[ausev] Residental Solar Power

[Brian Lasseter]

On Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 10:17 PM, Dustin <ullearn at gmail.com> wrote:
> I did my initial research and found that the cost of a 3k kw solar system of
> $20-23k with a cost to me of $9k (using Austin Energy and Federal
> rebates) would take about 20 years to pay back (with solar panels having a
> life of 25 years or so).

I'm not sure where you are getting your numbers.  It cost me $21k to
install each of my 3kw solar systems, of that $7k was not reimbursed
(after City of Austin and Uncle Sam rebates).  At my electric rates, I
should see full payback in under 10 years, and the solar panels are
fully warrantied for 30 years (inclusive of 1 inch hail and 80mph
winds).


> Ideally I could better invest my money in
> purchasing clean energy from Austin energy clean energy directly

Purchasing clean energy from Austin Energy is worthy, but not an
"investment" persay.  Their contracts are not that long any more.  By
having my own solar panels I have essentially created my own personal
energy hedge for the next 30 years (at least).


-- 
TTFN,
Brian "Lasso" Lasseter

"No Sane man will dance." -Cicero (106-43 B.C.)