Edited by: mjcameron on Feb 21, 2007 3:35:57 PM

Edited by: mjcameron on Feb 21, 2007 3:36:30 PM

Edited by: Paul on Jan 10, 2007 5:01:22 PM

Edited by: mjcameron on Feb 21, 2007 3:37:18 PM

Edited by: mjcameron on Feb 21, 2007 3:37:33 PM

Hi everyone,  It's nice to see so many interested in solar power!  As one of the technical consultants on the Real Goods team, the question of solar payback arises daily. 

Solar payback varies widely state-by-state.   Many factors go into determining the payback period including electricity rates, rebates, incentives, tax credits and whether or not your local utility uses time-of-use metering or a tiered rate system. 

States like California, Colorado, New Jersey and New York can expect shorter (8 to 10 year) payback periods for solar.  This is due to Renewable Portfolio Standards passed by each state mandating a certain percentage of renewable power by a certain date, high electricity rates and substantial rebates for system costs.

To learn more about solar, wind and hydro power, check out the below sites:

www.homepower.com  Great articles and info on everything solar, wind and hydro

Solar: 

www.dsireusa.org Federal, state and local rebates and tax credits

www.findsolar.com Local installer search engine

www.pvwatts.org/ Solar potential in your area

Wind:

www.windenergy.com Southwest Windpower turbine information 

www.awea.org National wind association

http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/wind_maps.asp Wind potential in your area

Our website illustrates California's and Colorado's average electricity rates and the expected average payback.

http://www.realgoodssolar.com/

Edited by: Jenerator on Mar 28, 2007 2:44:26 PM

What about NanoSolar? Are they going to be a viable option in the near future for homeowners? From what I've read it has the potential to bring the cost of solar power down to a competitive level with grid power.