonville.

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mrlynn
Cheap, plentiful energy is the basis for growth, progress, and all the benefits of modern civilization.

Perhaps, but once energy (or anything) becomes too cheap people just waste it.

>>I'll take fossil fuels any day, and keep the %^%$&*%$# government out of the energy market, period.

wow, its waaaaay too late for that.

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mrlynn
You can go back to whale oil lighting, 90% of the population farming with mules, and average lifespan of 40 years. I'll take fossil fuels any day....
/Mr Lynn

Right. Because those are the only two choices.

I agree with Speedy. The thread is not meant to be political, but really an inquiry on how we can implement and benefit from some of this technology that is now proven. Economic and Environmental reasons.

The city, state and federal government really does little to promote the use of solar energy. It seems like they make it expensive and difficult. Here, they are in bed with Georgia Power.

Atlanta already has the cement heat island effect. It will rain all around the city, but often not in the city. New York is encouraging white roofs and other measures. Atlanta will be the last one to any party.

It seems like wind energy is making more sense , too. I saw a blip on TV where a less expensive windmill has been developed.


It just seems like all of these energy sources should be put into play, where appropriate. The Grid seems very unstable. And we are having earlier summer weather in a lot of places.

......yes, what is the reaSUN......?????

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I reject your reality and substitute my own!