Home solar prices falling, even as rebates shrink

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13337033?nclick_check=1

Home solar prices falling, even as rebates shrink

By Brandon Bailey

[e-mail]
Posted: 09/14/2009 06:53:08 PM PDT
Updated: 09/14/2009 06:53:10 PM PDT

Even as a state rebate is shrinking, the price of residential solar power is dropping, thanks to lower installation costs and a glut in the supply of key components.

That's putting it in reach of more people and prompting solar advocates to say the day is coming when rebates and tax credits won't be needed to spur the growth of the renewable energy industry.

The cost of a typical 4,000-watt home solar system has dropped as much as 10 percent in the past year — falling below $20,000 in the Bay Area, after factoring in the California rebate and a federal tax credit that increased this year. Installers say a homeowner can recover the upfront costs of a solar system through lower utility bills in less than 10 years.

"The net economics of all this is getting better," said Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Los Gatos-based Akeena Solar, which sells residential and commercial systems. "We foresee a time, a few years from now, where we won't even need the state incentives."

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[msongs]

1. got my 3.9 system for under $20K after rebates. no elec bill in 4 months even with a/c nt

[excess_3]

2. what do you do for nightime electricity? .nt

[Statistical]

3. Like 99% of system he likely has a grid tie system

At noon the panels produce MORE power than he can use so it "spins the meter backwards".
At night power is drawn from the grid. This saves on the cost of batteries.

With a grid tie system to balance the system against demand and end up with no electric bill (except connection charge where applicable) your annual generation just has to equal your annual demand.

Net metering takes care of the rest.

[kestrel91316]

4. ZOMG, he forgot that the sun sets at night!!!!!

Oh, and BTW, those who have OFF-GRID solar PV systems have come up with an amazing invention to actually STORE electricity. It's called batteries.