Time is Right to Buy Solar Panels Before Governments Mess Things Up at Robert Pogson

Time is Right to Buy Solar Panels Before Governments Mess Things Up

Published by Robert Pogson August 9th, 2012 in technology. 4 Comments

EU ProSun, a joint initiative of Europe-based solar firms, formally lodged a complaint with the European Commission at the end of July 2012 alleging dumping by solar firms in China. In addition to preliminary punitive duties announced by the US government, China-based solar firms may face additional challenges in Europe.

We who live outside USA/Europe may have an opportunity to buy really cheap solar panels now as duties applied in those regions may squeeze the Chinese suppliers. On Alibaba, I see PV prices as low as $0.50 per watt. That’s competitive with Canadian cheap hydroelectric power.

see Commentary: No winners in solar trade war.

- Robert Pogson

4 Responses to “Time is Right to Buy Solar Panels Before Governments Mess Things Up”

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1 Ivan Aug 9th, 2012 at 8:10 am

That’s nice. Except for the fact that you don’t pay $0.50 per watt, you pay the $25,000-$50,000 installation cost for a complete system.

At that price why not just buy a plug-in hybrid car to feel better about yourself?
2 Robert Pogson Aug 9th, 2012 at 8:31 am

Ivan wrote, “Except for the fact that you don’t pay $0.50 per watt, you pay the $25,000-$50,000 installation cost for a complete system.”

A fine home does not need 50KW even at peak loads. My home, for instance, runs at 20KW flat out heating and cooking and lights on. In winter, we already take in lots of passive solar heating but summer cooling is a bit more than the little woman wants to spend. If we had a solar roof and the cooling ran from that it would be worth $5-$10K for that. At least she would not see it on the utility bills and my retirement would be more comfortable. These units have a 25 year life so they are a reasonable investment. The cost of shingling my roof is probably about $5K. Putting up the panels might actually save money.
3 dougman Aug 10th, 2012 at 10:02 am

Solar panels lose capacity from the start, and you need to take that into account. Also, photovoltaics offer, at best, 25% capacity factor when compared to your utility.

If it were me, I would hedge myself into upgrade of home insulation, south facing windows, batteries for storage, wind power, photovoltaics, rainwater collection and solar heating of water.
4 Chris Weig Aug 10th, 2012 at 11:50 pm

I’d recommend Debian GNU/Linux. It’ll help you save power by making your computer useless.

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My observations and opinions about IT are based on 40 years of use in science and technology and lately, in education. I like IT that is fast, cost-effective and reliable. I do not care whether my solution is the same as yours. I like to think for myself.

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