Comments on: How To: Cheap or Free Solar Panels http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/ Clean Tech News & Views: Solar Energy News. Wind Energy News. EV News. & More. Fri, 25 May 2012 09:46:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Bob_Wallace http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116138 Bob_Wallace Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:02:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116138 The least expensive source I know is Sun Electronics. They have panels for as little as $1/watt. http://www.sunelec.com/solar-panels-c-5.html The least expensive source I know is Sun Electronics. They have panels for as little as $1/watt.

http://www.sunelec.com/solar-panels-c-5.html

]]> By: Cary Jones http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116136 Cary Jones Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:54:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116136 My Name is CJ and I am a Volunteer Board Member at a Non-profit organization here in Phoenix. We are on a tight budget due to making our money by fundraisers and individual donations. Our electric bill can be high sometime, mostly in the summer. I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone who had any solar pannels at low cost or could donate and use as a tax write of. Thanks. CJ jonescary72@gmail.com My Name is CJ and I am a Volunteer Board Member at a Non-profit organization here in Phoenix. We are on a tight budget due to making our money by fundraisers and individual donations. Our electric bill can be high sometime, mostly in the summer. I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone who had any solar pannels at low cost or could donate and use as a tax write of. Thanks.
CJ
jonescary72@gmail.com

]]> By: History of Solar Power http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116112 History of Solar Power Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:18:08 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-116112 [...] starts publishing articles on cheap solar panels and solar power. (OK, maybe not as notable as the [...] [...] starts publishing articles on cheap solar panels and solar power. (OK, maybe not as notable as the [...]

]]> By: Zachary Shahan http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114448 Zachary Shahan Sun, 26 Feb 2012 11:02:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114448 Thanks, Bob. :D Thanks, Bob. :D

]]> By: Bob_Wallace http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114439 Bob_Wallace Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:57:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114439 I'd start by learning everything you can about everyone who does installations in your area. What they charge and what sorts of reputations they leave behind them. You're going to need to be better and cheaper in order to gain market share. I'm assuming your husband is a licensed electrician, or has whatever sort of ticket needed in your area. Hopefully between the two of you, you've got the basic knowledge to run a small business. You should seek some sort of solar training course. Having some sort of document is going to help. Plus, there are a few tricks to learn. I'm guessing that the best way to get established is to do a few installations at a break-even price. Forgo any personal earnings as a way to get your first customers and build some reputation. Once you get a business license you should be able to purchase wholesale. If you want to strike out on a more 'casual' basis then it's hard to beat the system prices at Sun Electronics. http://www.sunelec.com/ Insurance. Reliable part time help to do the ladder work (I'm saying that as someone who has knees older than yours). Be willing to work further out in the rural areas than the 'big boys' might be willing to go. Advertise for reasonably priced repair service for existing systems. Basically, I'm thinking that sneaking in at the bottom and then building up is the cheapest way to get established. You've got a bit of income, work toward adding to that a bit down the road in order to get some volume/reputation first. That's my best guesses.... I’d start by learning everything you can about everyone who does installations in your area. What they charge and what sorts of reputations they leave behind them. You’re going to need to be better and cheaper in order to gain market share.

I’m assuming your husband is a licensed electrician, or has whatever sort of ticket needed in your area. Hopefully between the two of you, you’ve got the basic knowledge to run a small business.

You should seek some sort of solar training course. Having some sort of document is going to help. Plus, there are a few tricks to learn.

I’m guessing that the best way to get established is to do a few installations at a break-even price. Forgo any personal earnings as a way to get your first customers and build some reputation.

Once you get a business license you should be able to purchase wholesale. If you want to strike out on a more ‘casual’ basis then it’s hard to beat the system prices at Sun Electronics.

http://www.sunelec.com/

Insurance. Reliable part time help to do the ladder work (I’m saying that as someone who has knees older than yours).

Be willing to work further out in the rural areas than the ‘big boys’ might be willing to go. Advertise for reasonably priced repair service for existing systems.

Basically, I’m thinking that sneaking in at the bottom and then building up is the cheapest way to get established. You’ve got a bit of income, work toward adding to that a bit down the road in order to get some volume/reputation first.

That’s my best guesses….

]]> By: Clergylady2 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114436 Clergylady2 Sun, 26 Feb 2012 03:58:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-114436 My husband and I are 65 and 73. He's a retired electrician. We had each lost everything in the years before we met and married so there is no savings to fall back on and only a small income. We are very interested in solar and he's still able to do a lot of the work. Any suggestions how we can get started? We're near Albuquerque, NM My husband and I are 65 and 73. He’s a retired electrician. We had each lost everything in the years before we met and married so there is no savings to fall back on and only a small income. We are very interested in solar and he’s still able to do a lot of the work. Any suggestions how we can get started? We’re near Albuquerque, NM

]]> By: Solar brisbane http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-112662 Solar brisbane Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:32:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-112662 Return on investment in Brisbane Australia, with,the government incentives is around3.5 years Return on investment in Brisbane Australia, with,the government incentives is around3.5 years

]]> By: Anonymous http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110469 Anonymous Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:23:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110469 Bull. " The *1973 oil crisis* started in October 1973, when the members of Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries or the OAPEC (consisting of the Arab members of OPEC , plus Egypt , Syria and Tunisia) proclaimed an oilembargo . This was "in response to the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military" during the Yom Kippur war . It lasted until March 1974. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_oil_crisis Bull.

” The *1973 oil crisis* started in October 1973, when the members of Organization
of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries or
the OAPEC (consisting of the Arab members of OPEC , plus Egypt
, Syria and Tunisia)
proclaimed an oilembargo . This was “in response to the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military” during the Yom Kippur war . It lasted until March 1974. ”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_oil_crisis

]]> By: Eyecam286 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110466 Eyecam286 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110466 wah there was an oil crisis in 1973? it was the private companies winning that the Government wanted to supply all fuel at thier prices like in mexico PEMEX... no deals for the end user. that is why every one striked out on the Government ...silly there was plenty of crude oil then .. we didnt have to wait in fuel lines and it was a short time remember? .. not 5-10 years.. just companies flexing their corporate muscles against the Government wah there was an oil crisis in 1973? it was the private companies winning that the Government wanted to supply all fuel at thier prices like in mexico PEMEX… no deals for the end user. that is why every one striked out on the Government …silly there was plenty of crude oil then .. we didnt have to wait in fuel lines and it was a short time remember? .. not 5-10 years.. just companies flexing their corporate muscles against the Government

]]> By: Moshe V. Toussaint http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110216 Moshe V. Toussaint Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:13:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-110216 I'm Moshe Toussaint. I currently live in Haiti. Our country has amongst other problems a great elaectrical problem. I as a concern citizen have for a long time thought what I could do about it. Solar electricity is a solution when I was in the United States, I thought could help, But I soon saw that the cost would be too overwhelming. Maybe you as an enviromentalist could give me an idea even on a small scale bases. I’m Moshe Toussaint. I currently live in Haiti. Our country has amongst other problems a great elaectrical problem. I as a concern citizen have for a long time thought what I could do about it. Solar electricity is a solution when I was in the United States, I thought could help, But I soon saw that the cost would be too overwhelming. Maybe you as an enviromentalist could give me an idea even on a small scale bases.

]]> By: 3 Ways to Go Solar | Sustainablog http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106593 3 Ways to Go Solar | Sustainablog Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:56:14 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106593 [...] the DIY type, you can also try your hand at homemade solar panels. That may actually be your cheapest option, but it comes with more potential obstacles and downsides, so make sure to read up on the [...] [...] the DIY type, you can also try your hand at homemade solar panels. That may actually be your cheapest option, but it comes with more potential obstacles and downsides, so make sure to read up on the [...]

]]> By: Steve Mitcham http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106523 Steve Mitcham Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:57:00 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106523 EnergyCare I believe offer different panels (UK ones with 10 year guarantees) to buyers than to "renters" who get European ones with longer guarantees - 25 years, installed for free but only get the electricity but not the Feed-In Tariffs. This is makes wary and suspicious. Can anyone shed any light on this? (pardon the unintended pun) EnergyCare I believe offer different panels (UK ones with 10 year guarantees) to buyers than to “renters” who get European ones with longer guarantees – 25 years, installed for free but only get the electricity but not the Feed-In Tariffs.

This is makes wary and suspicious. Can anyone shed any light on this? (pardon the unintended pun)

]]> By: Why Solar is Exploding – in Maine « Climate Denial Crock of the Week http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106158 Why Solar is Exploding – in Maine « Climate Denial Crock of the Week Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:03:20 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-106158 [...] types of solar cells (the electricity-generating part of solar panels) generate electricity more efficiently at cold temperatures. Traditional silicon wafer solar cells [...] [...] types of solar cells (the electricity-generating part of solar panels) generate electricity more efficiently at cold temperatures. Traditional silicon wafer solar cells [...]

]]> By: Clean Solar Energy Offers Promising Small Business Opportunities | Ecopreneurist http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-105467 Clean Solar Energy Offers Promising Small Business Opportunities | Ecopreneurist Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:36:25 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-105467 [...] is that solar makes financial sense, paying for itself over time.  The cost of photovoltaic solar panels has declined rapidly while the cost of power from utilities continues to rise about 6% a year, [...] [...] is that solar makes financial sense, paying for itself over time.  The cost of photovoltaic solar panels has declined rapidly while the cost of power from utilities continues to rise about 6% a year, [...]

]]> By: Solar Power Introduction | CleanTechnica http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-105345 Solar Power Introduction | CleanTechnica Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:57:54 +0000 http://cleantechnica.com/2008/02/07/how-to-cheap-or-free-solar-panels/#comment-105345 [...] Energy Telescope: More Output, Less CostHigh-Efficiency Solar Cells Getting More Efficient, CheaperHow to: Cheap or Free Solar PanelsSolar Thermal Panels, Practical but Not Yet Popular – A Solar OverviewTop image via University of [...] [...] Energy Telescope: More Output, Less CostHigh-Efficiency Solar Cells Getting More Efficient, CheaperHow to: Cheap or Free Solar PanelsSolar Thermal Panels, Practical but Not Yet Popular – A Solar OverviewTop image via University of [...]

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