How Much is a Solar Rooftop Array Worth to You?
SunRun, a San Francisco-based company which "installs and operates residential solar systems" is trying to break down the price barrier and make solar arrays more affordable for homeowners.
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/sunrun-grabs-12m-eyes-residential-rooftop-market---1040.html
The cost of a solar array can easily total a daunting $25,000-$35,000 in the United States, keeping many people from taking the leap towards renewable solar energy. However, SunRun is using about $12 million in financing to help homeowners reduce the up-front and monthly costs. This will allow residents to pay an installation cost of about $13,000, plus a flat monthly bill to SunRun for the solar electricity used (around $135), as well as any additional energy bills. By installing, owning and maintaining the arrays, SunRun keeps the right to sell this solar energy to their customers. The company adds that without this special deal, homeowners would be looking at a $35,700 solar array or roughly $200 a month in utility bills.
Is it worth it? Is it something we cannot afford NOT to do in the face of climate change?
How much is a solar rooftop array worth to you?
energy
| solar array
| renewable energy
| solar energy
| solar power

1 Comment
This is a really interesting idea. I wonder whether anyone else has the same approach elsewhere in the world.
Yesterday, the bank Pictet which is one of Geneva's larger private institutions, installed a set of 364 photovoltaic panels (article in French) on its roof. The panels cover a surface of 600 square metres and aim at providing not only hot water and heating, but also cooling facilities during hotter weather. They reckon on saving roughly 15% of their 2008 energy costs.
At present this is the biggest thermal centre in Switzerland and the third largest in Europe.
Switzerland also boasts the world's biggest solar panelled stadium (article in English). It's one of the venues of the European Football cup matches.