Have you seen the cost of solar panels lately? I found a few websites that even teach you how to make them, but the expense is way up there, and the supplies are just not available here in Ga.
Some 230-odd years ago, some in America protested the unfair tax on tea by the British, and Americans acted.
Today we have a Congress that is not representing the interest of the American people, but the interest of a few voting groups. When are we going to demand that Congress opens the drilling for oil wherever, without the restrictions that have been imposed?
America must become energy-independent, but that includes our own oil. Solar, wind and whatever may be the future -- but oil, natural gas and clean coal are now, and we must not be shackled by foreign interests. This is not just about gasoline for our cars, but about the future of our children, our nation and our survival.
We cannot be held hostage by nations and people who hate us. That may include Congress. Come on, Americans -- act now!
Edward Lewandowski
Evans
Have you seen the cost of solar panels lately? I found a few websites that even teach you how to make them, but the expense is way up there, and the supplies are just not available here in Ga.
The Republican party took the trust of the American people and slapped us in the face with it. We have at least 4 more years of the Democrat revenge to endure before we can attempt to straighten congress out.
As a designer of solar systems I have to agree that he panels are expensive. Most people are not aware that there are federal and state rebates that are available to home owners of businesses that install these systems. This in itself can reduce the cost by 40% or more, depending on the rebates and tax incentives.Also there is the fact that net metering is allows the system to ell back power to the power company. This happens when the system produces more power than than is used. Combine this with solar hot water which is very economical and you will see results.
mcdaddy, how much would a system like that cost to a homeowner? I was considering this but would not be able to as our economy left us with working harder for nothing. Do the tax incentives and rebates I've read about only come up to about $12000?
Jimmy Carter said this decades ago. Don't blame Congress. The Republicans controlled Congress longer than the Democrats have and could have done something, according to the letter writer's logic.
DebrorahElliot2, the incentives can be located at the following internet address: http://www.dsireusa.org/ Of course, it all depends on where you live as to how much you can receive. The total of the incentives are based on how many watts your system is. Right now, PV modules are going for around $4-$5 a watt. That does seem like a lot, but 5 years ago, it was double that amount. The modules are the most expensive part of the system, but have warranties for 20-30 years depending on the manufacturer. Most residential systems start out at 2kW (2000 watts). Keep in mind that smaller systems are available and more importantly, modules can be added on to the system year after year. I know of several systems that have been installed in Florida that are 6kW in size and a solar hot water heating and the home owners virtually have no electric bill. Solar hot water heating cost is about $3500-$5000 per system depending on the size and will pay back within 5-6 years. It's longer for solar power systems, but with the ever increasing cost of oil and rising utility rates, it is getting pretty appealing to a lot of people.
People go out and spend $20-$30K on a new car and then go home and gripe about the electricity rate. This amount of money will put in a nice sized PV system. There are grants available, tax incentives, along with other items that lower the costs. Question: How much will the utility company charge for a Kwh of electricity next year? or the year after? The point I am drive at is that if a PV system is installed, Your cost is locked in and you have the rate increase "Monkey" off of your back. You may not ever be able to completely be free of a commercial electric bill, but if a PV system is installed, you can't be charged for the sun's enegy that you are using.