help with cost of solar energy

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My husband, with the help of Countryside Magazine, has become very interested in solar energy and other alternative energy sources. He is even talking of getting us off the grid - with my blessings ! While checking some websites for information he read about some sort of program that is being offered that pays for up to half of the cost of a total house system. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about that? We are wondering if it is a state backed offer (PUC)or something offered by our electric supplier. (Pacific Gas and Electric in California). The information he was reading didn't state who backed the program. Before we dig further I was hoping maybe a Countrysider would know something about it. Thanks

-- Cindy Palmer (jandcpalmer@sierratel.com), January 14, 2001

Answers

Cindy- I just got home from a 3-week trip to California. Gosh, the things I read in the papers out there regarding the power situation were sure scary! The LA Times reported that ultimately this whole deregulation mess is going to cost every CA resident an estimated $12,000.00! If I lived out there, I would RUSH to get off the grid, before the grid either crashes or becomes too expensive to use. Check with your utility company first, then try the Public Service Commission, or it's equivalent in your area. They might have the info you're looking for. If not, they should be able to direct you to the proper authority. Good luck to you.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), January 14, 2001.

Cindy: I can't answer your question specifically but I'd suggest e- mailing homepower.com If anyone would know, they would.

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), January 15, 2001.

cindy keep us posted please

-- Bobco (bobco@hit.net), January 15, 2001.

Saw a great thing advertized in the paper it is a solar candel, you put it out sided during day and at night it gives you light. There only suposed to be around 18 dollars at home depot.Great way to save power, going to get two this weekend, will let you all know how they work.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), January 16, 2001.

Please let us know who sells those solar candles too. I have toyed with usingone of the little lights that are for lighting paths that are solar for other purposes. This sounds easier than adapting the pathway lights. Do let us know, and thanks for the info.

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), January 16, 2001.


Backwoods Home mag had a long article on Solar a couple months ago - I don't have the issue, but wish I did. I read the article on-line. It was simplified to the point where I could almost understand it! ; )

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), January 16, 2001.

Well I picked up one solar candle, got it to late to put in sun today but had box open and when we set it up it was working. Cant wait to see how bright it is after being in sun. It is for outside and looks like a little colman lantern but I want mine for inside light In case of power outages so I left out the ground stack and put the tube base in one of my candle stick holders [ will have to wrap stem with a little duck tape to get a tighter fit] the # for the company is 815- 675-7000, or http://www.intermatic.com. Will let you know how bright and how long it lasts tomorrow.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), January 20, 2001.

Here is the up date on solar candle, put it out at 12 noon [ forgot to put it out when I did stalls this morning]. It is as bright as a candle, works only in the imediate area. Put it in my bathroom [ center of house with no widow so it is very dark]I can see but not very bright.They had another model which is supposed to put out more light which cost 6 dollars more so I may pick that one up to try in 2 weeks.I figure I need light in the garden so I will leave it out side in garden [ they are weather proof]and just bring in during power outages [ or for a romantic night]and that way I wont forget to charge it. It is nice though because during a power outage I hate to burn candles because of fire risk so I just go out to garden and grab this.Would like to see it a little brighter though.You find them were the garden path lights are kept at stores.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), January 21, 2001.

California is indeed offering a $3/watt rebate on solar power. I even have a neighbor who had friend in California buy panels for him which after the rebate, cost only $1.25/watt.

I can also tell how to virtually eliminate the cost of batteries.

-- Paul Clint (smithja@sisna.com), April 03, 2001.


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