Andy comments:

On a similar thread , there has been a difference of opinion on
whether a solar PV array which powers an entire house is a
reasonable thing to do...

Since it seems to have degenerated into some personal
attacks, I'd like to propose a new direction for those who are
considering this move :

Go and ask a LOCAL realtor, several if possible, what the increase
in the value on their house, on the market today, will be if they
install
a 50K solar PV array . ( This number is from another poster, who
posted that an array would cost this, before federal subsidies and
state rebates, which could amount to 50% in the US in some areas )

If it is like a swimming pool in Dallas, where a 25K investment
would
only add a few thousand to the selling price of the property if put on
the
market, OR, exclude many prospective buyers from consideration, due
to the maintenance/operational/repair/replacement costs that many
want to avoid........---- they might not want that overhead.....

Like I have published, MY electril bill is about 1500 USD per year
for a
3000 sq ft house south of Dallas, and I would be reluctant to shell
out
50K USD to have the roof coated, in ONE direction only , with a PV
array...

SECONDLY,,,,, check with your homeowner insurance agent.... Since
it
cost much more to install/re-install a PV array than it does to re-
shingle a
roof....... will the insurance pay for that additional cost if a
windstorm/hailstorm
requires replacement... Keep in mind that to re-shingle the roof and
fix the leaks (typically 10 yrs, regardless of 15 yr or 30yr shingles,
cost
MUCH MUCH less than the PV installation), it is typical that the PV
installation
would have to be removed, the roof stripped and re-shingled, and the
PV
installation done over again.......Perhaps the homeowner insurance
will
cover it, but, since it may double or triple the cost, ... you
better check...
In Texas, this is a most probable thing to happen.... In Europe or
the UK or Maine, maybe not so likely... Just consider it for your own
situation.

The green wannabee needs to be aware of all the probable costs
involved before making the commitment, rather than reading Mother
Earth News , and charging off in the abyss without the proper
facts......


Finally, be aware that since 50% of US taxpayers pay NO income tax
at
all, the big federal tax break may not apply, especially if the
'STANDARD
DEDUCTION" is more than the "PV cost"......And, they should
investigate
the rebates and tax abatements of their particular state and town,
since
they vary all over the map, ... from enthusiastic encouragement to
absolute
prohibition.... Good luck with all that....The info is available on
the internet...

I hope that any additions to this thread will try to keep a civil
posture on
their replies, so that the novice greenie can make some informed
decisions.

Andy in Eureka, Texas , retired electrical engineer