Should you get solar now, or wait?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

by Greg Musser

It's the eternal question: Buy now or wait? Assuming you want to install solar panels on your roof, should you go for it or hold off for better technology or lower prices? I don't have a definitive answer, but let me offer a few thoughts that might inform your decision. Obviously, solar installers want you to jump in forthwith. Even leaving aside their self-interest, they do make some good points. There's really no need to wait for technology to improve. In terms of how fast they become obsolete, solar arrays are more like cars than computers. Although photovoltaic cells and auxiliary equipment such as inverters are getting better, progress is slow.

For computers, technological improvements make the difference between Pong and Left 4 Dead. But as long as a solar panel produces a kilowatt of power, it doesn't really matter how swanky it is. Arrays of the future will produce more power, but existing ones are not about to become an embarrassment. And it's not as though technological progress will pass you by. Few arrays take up every last inch of roof space, largely because of the limitations of current inverters. You'll be able to add more advanced panels with built-in inverters to fill in the gaps.

A more important issue is cost. Solar panels have gotten cheaper over the past couple of years, not because of technological breakthroughs but because of mundane factors such as increased manufacturing capacity in China. Installation, too, is coming down in price as contractors get the hang of it.

These trends hasten the day when solar will achieve parity with fossil fuels, but have less impact on a homeowner's bottom line, because states are scaling back their subsidies at the same time. New Jersey, for example, is set to reduce its cash grant from $1.75 per watt to $1.55 per watt.

I think the best argument for holding off is that contractors, inspectors, and regulators are still climbing up the learning curve. Right now, you need a good deal of patience and fortitude to install solar panels. The way around this is a power-purchase agreement or leasing arrangement from a company such as SunRun or SolarCity, if they offer one if your area. In addition, large installers such as Acro Energy are working to speed up the installation process.

Another argument for delay is that conservation measures such as insulation or adjustments to your heating system might give you more buck for the buck. A fellow solar blogger, Osha Gray Davidson in Phoenix, Ariz., told me how he reached this conclusion:

We decided to take your advice and concentrate on negawatts (conservation) first. We're getting bids to replace our aging roof with an

energy-efficient one

and coordinate it with installing solar panels.

1BOG

just entered the Phoenix market and they're preparing a bid for our house. We also cut back on air-conditioning this summer by installing an energy-efficient single-room ductless air conditioner by Fujitsu. Mounted on my home office wall and with the compressor outside, I keep my office comfortable and quiet during the day without cooling the entire (empty) house with central air. Our power usage was 11% less in July '09 compared to July '08 (July being the month with the highest power usage).

We've cut way back on driving as well, partly thanks to the coming of

light rail

to our city. We use it all the time and love it. And my wife bikes to work now that the day-time temperature has dropped below 100. We still don't have solar panels on the roof, and I'm looking forward to that day. The larger work to reduce our carbon footprint is going well -- and continues.

I highly recommend getting a home-energy audit and studying the auditor's cost-benefit analysis of specific steps you could take. Some things that seem like good ideas, such as installing new windows, have surprisingly long payback periods, and solar panels are actually a better use of your money.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/pos...wait-2009-12-08

[NickD 203]

Wait, I guess. from http://news.dow.com/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm, but I will have to wait until spring, having a major snowstorm right now.

"

DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle Unveiled – Groundbreaking New Technology for Affordable Solar Power

Building Integrated Photovoltaic Roofing Shingle Expected to Bring Affordable Renewable Energy to Consumers

Midland, MI - October 05, 2009 var myloc=location.href; var mytitle=document.title; var winsize="toolbar=no,width=700,height=600"; function deli() { pageTracker._trackPageview('/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm/Social Media/Deli/'); window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url=' + myloc + '&title=' + mytitle , 'delicious','winsize'); return false; } function digg() { pageTracker._trackPageview('/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm/Social Media/Digg/'); window.open('http://digg.com/remote-submit?url=' + myloc + '&title=' + mytitle + '&media=NEWS&topic=BUSINESS_FINANCE', 'digg','winsize'); return false; } function goog() { pageTracker._trackPageview('/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm/Social Media/Goog/'); window.open('http://www.google.com/bookmarks/mark?op=add&bkmk=' + myloc +'&title=' + mytitle,'google','winsize'); return false; } function twit() { pageTracker._trackPageview('/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm/Social Media/Twit/'); window.open('http://www.twitter.com/home?status=' + myloc ,'twitter','winsize'); return false; } function tech() { pageTracker._trackPageview('/dow_news/corporate/2009/20091005b.htm/Social Media/Tech/'); window.open('http://www.technorati.com/faves/?add=' + myloc ,'winsize'); return false; }

Share this: The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today unveiled its line of DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle, revolutionary photovoltaic solar panels in the form of solar shingles that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingle materials. The solar shingle systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more widely available in 2011, putting the power of solar electricity generation directly and conveniently in the hands of homeowners.

Groundbreaking technology from Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film CIGS photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar energy generating roofing product. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors. DSS expects an enthusiastic response from roofing contractors since no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required.

"This is just one example of how Dow's $1.5 billion annual R&D investment is allowing us to deliver practical solutions for some of the world's most critical challenges," said Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew N. Liveris. "These types of innovative products not only showcase our deep scientific and technical expertise but also demonstrate how our commitment to R&D is fueling Dow's future growth agenda around the world."

DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle arrays are being showcased today at an event at Dow's Michigan Operations in the Company's headquarters city of Midland, Michigan.

"Making Michigan a leader in manufacturing green energy products continues to be a key part of our economic plan to grow the economy and create jobs," said Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Dow's solar shingles are another example of local research and development helping grow our green economy, and I applaud Dow's ongoing commitment to developing green energy solutions right here in Michigan."

Jane Palmieri, Managing Director of Dow Solar Solutions, noted that Dow's technology addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power – cost and acceptance. "Consumers reap the benefits of our innovation. This is about providing roof protection and electricity generation all from one product, with lower costs, improved aesthetics, easier installation and long-lasting performance," she said.

Today's announcement is the latest milestone in Dow's solar energy strategy following the formation of its Dow Solar Solutions business unit. In 2007, the Company received $20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop "building integrated" solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets.

Dow's commitment to solar innovation extends beyond the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle arrays:

• Dow Performance Fluids is a leading supplier of heat transfer fluids that enable concentrated solar power for parabolic, trough-based solar systems. DOWTHERM™ A collects heat energy from the sun and transports it to a power generating station that converts water into steam, which in turn drives turbines to make electricity.
• Dow Adhesives and Functional Polymers is a leading global supplier of adhesives for photovoltaics, with exceptional performance in new backsheet substrates, as well as game-changing innovations in materials such as liquid encapsulants.
• Dow Electronic Materials recently introduced its new line of ENLIGHT™ photovoltaic products, which increase solar cell efficiency and yield.
• Dow Specialty Packaging & Films offers innovative polyolefin-based films used in the protective encapsulant layer and the structural backsheet of photovoltaic modules. The use of these films can improve productivity when the module is produced, and help increase its service life and reliability.
• Dow Corning, a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated, is also participating in the solar photovoltaic sector, applying its expertise in silicon-based materials to improve the cost efficiency, durability and performance of solar modules and photovoltaic devices. Dow Corning recently began construction on a facility that will manufacture monosilane gas, a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays. Via its Hemlock Semiconductor joint venture, Dow Corning is also a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, and solar cells and modules.

DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle is the latest in a series of investments Dow has made to build upon its leadership position within the building and construction industry. Dow supplies a wide range of systems and solutions designed to help improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. This innovative technology also expands the ability for solar energy to be incorporated beyond roofing systems into applications such as exterior sidings, fascias and more.

About Dow

document.write('Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.5 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.'); Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. In 2008, Dow had annual sales of $57.5 billion and employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. The Company has 150 manufacturing sites in 35 countries and produces approximately 3,300 products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008, 98 manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 15,000 employees worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com."

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

In the winter I open my windows so the sun can get in.

[Ban Hammer 14,665]

In the winter I open my windows so the sun can get in.

don't they have glass there? i just open the curtains.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I already have solar most days. It's called "The Sun".

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I already have solar most days. It's called "The Sun".

How much do you spend during the winter months to heat your home?

[Danno 1,228]

I can spend between 80- 180 .... depending.

If I were back in a cold climate, I would be looking into a whole house wood burn system.

Since your questions was when to buy Solar...... WAIT FOR THE GOV TO PAY YOU TO DO IT.

They will no doubt offer serious incentives sooner or later.

What would a system on say an average 1500 sqft ranch in AZ go for?

[HAL 9000 96]

I can spend between 80- 180 .... depending.

If I were back in a cold climate, I would be looking into a whole house wood burn system.

Since your questions was when to buy Solar...... WAIT FOR THE GOV TO PAY YOU TO DO IT.

They will no doubt offer serious incentives sooner or later.

What would a system on say an average 1500 sqft ranch in AZ go for?

1500 sq ft one floor on NC? Darn that's expensive heating or its being overused. I've yet to go over $100 and I'm in Chicago in an 1100 sq ft apt (you did ask before and I gave you a detailed strategy. Hope you read that.) with a wife from the tropics.

Did you hear about the proposal for up to $12K in home efficiency upgrades? That's Obama. Sure you heard it.

A teacher in HS had a solar system (I've also mentioned this in the recent posting past). Winter was a great time to heat the home with all that snow reflecting photons at the PV cells.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

I can spend between 80- 180 .... depending.

If I were back in a cold climate, I would be looking into a whole house wood burn system.

Since your questions was when to buy Solar...... WAIT FOR THE GOV TO PAY YOU TO DO IT.

They will no doubt offer serious incentives sooner or later.

What would a system on say an average 1500 sqft ranch in AZ go for?

1500 sq ft one floor on NC? Darn that's expensive heating or its being overused. I've yet to go over $100 and I'm in Chicago in an 1100 sq ft apt (you did ask before and I gave you a detailed strategy. Hope you read that.) with a wife from the tropics.

Did you hear about the proposal for up to $12K in home efficiency upgrades? That's Obama. Sure you heard it.

A teacher in HS had a solar system (I've also mentioned this in the recent posting past). Winter was a great time to heat the home with all that snow reflecting photons at the PV cells.

If you guys decide to send a rocket to the sun, launch it at night so it doesn't burn up.

[scandal 951]

If you guys decide to send a rocket to the sun, launch it at night so it doesn't burn up.

Silly turtle.

As long as you equip it with 400UV sunglasses, it will be just fine even in daytime. B)

[HAL 9000 96]

I can spend between 80- 180 .... depending.

If I were back in a cold climate, I would be looking into a whole house wood burn system.

Since your questions was when to buy Solar...... WAIT FOR THE GOV TO PAY YOU TO DO IT.

They will no doubt offer serious incentives sooner or later.

What would a system on say an average 1500 sqft ranch in AZ go for?

1500 sq ft one floor on NC? Darn that's expensive heating or its being overused. I've yet to go over $100 and I'm in Chicago in an 1100 sq ft apt (you did ask before and I gave you a detailed strategy. Hope you read that.) with a wife from the tropics.

Did you hear about the proposal for up to $12K in home efficiency upgrades? That's Obama. Sure you heard it.

A teacher in HS had a solar system (I've also mentioned this in the recent posting past). Winter was a great time to heat the home with all that snow reflecting photons at the PV cells.

If you guys decide to send a rocket to the sun, launch it at night so it doesn't burn up.

If you guys decide to send a rocket to the sun, launch it at night so it doesn't burn up.

Silly turtle.

As long as you equip it with 400UV sunglasses, it will be just fine even in daytime. B)

And spray on that SPF45 under them.

[Danno 1,228]

I can spend between 80- 180 .... depending.

If I were back in a cold climate, I would be looking into a whole house wood burn system.

Since your questions was when to buy Solar...... WAIT FOR THE GOV TO PAY YOU TO DO IT.

They will no doubt offer serious incentives sooner or later.

What would a system on say an average 1500 sqft ranch in AZ go for?

1500 sq ft one floor on NC? Darn that's expensive heating or its being overused. I've yet to go over $100 and I'm in Chicago in an 1100 sq ft apt (you did ask before and I gave you a detailed strategy. Hope you read that.) with a wife from the tropics.

Did you hear about the proposal for up to $12K in home efficiency upgrades? That's Obama. Sure you heard it.

A teacher in HS had a solar system (I've also mentioned this in the recent posting past). Winter was a great time to heat the home with all that snow reflecting photons at the PV cells.

When I think about it my numbers were off because I am on gas and my hot water would be part of that.

As for the 1500 sft ranch house in AZ, I just threw that out as an easy example (or so I thought) to speculate on price.

My house is in NC and 2 story and a little bigger.

I would assume fitting one on a one story to be a simpler affair considering plumbing?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I already have solar most days. It's called "The Sun".

How much do you spend during the winter months to heat your home?

I enjoy the glow of warm, wood burning fireplaces. Ummmmm

[Mrs.J06 4]

I'd wait. A lot of overproduction from 2009 still sitting around and probably available much cheaper next year.

[NickD 203]

I already have solar most days. It's called "The Sun".

How much do you spend during the winter months to heat your home?

From what all my friends tell me that live down south, a lot cheaper to heat your home up here in the winter then to cool your homes down there in the summer. Five-Six hundred bucks a month are typical down there, before natural gas prices went up with OPEC prices a couple of years ago, my highest heating bill ever was 160 bucks for a subzero month in January.

Rates are all over the place, three months ago, $1.46 a therm, two months, dropped to 82 therm, this month 99 cents a therm, they must be using a random access generator to determine the rates. For a long time before Bush took office, was always under 50 cents.

Living next to a wood burner isn't fun either, my kids and I were smoking the equivalent of 20 packs of cigarettes per day according to an excellent article in Consumer Reports. Some towns were so bad, couldn't see two feet in front of your face due to black smoke. Most people do not know how to burn with wood.