WSJ’S SOLAR SUMMARY
Nothing new here for NewEnergyNews’ readers who followed reports from Solar Power 2007 two weeks ago:
Something New Under the Sun; Cheaper Solar Technology Attracts More Homeowners; Larry Hagman’s Tribulations
Jim Carlton, October 4, 2007 (Wall Street Journal)
WHO
Bill and Margaret Oliver, homeowners, Long Beach, CA; Larry Hagman, television star, "Dallas"; Cruise Car Inc., SolarCity, Heliocol USA Inc., Sun Run Generation LLC, Envision Solar Inc., EnerWorks Inc., Lennar Corp. & SunPower Corp.
click to enlargeWHAT
Random observations from a sprawling convention, Solar Power 2007, held by a burgeoning solar energy industry show cases a home photovoltaic (PV) solar installation by the Olivers, a huge private solar photovoltaic (PV) installation by a TV star, a golf cart with solar panels by Cruise Car Inc., a solar swimming pool heating system from Heliocol USA Inc., solar-powered pre-fab carports from Envision Solar Inc., a unique solar installation leasing program from Sun Run Generation LLC, solar thermal systems from EnerWorks Inc. and new home solar installations from Lennar Corp. & SunPower Corp.
WHEN
- The article reports on information and products showcased at Solar Power 2007 was September 25-27 and currently available.
- U.S. PV installations went from 2,805 in 2002 to 7,446 in 2006 and are expected to go over 11,000 in 2007.
WHERE
The convention was in Long Beach, CA. The companies and products discussed are based around the country and in Canada.
WHY
- The Olivers had some difficulty obtaining a home photovoltaic installation but eventually got one for $39,000 (after rebates). It cut their $400/month utility bill to $1.34. (Saving $400/month = $4800/year = 8 years to pay off principle; how long to pay off interest if the system is financed?)
- Hagman put in a $750,000 system, got a $320,000 rebate from Southern California Edison and cut his $37,000/year utility bill to $13. ($330,000 system, $37,000/year savings = 9 year payoff, not counting interest. Hagman paid cash).
- The Sunray SX2 golf cart has a 48-volt solar charged battery, panels on its roof and costs about the same as any golf cart after the federal tax credit.
- SolarCity is organizing communities to get volume discounts on installations.
- The experience of Lennar and SunPower suggests homes with solar installations sell better than homes without them.
click to enlargeQUOTES
- Mrs. Oliver, explaining how happy they were to have conquered the difficulties of getting their system installed: "We had a cake party when they finished the job…"
- Hagman, explaining he bought his system after the 2003 eastern blackout: "I felt if our infrastructure was so delicate, I better look to making my own electricity…"
posted by Herman K. Trabish @ 7:12 AM
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