Recently we decided to check into the rumors that solar panels had gone down in price significantly. We had a company come out and give us a quote for a grid tied solar array. I am sure of two things--
1) Sales tactics are rampant. 2) The story is compelling and worth looking into.
Below are my notes from a class I attended last Thursday at OSU OKC. Solar panels are in my future. Could they be in yours?
NOTES FROM OKLAHOMA SUSTAINBILITY NETWORK MEETING:
Direct usage--attic fans, water pumps, lighting, small devices, attic ventilators
Grid tied does not work if grid is down. Expensive to support battery systems.
Solar hot water. In Oklahoma 80% of hot water can be achieved.
Oklahoma solar irradiance values are superior to some of the most developed solar markets in the US and Europe. Solar is best when need is highest unlike wind.
Solar panels are as durable as a car windshield for hail and usually insured.
Grid tied PV prices have dropped 50% in last two years. Solar hot water return is 4-10 yrs. right now grid tied PV can be put in for cost savings that equal cost.
Solar hot water is MUCH Better than tankless and cheaper. Life expectancy up to 30 years.
Cost to install here $4.5 per watt.
Edmond now allows grid tie solar due to last summer.
Solar is a perfect hedge to smart metering and is not tied to currency, inflation, taxes.
Wind cost per kwh is higher than solar now and solar is more residentially compatible.
Current installed costs--
$5-6k minus 30% tax credit for solar hot water Accelerated depreciation for bus. 50-100% Grid tie solar electric 14-20 year payback.
Future benefits
Generate renewable tax credits
Generate electricity that is likely to increase in price
Peak power especially
Hedge personal assets from tax, inflation and energy costs.
Solar panels themselves are very similar and highly commoditized. Thin film panels are still 3-4 years out for viability.
Panels are cheap now but likely not going to be so in the future due to rising trans and copper prices.
Microinverters make expansion and installation much easier.
Www.dsireusa.org. Incentives
Seia.org
Retscreen.net. Software
All of the largest solar arrays in Oklahoma are government. Fort Sill has a 235 Kw project planned. That will be 3 times bigger than the current largest.
Tribes are looking to do more renewables as well.
Avg. 5 1/2 hours per day sun in Oklahoma.
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