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Welcome to the Solar Power Forum

Hello,

I wanted to kick this forum off by asking a question, why are you interested in solar photovoltaics?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Hal Galper on September 3, 2008 at 4:57pm: No I’m not. My electric bills are so small it’s not a problem. Oil heat is the problem and PV panels don’t address this problem. I’m interested in Solar Thermal home heating. As it turns out, PV panels require 6-8 hours of sunlight (though I expect that to improve over time) but for home heating you need less panels and the solar thermal panels only require 5-6 hours of sunlight. Unfortunately there are no incentives for Solar thermal heating.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on September 3, 2008 at 5:03pm: Hal,

Yes, Solar PV is not for everyone. Solar Thermal Heating can make more sense in your case because you are comparing it to oil heat. At what price of oil will it make sense for you to heat your house with thermal without incentives?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hal Galper on September 4, 2008 at 9:28am: Last year it cost me $7,000 to heat my home with oil and It is expected to go higher another 30% this coming winter. I live in the NE where most older homes are heated with oil. Combined with radiant heating and weatherizing the house the potential savings can be as high as 60%.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on September 4, 2008 at 10:03am: 30% talk about inflation! How about insulation, is there anything you have done to better insulate your home?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on September 4, 2008 at 9:09pm: Hal.

Have you thought about a pellet stove? I was in a conversation today and it came up, have you done any research on using a pellet stove to offset your oil bills?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by James Moorehead on September 5, 2008 at 8:08am: I would like to reduce my energy bill, for one. It's just socially responsible to invest in solar power. This technology has been around since the 70's. There is almost zero advertising about solar power. I missed the deadline to install under the previous tax credit system. I can not afford the cost without some kind of incentive.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on September 5, 2008 at 9:30am: James,

Yeah I agree, we don't see much advertising for solar power and I think its because the cost, in Germany and Japan solar power is much more common and there are advertisements all over, here in the USA its quite the opposite.

There is still a federal tax credit for residential going on until the end of this year (Dec 31st 2008)

Also the great aspect of solar is it's modular, meaning you can start small and scale the system up as your budget increases...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ben Wardlaw on October 25, 2008 at 7:24pm: I would like to develop a renewable energy business in my area of South Carolina.

Who can offer me advice?

Ben; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on October 26, 2008 at 10:35am: Ben,

You can start by creating a website and joining our affiliate program:

If you need help, shot me an email anytime.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Deep Patel on October 26, 2008 at 10:39am: Jim,

Yes I agree with your views about renewable energy. Although right now only early adopters are taking advantage of solar power because the cost per watt installed is still considered out of reach for general consumers, but you're right the technology will scale and soon solar power will be as common as cell phones. Can you post some pictures of off grid system?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael A. Rice on September 24, 2009 at 9:10pm: hi jim you seem like the man i need to talk with. Privet! hello i am mike and need some guidance on solar systems and output figures heres how i have it; panels wired in series put out double the wattage true or false. if so 120, 210 watt panels wired in series receiving 4 hours of sunlight daily (below average for my area) would produce 6,048,000 watts in a given month. is that a little over 6mw? Thanks and hopefully i've made some sense. Peace!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Earl Allen Boek on November 19, 2008 at 11:35am: Deep Patel: I am in the process of forming a relationship that will provide (free) possiblely, energy audits for business
and homeowners, across the state of California. The purpose of which, of course, is to identify Solar PV customers.

I do not have a contractors license, always used the best I could find, I do not have a product line, interested on possible self-replacating website and the possible use of your goods and services for the efforts.

Interested on possible drop shipment, in California of the following items, Rolled Pink Panther R-30 Insulation, Or perhaps, Radiant or Thermal Barrier Material, weatherstripping, for existing windows and doors, caulking, Replacement LED Light Bulbs, Waterheater Blankets, Low Flow Shower Heads, Solar powered Outdoor Lighting, Regular Ceiling
Fans, Solar Tube Lighting, Wholehouse Fans and Possible window coverings and screens. (I have suggestions)

Domestic Hot Water Heating Systems, (I have suggestion here too) Solar Space heating systems, Pool and Spa
Heating

Good, Effective Solar PV systems. I looked at your site, like the way you feature the packages, but would like to
see a diagram next to each, showing the total number of collectors each package represents, inverters and other
items identified next to each package, suggestion only.

I know, the first couple of catagories are out of your relm a bit, but good, solid production of sales in these areas,
might make it possible for you to expand your line, to allow us to do the right job, using one supplier, for the
customer in the field.

Al Boek
American Energy Conservation Group
Redding, CA 530-549-4315

What do you know about Sol Focus Inc, product in Mt View, CA. anything at all?; ▶ Reply to This