On Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:01:21 -0700, "Sac Dave"
wrote:


"ransley" wrote in message
...
On Sep 30, 7:50 am, "John Grabowski" wrote:
"Sac Dave" wrote in
om...
I'm thinking of going to solar to offset high PG&E cost. We went to home
show and talked to a few solar contractors . But I would like to hear from
people that actually have solar. I just know the basic and the amount of
panels they can install has a lot to do with your savings.

Unless your state has some good incentive programs (I think that
California does) installing solar electric may not be cost effective. You
want to get a payback within a few years. Keep in mind that you will only
get a benefit during daylight hours unless you add batteries which can
increase the cost tremendously.

Be careful of companies trying to sell solar. Remember that is how they
make money. You will need to consider the long term benefits and the
maintenance. What happens when a panel dies? Who will replace it after
five years? How long have the installers and manufacturers been in
business? Ask about the life expectancy of the system.

As others have suggested, installing insulation and reducing power
consumption will give faster paybacks.

I do not believe that anywhere in the US it is possible to get a
payback of less than maybe 20 years with incentives, its more like 30
years, the panels life. Thats why few do it. This guy spends 600 a
month, it was near 90 hear this summer, I have a much larger house and
only spent 180 on electric and now will spend near 40 month, he
wastes electricity.

All power Co. do not charge the same PG&E is extremely high. I don't waste
electricity. were do you live ? who supply's your power? Ho many kids do you
have living at home? Do you run a pool pump 8 hours a day? Like I said I'm
getting screwed by PG&E 5 miles away with a deferent power CO. I'd pay
$250 on a bad month.


Who says there has to be a cash ROI? What's the ROI on a hot tub? A
vacation in Vegas? A membership at a nice club?

Some people simply like doing what they think is their small part to
maintain the place.