3 comments already …

1. # sifuerst commented on 4-Aug-08 @ 10:02pm

   Jeffrey,

   This comment on PromenadeFriends a few days ago from a Promenader who just got solar panels and is absolutely delighted:

   Hi ALL,

   We got permit (from HOA and city) to install a solar system on our roof (installation should be completed by July 29th or so). We spent about a year before we found the right system, the right company at the right price. There are a lot of cheap product over there… Its like everything else, finding the right product and contractor require time and luck.

   If you have any interest in such installation, let us know, we can give you advice on how to approach this. We are not the middle man, we are simply very excited about this ad hope more people will be tempted. We hope this energy crisis will motivate more people to go solar. After all, we are in California, sun is there, and free.

   If you have any questions, feel free email us: risingsol@comcast. net

   -Susan
2. # waterfront dreamer commented on 6-Aug-08 @ 9:19am

   Jeff, I know a few people who have done it, and none have ever regretted it. Having studied the economics of it for some time, both for residential and commercial applications, I will suggest that one considers solar only if they intend to stay in the home for seven years or more.
   Also be warned that the inverters are the single most likely component to fail, and thus have been mandated (to qualify for government rebates) to carry 10 year warranties. In my experience with a similar technology known as variable frequency drives, they will not last more than a day over their warranty, if you’re lucky. So it is important to consider replacement cost as well.
   Finally, I would suggest that one considers not trying to take themselves completely “off the grid,” but rather to shave the expensive electricity that one pays for over their baseline off. Maintaining the battery systems and such, especially in tight quarters, is not advisable. Take advantage of the mandate that allows you to spin your meter backwards, but does not require the utility to actually pay out for contributed energy. In other words, solar can pay itself back much faster if it is paying against the “expensive” electricity rather than the relatively cheap baseline where a severely diminishing return will be found.

   Most of the residential installations I’ve spoken with have seen around a five year payback. I personally expect the incentive programs to be inversely proportional to the market cost of the gear thereby leveling the entry cost for the foreseeable future.
3. # Gerard Boulanger commented on 8-Aug-08 @ 11:51am

   Yes, I have one solar panels system installed in the promenade development. We are very happy about it, glad it covers 80% of our bills (at least), we also feel good about the environment, feels good in case of big crisis (we can get our own electricity if the grid ever goes off… ), we got one more selling point if we want to sell the house.
   We are thinking of buying an electric car in 2 years or so and will be even happier when we will be able so save an extra $150 a month to fill the gas tank to go to work.
   Our system is quiet “big” with a production of 4.2 kW/h, but we anticipated the electric car and possibly a hot tub as well.
   Price of electricity is not going to be lower any day, on the contrary… We should amortize the whole cost within 8-9 years and if we buy an electric car, it will be amortize within 4-5 years.

   The HMU has been very cooperative and efficient.

   More info? 510 799-6699

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