I am responding to the recent post re imaginary cost savings of solar PV
cell arrays. In defense of solar power, I can relate that we have two
arrays of PV cells (38 total) that generate 90-100% of our power (25-35
kWh) here in sunny California, in summer at least. It isn't as good in
winter, of course. But without going into specs and detail, a few years
ago I crunched the numbers and calculated that at California electric
rates--which are higher than most places--our net investment return is
around 4%. And that is tax free, of course. I think that is pretty
good for an absolutely safe investment. If one has a time-of-day
electric meter, one can generate power during the day and get credit at
an elevated rate, and use power at non-peak hours at a cheaper rate.
As for the assertion that more energy is used to produce the panels than
they will ever produce in their lifetime, consider that the panels have
an indefinite life span (there is nothing to wear out or require
maintenance); they can be relocated if the building needs to be
replaced; and they simply keep on generating power day in, day out for
who knows long. And electric rates will increase over time for sure.
I am sorry to say that the display on the inverter on our latest array
states that XXX "pounds" of CO2 have been saved. And I think it is
manufactured in Germany. Shame.
HARRY WYETH
