How much does
a solar electric systemcost?
A carefully shopped 1kW solar electric system with an easy installation can be as low as 8 thousand dollars. The more carefully you shop, the more money your system will earn for you. In Seattle a 1kW system should produce about 1000 kW hours per year. Remember, after it has paid itself off it will continue to produce power for many years. A solar electric system is not a cost, it is an investment, it is more like buying stocks and bonds than paying an electric bill.
Isn't solar too expensive?
lifecycle service and support.
1) No, the price of other energy sources don't reflect the environmental damage they cause. Solar has few of the hidden subsidies that are associated with other energy sources. Unlike conventional power, solar electicity provides a return on investment. Utility power can never "payback", as it is an expense. A solar electric system costs about the same as a hot tub or a mid-range automobile. (neither of which will provide a "payback")
Will solar work in Washington?
How about Seattle?
2)Yes, It is the sun that makes Seattle the "Emerald City". When the long days of summer are making our trees grow, we have a great solar resource. Net metering allows us to "store" that summer sun for the rains of winter by spinning our meters backwards. During the three summer months Seattle gets 97% as much sun as San Diego. On an annual basis, Seattle gets about 1/3 less than San Diego. Seattle recieves about 3.5 average peak sun hours per year. so a 1Kw solar array will generate about 1000 kWh's per year.
