Friday, January 19, 2007

Is the Sun finally rising on Solar Power?

Thomas Edison had a conversation(1931) with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.
I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.
For houses, it's hip to be green.
As the cost-effectiveness of geothermal, wind and solar power goes up, so does the cachet.
The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 give incentives for solar electric for residential consumers of 30% of the cost capped at $2000, but commercial users 30% is uncapped ! Fourtyone(41) states have established "net-meter laws" that require the utility companies to allow renewable energy to flow into the grid and then allow the consumer to pull that same amount of energy off of the grid at no cost to the consumer. To check your state find the little map on the bottom next to the solar calculator. Homeowners have the right to generate power and receive the full retail value credit for the excess power generated. Basically the grid becomes a huge battery. The meter spins backwards during the day when the sun is shining and forwards at night when the consumer pulls that power back off the grid. And if the "condo commandos" don't want you to have it your way send them packing with the law on your side at the Federal level: Empowering America Act of 2006, Section 9 deals with the covenants homeowner association frequently make.
Alan

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