I Want to go Solar, i am in the desert

[mitchtv]

the only two companies I know are GenSelf and BP solar are there others? is there new technology? Anyone have advice?

[Taverner]

1. Yes - We almost did it a few years back

- Check to see if your state has any rebate programs for solar panels. Many offer them, California for one.

- Labor and installation costs as much as the panels themselves, so you might want to put up 2kw instead of the usual 1kw (get it all done at once)

- Siemens also makes panels.

- It's expensive, and will probably set you back 20K at first, but they will pay for themselves in 10 years (usually)

- Getting the permits from the city (that is, if you live in city limits) can be a pain, depending on how strict they are. Most cities are OKing panels, but newer homes in HOAs might not.

[lapfog_1]

2. Yeah... I'll try to look up some

Where in the desert are you? Most areas of Arizona have agreements with coop electric companies to subsidize your solar installation, letting you pay off the initial cost (which is already subsidized) by letting the meter run backward.

If you want to wait a bit, there are some very exciting new solar technologies comming...

like this one

http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=solar&id=18718&a=

[mitchtv]

3. Coachella Valley (P Springs)

i read something in the business section about New stuff coming

[izquierdista]

4. Kyocera

When I was researching solar panels last year, I was impressed with what they have. They have a dealer in San Diego that has good prices, too. http://www.discoverpower.com/

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

5. i have Shape PV panels

16 panels, 208 watts each == 3.3kW

Be prepared to pay...my system was around $22k, of which Austin Energy paid $.04 / Watt ($14k)...my payback at $.10 / kwHr is around 14years....

[One_Life_To_Give]

6. How many kwhr do you avg. per day?

And is that a fixed mount or tracking mount system?

Curious what people actually get versus theoretical.

[GreenGreenLimaBean]

11. i take readings once a month, and based on those

i'm getting about 15-16kwh / day... my panels are fixed mounted, on my south facing front roof line....my installer gave me estimated monthly kwh figures, and i've been exceeding their estimates by about 5% every month...i'm hoping to add another 2kw of panels in about 2 years, which will max out my roof, but also put me in the black during the winter months (no AC running)...

[One_Life_To_Give]

12. Cool, thanks

Ever since I read some numbers for Google's PV system I have wondered how far short other systems were performing. But your system is performing well.

[OKIsItJustMe]

7. There are many different manufacturers

Here's a list just of US ones:
http://www.enf.cn/database/panels-usa.html

Here's a simple guide to help you through some of the terminology:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10791
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10796

[TheMadMonk]

8. Can you use a screwdriver and a drop saw?

Heck forget the drop saw if you don't have one.

There are several companies which offer modular aluminium profile and bracket systems that assemble like Meccano/Erector Set with M8 allen bolts and big square t-nuts.

Maytec, MK, 80/20 are the three we used where I once worked. AFAIK all will supply precut and pre-drilled lengths for a small premium. Maytec definitely does, and they appear to have the greatest range. We used MK & 80/20 for a couple of specialty items. (Caveat: this is in Australia. However, similar products are available in the US.)

It should cost less than $1000 for all the pieces and electronics needed to create a rock solid tilting framework for 10 panels including a sun tracker. If you can weld and use an angle grinder, you can do it in steel for quite a bit less. (The advantage of using the modular aluminium profile is that virtually anyone can assemble it.)

There are any number of websites out there which can tell you how to build the electronic part of the sun tracker. Here's one that will tell you more than you could possibly want to know. http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led

[kristopher]

9. Investigate all options before making final decision

You're fortunate to live in an area that provides both options. Depending on where you are wind may be less expensive or you may be better off with a hybrid system.

I don't know what state you're in, but your ultimate cost will probably be heavily impacted by state/federal (and sometime local electric utility) programs. Perhaps you should google your state + green energy programs. Also, consult any nearby universities; most have energy and environment people that will probably be happy to talk to you and direct you to valid research resources that deal with the potential and costs for renewable options in your locale.

Good luck, let us know what happens.

[skids]

10. Don't forget a hot water panel.

...might even want to do it first, to see if you like the contractor before laying down the serious cash for the PV.

[gravity]

13. Honestly, I would wait a couple of years for solar

Currently, the solar industry is experiencing more demand than supply, which is pushing up the prices significantly. Countries like Germany and Spain offer huge tax credits for solar which is taking up much of this global demand. The good news is that this has spurred a lot of new investment in the industry so prices will go down in the future along with streamlining the technologies to make them cheaper to install.

SunPower is another solar company that has residential solutions