This vid shows the various steps in planning and having a company (Real Goods Carlson) install photovoltaic solar electric power in my rear yard in San Diego; definitely more challenging than a roof installation. My rationale for this: reduce my carbon footprint, buy / own my energy (like I do my house), help address CA’s energy shortfall and take advantage of the state and US government incentives for early adopters to save on the installation.
Duration : 0:9:58
Thanks! Payback is …
Thanks! Payback is a lot lower now thanks to 2009 US Govt. tax credits. It’s gone from ~11 – 12 yrs (ground install is longer than roof) uming historic annual energy price increase to more like 6 – 7 yrs. My goal is to go electric car (I have an electric bike for local stuff) when they come out. That’ll likely improve it further. If true carbon cost is ever igned to fossil fuels, payback time will be much less. Also, according to local realtors cost is fully recovered if you sell.
Aussie’s a great …
Aussie’s a great place, but they’ve got a similar climate and worse water problem even than So. California. Also note that solar panels get less efficient as they get warmer: I’ve seen that between summer and winter, so hot desert is not ideal (though still very usable).
Thanks. For me this …
Thanks. For me this is about self sufficiency as much as anything. In San Diego, our utility is acting in against community interests, so I’m acting against that. Also, regardless of global warming, I’m lowering my operating costs & hedging future uncertainty in energy prices. With human population increasing, they’re likely going to trend one way – up – regardless of short term dips. Finally, when electric cars are a reality, I won’t have to send my hard earned $ to countries that hate us.
Great video, very …
Great video, very interesting.
Even though i believe global warming is a hoax.
Why not live in …
Why not live in Austrailia, there is a lot of sun there. Right?
Great video! Good …
Great video! Good job showing each step… Any numbers on what it takes to pay the system off?
Thanks again, Jack
This video is …
This video is awesome! Best solar power install video on youtube. Very entertaining and informational. Excellently produced too.