PV Gap

Johnnie Said:

How to write a contract to share the purchase of solar panels?

We Answered:

This might be more complicated than you want to handle. Depending on state and incentive structure, you might need to set up a business or partnership between you so that you can share the money flow and the tax credits.

To find out the incentives and tax credits, check out the DSIRE homepage: http://www.dsireusa.org/

Derek Said:

Where is the best and cheapest on-line store to purchase solar panels? For our home, in Southeast Texas?

We Answered:

A solar power system is not a self help project. Hire a professional, or better yet get proposals from two contractors so you can compare them. Propane is certainly a big part of your approach. Cooking almost requires something in addition to solar unless you are prepared to spend megabucks..

Lisa Said:

Does any one know of a Government grant or private company grant to purchase solar panels for the home?

We Answered:

Sounds to me like you can't see the forest because of all the trees are blocking your view.

I understand what you are wanting to do. The hard part is making Joe Public understand that there is a savings.

Most people can't see past the next pay check and if the savings do not show up as a check they can cash, then to them there is no savings. This is like having your car payment deducted from your pay check. You never see the money so you don't think you have the expense. (you don't feel the expence) With solar the savings is over the years and will never be seen unless you do the math. You spend your savings every day on cokes and gas for your car or watching a movie and never notice it is there. You never see the cash so the feeling is there is no savings.

I think you are looking at it the same way. Install your system and get your 2000 dollar government tax credit and you will be saving some money. If you sale your home after 5 years put the price of the system in the home and get all your money back for it. Plus you had free electricity for the last 5 years.

The large savings is there just hard to see it.

Gina Said:

What is a good website to purchase solar panels and the equipment to connect it to a home.?

We Answered:

Go to SOLAR PANELS on the Internet. You will find all sorts of suppliers. If you plan to get a rebate from any government agency, probably they will have a list of approved equipments.

Forget batteries if you will be on the grid, unless you really must have power during utility outages. Buy as big a system as you can afford. At least have as many panels as the inverter can utilize

Betty Said:

How much would it cost to purchase solar panels to power a bus?

We Answered:

To power the bus it'll cost more than the bus ! ;o)
To charge your gadgets and maybe run a small inverter, maybe a couple of thousand dollars.

Deanna Said:

Where can I purchase solar panels at a decent price?

We Answered:

depends on what type you buy.

if you want to take advantage of the federal and state tax incentives you will have to purchase UL certified panels ($4-5 per watt) and have a professional install it. http://store.altestore.com/

or if it's for a smaller project you can buy non-UL listed panels at approx $3 per watt. a good site for these are www.sunelec.com

hope this helps!