Significant advance in photo-voltaic technology

[OC]

"We have achieved a world first and done what many thought impossible," said Professor Martin Green, Pacific Solar's Research Director. "Our thin-film CSG technology has shown consistent improvement since 1998 and by 2005 we expect in manufacture that our costs will be as low as US$1.25 per watt, well below the cost at which PV starts to compete with the residential price of electricity in most developed countries."

When in mass production, the thin-film CSG technology will be used extensively in Pacific Solar's innovative rooftop PV system called SunEmpower™ in the US and Plug&Power™ in the rest of the world. This appliance approach to grid-connected rooftop PV currently uses significantly higher cost conventional PV panels coupled with Pacific Solar's module inverters and modular mounting systems to deliver an appliance that makes electricity instead of using electricity.

http://www.solaraccess.com/news/story?storyid=2074

[Kevster]

DAMN!

And I just signed the installation contract for my own 2.2kw array! (to be 80% funded by the State of California, no less)

Well, I hope they really do something with it instead of letting the oil companies buy it and squash the technology...

[OC]

WTG Kev! In the state of California, if you play your cards right, PV is essentially free. Here's an excerpt from the Real Goods newletter I received:

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Did you know that solar energy is now virtually free in California? We're in a unique situation right now where you can buy a solar system for your home by borrowing money at 4.7% interest on your home's equity. Your monthly payments will virtually equal (give or take a cheap bottle of wine) the money you'll save on your electric bill. That means you have instant positive cash flow with the satisfaction that you're doing the right thing for the environment and for your children and grandchildren.

The details: our technicians will sell you a 2 kW solar-electric system for your home in California and arrange for installation. Your price including tax, freight, installation and 5-year warranty is $17,020. You secure an equity line of credit on your home @ 4.7% interest from www.solarfinancing.com. We get the system installed for you. You get a rebate back from the California Energy Commission for approximately $7,384. You also get a tax credit on your state income tax for 15% of the remaining cost ($1,421). You pay the $8,805 back on your home equity loan, making your balance $8,190. The $42/month you'll pay on your loan (amortized over 30 years) will approximately equal the money your solar system will save you on your electric bill.

****

Now, if I only was a homeowner. And lived in CA. But I'm not moving back to CA. nm - this might help some of you ;)

-OC

[kimchicowboy]

what's PV? is that solar energy? they need to do something about fuel cells. make those nice and cheap for us.

[OC]

Originally posted by kimchicowboy
what's PV?PV = photovoltaics, aka solar panels = electricity from the sun

[Kevster]

Tha hard part was convincing my neighbors in the Homeowner's association that it will help the value and not hurt the appearance (I'm putting the panels in an inconspicuous location facing south). From the interest in my PV presentation, I think probably 3 others might get it too - that would help us get a much better discount from the contractor and panel supplier.

[Grimm]

I wonder if I could talk my HOA into installing them on all the roofs in my complex. It would reduce the heat in summer and save a whole lot of money...

I think I will look into it.