Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Solar Panels

Yep...another one from Gull

Now, there's a post from the owner of the car wash stating how cost effective the solar panels are. 10-12 year payback, including up to $7,000 dollars of money that has been taken from Maryland taxpayers and given to him to do this project

If the project is cost effective, let it stand on its own merits. Why are we taking tax money to subsidize private enterprise in this fashion? This is the same state that just jacked everyone's taxes to the tune of over $1.7 BILLION.

The answer to the question would be, its not cost effective. In order to be profitable, you have to get payback in about 8 years. If its paying back in 10-12 WITH the subsidy, with the sale of energy back to the grid, solar isn't economically viable at this point in time.
Posted by at

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think there are a few things that need consideration. That doesn't mean I don't agree that currently they're not cost effective. I think one needs to take a lot into consideration above and beyond subsidies. Just because JA has promoted something don't let it bias your approach to examining the topic

Solar panels seem like a pretty darn good idea to me for a variety of reasons.

Anyone that owns a house has probably at least 1600 square feet of unused surface up top. Granted the best location is a south facing peak, they ought to do some good on any face.

The sun is predictable. It's been setting and rising for as long as I recall. Even on cloudy days the solar panels will work to some extent.

You have the option of selling back excess or using batteries to store for night time use. Either way you're not just selling back, you're reducing purchase of electricity too.

Peak power demand occurs when solar energy is most readily available. Stands to reason that would help reduce fossil fuel consumption quite reliably.

As I see it the problem with solar energy is that we've not taken advantage of it enough or promoted it adequately to make the equipment popular enough to take hold.

Remember when calculators first became available and were rather expensive? Even four function ones, not to mention the ones that made slide rules obsolete, were pricey by today's standards. I can see solar panels/fabrics doing the same thing eventually.

If you think the tax subsidy that he's received for the panels is over the top have a look at what wind developers are receiving.

On that note there is also the consideration that even though he's getting a rebate he's also paying taxes on the business. A friend of mine is invovled with a couple of them in another state and they're quite profitable. Profit = tax revenues.

Not to mention the potential for new jobs created by solar panel industry if it caught on to a great extent. Manufacture, installation, and maintenance are required.

Admittedly that might negatively impact jobs in the power generation and distribution sector.

All just food for thought.

April 8, 2008 at 4:01 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

How do you enjoy your Turkey on Thanksgiving Day?

How close will the Presidential Election be in Electoral Votes?

If Joe gets advertisers, would you take your business else where because of it?

Who are you voting for in the 1st District? Andy Harris or Frank Kratovil

Has Joe gone to far with the leaked info on the deceased woman found in the Industrial Park?

Is Joe Stalking or In Love with Gary?

Should we back off the verbal attacks on family members unless they are involved with the posting?