PV Gap

Edward Said:

when building new houses why doesn't the gov insist on solar panels to be fitted as standard?

We Answered:

In the long term they might save the home owner money but they will push the cost of the house up and there's a good chance the extra interest that will cause might actually be more than the cost of electricity if they didn't have PV cells on the roof.

Not to mention that there's still the need for grid power at night and when it is cloudy and to run high power drain appliances and that the power plants still have to be run in a mode that allows them to increase output quickly to meet that demand so you don't get to shut down anywhere near as many power plants as you'd expect doing that (this also applies to solar and wind systems run by a utility).

Reductions in CO2 emissions could be obtained cheaper just building nuclear power plants (which actually need less energy to build compared to the energy they produce than solar PV).

Though solar water heating if the water is soft enough not to ruin the system too quickly is worth getting and if not mandated should be encouraged.

Henry Said:

can solar panels "have" money coming to you to pay them off?

We Answered:

there are a lot of variables connected to solar power as it is today. Panels are getting more efficient, but you still have to have southern exposure, and it is still expensive to buy them outright. some states give a tax credit for buying them, and once they are are up and running, some places will buy back power you dont use, yourself. Not every state is like this. It is best to design a NEW constuction to take advantage of all the technologies, such as Passive solar, and earth insulation, solar water heating, etc., rather than upgrade an existing home. That is still good, but not as efficient as a home built specificly to use all the technology.